Kaiser

Darrin

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 18 August 2024. rnSold | $78,400 USD rnrnOne of just 435 production Kaiser-Darrin Roadsters builtrnFeaturing a stunning design by the legendary Howard Dutch DarrinrnA landmark American sports car with pioneering fiberglass bodyworkrn rnrnThe Kaiser-Darrin was technically America's first production fiberglass sports car, with its prototype built before the Chevrolet Corvette. Although production did not begin until 1954, the stunning Kaiser Darrin's design became a legend of 1950s motoring, with a distinctive rosebud grille and sweeping front fenders that plunged behind the doors into a Darrin dip. It epitomized 1950s American styling with more than a dash of European flair. What made the Kaiser-Darrin so iconic were the unique pocket doors, which slid forward into the front fenders. Darrin promoted sliding doors for decades, claiming that, as they did not open into traffic, they were a very safe alternative configuration. Another special design for the Darrin was its special three-position Landau convertible top, a cue that harkened back to the pre-war coachbuilt era for which Darrin had also penned designs.rnrnThe lightweight fiberglass sports car was powered by the reliable Willys 90-horsepower, 161-cubic-inch inline-six-cylinder engine. Available transmissions included an automatic or a three-speed manual, offered with or without overdrive. Power was distributed through the rear wheels.rnrnDespite debuting the prototype before Chevrolet's Corvette, and even beating Ford's Thunderbird to production, the Kaiser-Darrin came out just too late to save Kaiser-Frazer. The company, already suffering from financial problems, fell victim to the post war automobile consolidation in 1955. The Kaiser-Darrin was built for just one model year, with only 435 examples produced. rnrnThis 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster on offer is number 99, finished in Yellow Satin with a white three-position top. The car rides on whitewall tires mounted on color-matched wheels with factory wire wheel covers. The Roadster is powered by Willys' legendary Hurricane straight six-cylinder, fueled by a Carter YF carburetor. The engine is backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The interior features a full suite of instrumentation and comfortable seating for two. rnrnAhead of its time and one of just 435 produced, this is a rare opportunity to acquire an often-overlooked sports car with a breathtaking design penned by the legendary Dutch Darrin.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM Sotheby's website.

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Hershey event, 9 - 10 October 2024. rnOffered Without Reserve | $100,000 - $150,000 USD rnrnOffered from The Terence E. Adderley CollectionrnA pioneering American fiberglass sports car-with sliding doors!rnFormerly owned by the noted collectors Richard and Linda KughnrnWell-preserved, attractive older restoration in its original hue of Yellow Satin rnOne of the great conversation pieces of any collectionrn rnrnThe Kaiser-Darrin was America's first production fiberglass sports car, with its prototype having been built before the Corvette, though full production did not begin until 1954. Created by the famed Classic Era designer and coachbuilder, Howard Dutch Darrin, it was based upon the reliable engine and drivetrain of Kaiser-Frazer's economical Henry J, but had truly audacious styling, including a split windshield, the distinctive Darrin dip in the beltline and, most prominently, a rosebud grille which, it was commented, looked like it wanted to give someone a kiss. Most fascinating of all were the pocket doors, which slid forward into the front fenders to permit entry and exit. Darrin promoted sliding doors for decades, claiming that they were safer, as they did not open into traffic. They were the Kaiser-Darrin's trademark and, as a surefire attention-getter and conversation-starter, remain its best-remembered feature.rnrnThe shame was that the Kaiser-Darrin came at the end of its manufacturer Kaiser-Frazer's decade-long lifespan. It wound up a one-year-only offering, with just 435 examples built.rnrnOffered here was the 181st Kaiser-Darrin made, delivered, per its firewall tag, in the beautiful color of Yellow Satin. It was meticulously restored by Stan and Andy Schaefer of Minnesota, who scrupulously researched its history and authenticity, accumulating what is perhaps the finest historical and research file of any Kaiser-Darrin, which accompanies the car today. The restoration was carefully preserved by subsequent owners, including the well-known Michigan collectors Richard and Linda Kughn. In 2014, the interior was restored anew with upholstery in Ferrari-quality Edelman leather, but the majority of the Schaefers' earlier restoration persists and remains in fine condition.rnrnAn exceptional example of a truly unique design, this is sure to be one of the great favorites in a new owner's collection, as well as at cruise nights or on concours fields.rnTo view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM Sotheby's website.

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