1954 Kaiser Darrin

Description

This RARE Kaiser Darrin was production #22 of the 435 built. It is largely original except for fresh paint and new convertible top. To compete with imports from Europe, Kaiser enlisted the famed designer, Howard “Dutch” Darrin to design the first and only sports car to be produced by Kaiser. In fact, the first prototype appeared at the N.Y. Auto Show in 1953, just beating out Chevrolet’s Corvette to be the first fiberglass production sports car made in America. Beyond the sweeping profile and heart-shaped grille, the Darrin was most famous for its sliding “pocket” doors. The three-position Landau top was certainly another unusual feature to note. This Darrin is powered by the original 161 cu.inch Hurricane F-head inline six engine hooked to the 4 speed manual transmission with overdrive, developing 90 bhp at 4,200 rpm’s. It was built as an economical sports touring car with enough power to enjoy the open road. This Darrin was acquired in 1997 from its first owner and placed in a private museum after a complete and excellent repaint of the original color of champagne (white) with the original interior of scarlet pincrush(red) vinyl. The convertible top was replaced with a magnificent tan hartz cloth top that still looks new today. The Darrin remained in the Museum from 1997 until 2019. It is now re-commissioned and ready to drive or show. One thing is for sure– everyone gathers around it to see how the doors work.