1954 Kaiser Manhattan

#131 1954 Kaiser Manhattan
VIN: 52176771A
Odometer: 123464
Engine: 226ci I-6 w/ McCulloch Supercharger
Trans.: 3-spd Auto (GM Hydramatic)

This is a bad news/good news kind of story...

Bad news: In the mid-fifties, Kaiser Automobiles was struggling, and sales were down. In 1953, about 3,500 Kaiser Manhattans were leftover at the end of the model year. These cars were returned to the factory to be face-lifted into 1954s with new front fenders, hoods, taillights, and fresh paintwork. These models were then sold as entry-level, low-priced 1954 Specials, which were a great deal for buyers since they were trimmed as high-end Manhattans. As would be expected, the top-of-the-line Manhattan saw some of its sales stolen by these bargain-buy Specials.

At the same time, Kaiser also suffered from a lack of funding to complete their 288cid (4.7L) V8 engine and found GM unwilling to sell them the Oldsmobile Rocket 303cid (5.0L) V8 after, what seemed to be, some promising negotiations. Kaiser then turned to McCulloch (renamed Paxton in 1956) for their VS-57 supercharger to increase the horsepower of the venerable 226cid (3.7L) L-head six-cylinder that was standard in the 1954 Manhattan. The normally aspirated 226ci motor produced 118bhp but when equipped with a supercharger would gain 19%, delivering 140bhp. After all the turmoil, only 1,200 Manhattans were sold in the 1954 model year.

Good news: This clean and rare 1954 Kaiser Manhattan is a very original survivor of those struggling times. This car spent time in Kansas before being relocated to Colorado about four years ago. There, the vehicle was lightly used for some commuting and occasional car shows. This car runs and drives well and has a GM Hydramatic transmission mated to its McCulloch supercharged engine. With the entire brake system having been recently serviced, it also stops well. As a bonus for all those who fear wiring issues, all, but one, of the electrical components work including all the interior lights and the radio. Unfortunately, the clock is only correct twice a day.

Overall, this 1954 Kaiser Manhattan is a solid car for a new admirer or Kaiser collector. Enjoy driving it as-is to the local car shows or perform an easy restoration to make it an award winner. With less than 1200 left for the road, it's sure to get attention.