Lot 4081

Auburn Spring 2014

1951 Frazer Manhattan

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$27,500 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
F516B001023

For what would turn out to be its final year of production, the Frazer was given a complete restyle not shared with its sister Kaiser; ultimately making the 1951 Frazer a rare model when new . . . and even more so today. All-new front-end styling imitated the 1949 Studebaker. Body sides gained front and rear wheel lip moldings (quite novel in 1951) and linear creases that made the cars look longer and lower. The first 1951 models, in what would be an abbreviated model year, came off the production line March 15, 1950, including the Manhattan Convertible. The smartness and originality of this model again showed the fresh, unhampered Kaiser-Frazer approach to motor car design. It was proudly advertised as “America’s only 4-door Convertible with push-button control,” to go from a snug weather-proof enclosed sedan to an open car of unlimited horizons.

According to author Jack Mueller’s book on Kaiser-Frazer; “These last Frazer automobiles were true luxury machines, whose interiors rivaled the best of the grand first-class staterooms on ocean-going passenger liners.” The final production 1951 Frazers rolled off the Willow Run, Michigan production lines in October 1950 including 131 Four-Door Convertibles and 152 Manhattan Four-Door Hardtop Sedans.

This is a rare example finished in Blue Satin Metallic over a matching blue leather and vinyl interior with a contrasting dark blue convertible top. Power is supplied by a 226-cid, 115-hp flathead six-cylinder engine and GM Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It is equipped with a radio, heater, hydraulically-operated power windows and convertible top, white-sidewall tires and optional Kaiser-Frazer spotlight. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a rare and unique '50s era collectible.