As concrete and shipbuilding magnate Henry Kaiser was contemplating postwar automobile manufacture, he had a serendipitous introduction to Joseph Frazer. Formerly with Chrysler, Graham-Paige and Willys, Frazer was an industry veteran, and his experience was important to the initial success of Kaiser’s new company. At time of introduction, there were two new brands, Kaiser, the less expensive of the two, and Frazer, with more elaborate trim and higher-grade interiors, as well as a higher price. Mechanically, however, the cars were the same.

By 1950, however, it was clear that Frazer sales did not warrant two separate nameplates. In fact, there were plenty of 1949-50 bodies left over, so as Kaiser moved to a new Howard Darrin-designed body for 1951, the leftovers were given new rear fenders and an updated front clip and sold as a final abbreviated series of Frazers. A full range of bodies was offered, however, including the Vagabond utility sedan and the Manhattan convertible sedan. Barely 10,000 were built.

This handsome 1951 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Sedan is one of just 131 built in the final year. Although the restoration is more than a decade old, the car presents very well in light gray with a black canvas convertible top. The latter has a maroon canvas boot. The seats are pleated black vinyl, all in excellent condition, and the floors have black carpets. Equipped with Hydra-Matic transmission, radio, heater and windshield washers, it also has a power top and windows.

The engine compartment is clean and nicely detailed. Recipient of a body-off restoration, the car is clean and solid underneath, the chassis and underbody painted matte black. A rare find in today’s marketplace, it will enhance any collection.