1954 Kaiser Darrin 161

Description


(855) 586-3413
(855) 586-3413
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Full size photos
Full size photos
1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 Roadster 3 Speed Manual 161ci Inline 6
Stock #:
S3781
Exterior Color:
Champagne White
Interior Color:
Scarlet Pincrush vinyl
Body Type:
Roadster
Transmission:
3 Speed Manual
Engine:
161ci Inline 6
Mileage:
77,979
As the European sports car market invaded the United States after WWII, American auto manufacturers took notice. Very few, if any, produced a 2-seater oriented sportscar. By the early 1950's, Jaguar, Austin Healey, Triumph, MG and other small English sports cars were finding garages in the United States, not to mention Alfa Romeo, Porsche, etc. Pushing an effort to supply a unique 2-seater for the Kaiser brand was designer Howard "Dutch" Darrin, renowned automotive stylist for Packard and Duesenberg. Although, the longtime sedan-oriented Henry J. Kaiser was a tough sell on pushing such an automobile. His selection of traditional family style automobiles was a major focus to save his namesake in an ever-growing market where larger firms were eating up their competition. Darrin was able to push his stunning Roadster with unique, disappearing doors that slid into the front fenders forward into production, some say with the prodding of Mrs. Kaiser after seeing the design! It would appear at the 1953 New York Auto Show with many admirers. Unfortunately, Kaiser Motors was struggling as whole to stay alive, so only 435 Roadsters would be produced, and today represent the last of Dutch Darrin's automotive legacy.
The 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 Roadster was designed to stand up to the English dominated market of lightweight sports roadsters with very few produced and only offered for a single year. Offered here is number 22 of 435 ever produced and finished in the desirable combination of factory code correct (153) Champagne White over factory code correct (7200) Scarlet Pincrush vinyl upholstery with a tan convertible top. Powered by its original 161ci Hurricane Inline 6-cylinder F-Head engine numbering (3495010) and with factory Carter YF carburetion producing an approximate 90 horsepower, and 3-speed overdrive manual transmission. Features include the sought after wire spoke wheels, BF Goodrich Silvertown 5.90-15 wide whitewall tires, full dash instrumentation, wide turn signals, Plexiglas windscreens, engine oil filtration system, heat/defrost, tinted windscreen, front & rear bumper guards, fitted side curtains, and more!
A rare chance to own a cared for, limited production roadster famous for its unconventional doors that slide into the front fenders behind the wheels. The previous owners, Tupelo Auto Museum, have taken great care of this Kaiser-Darrin Roadster until their closing in the spring of 2019. Due to sitting in the museum environment for two decades, the original engine has been rebuilt with line-honed cylinder walls, new piston rings, crank bearings, resurfaced head, fresh valve job with new guides, head gasket, all new seals, new spark plugs, rebuilt carburetor, etc. The complete wiring harness was renewed from front to back, and a new fuel sending unit inside a cleaned tank. New brake lines were installed along with new wheel cylinders and fresh brake shoes. In 2020 the interior was redone with new seat covers, carpet, shift boot, and weather stripping.
Coming to the St. Louis Car Museum this February 2022, and only needing a new battery we installed this May, along with a new distributor cap and rotor, it continues to run and drive terrifically! We also elected to re-plate the chrome taillight housings before being professionally detailed to join our museum showcase. A unique roadster that makes for a great collector's car that is sure to surprise at any cruise or car show. Thank you and please call with any questions or to schedule a visit to see this rare piece of automotive history first-hand.
Vehicle Description
As the European sports car market invaded the United States after WWII, American auto manufacturers took notice. Very few, if any, produced a 2-seater oriented sportscar. By the early 1950's, Jaguar, Austin Healey, Triumph, MG and other small English sports cars were finding garages in the United States, not to mention Alfa Romeo, Porsche, etc. Pushing an effort to supply a unique 2-seater for the Kaiser brand was designer Howard "Dutch" Darrin, renowned automotive stylist for Packard and Duesenberg. Although, the longtime sedan-oriented Henry J. Kaiser was a tough sell on pushing such an automobile. His selection of traditional family style automobiles was a major focus to save his namesake in an ever-growing market where larger firms were eating up their competition. Darrin was able to push his stunning Roadster with unique, disappearing doors that slid into the front fenders forward into production, some say with the prodding of Mrs. Kaiser after seeing the design! It would appear at the 1953 New York Auto Show with many admirers. Unfortunately, Kaiser Motors was struggling as whole to stay alive, so only 435 Roadsters would be produced, and today represent the last of Dutch Darrin's automotive legacy.
The 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 Roadster was designed to stand up to the English dominated market of lightweight sports roadsters with very few produced and only offered for a single year. Offered here is number 22 of 435 ever produced and finished in the desirable combination of factory code correct (153) Champagne White over factory code correct (7200) Scarlet Pincrush vinyl upholstery with a tan convertible top. Powered by its original 161ci Hurricane Inline 6-cylinder F-Head engine numbering (3495010) and with factory Carter YF carburetion producing an approximate 90 horsepower, and 3-speed overdrive manual transmission. Features include the sought after wire spoke wheels, BF Goodrich Silvertown 5.90-15 wide whitewall tires, full dash instrumentation, wide turn signals, Plexiglas windscreens, engine oil filtration system, heat/defrost, tinted windscreen, front & rear bumper guards, fitted side curtains, and more!
A rare chance to own a cared for, limited production roadster famous for its unconventional doors that slide into the front fenders behind the wheels. The previous owners, Tupelo Auto Museum, have taken great care of this Kaiser-Darrin Roadster until their closing in the spring of 2019. Due to sitting in the museum environment for two decades, the original engine has been rebuilt with line-honed cylinder walls, new piston rings, crank bearings, resurfaced head, fresh valve job with new guides, head gasket, all new seals, new spark plugs, rebuilt carburetor, etc. The complete wiring harness was renewed from front to back, and a new fuel sending unit inside a cleaned tank. New brake lines were installed along with new wheel cylinders and fresh brake shoes. In 2020 the interior was redone with new seat covers, carpet, shift boot, and weather stripping.
Coming to the St. Louis Car Museum this February 2022, and only needing a new battery we installed this May, along with a new distributor cap and rotor, it continues to run and drive terrifically! We also elected to re-plate the chrome taillight housings before being professionally detailed to join our museum showcase. A unique roadster that makes for a great collector's car that is sure to surprise at any cruise or car show. Thank you and please call with any questions or to schedule a visit to see this rare piece of automotive history first-hand.
Vehicle Warranty
New Vehicles come with a full-factory warranty. Used vehicles may have a remaining-factory warranty, but please contact us for the warranty details specific to this vehicle.
About St. Louis Car Museum
Established in 1994, the St. Louis Car Museum & Sales has provided special interest vehicles and motorcycles to collectors and enthusiasts around the globe. Our variety of inventory is a testament to our passion for special interest vehicles of all kinds. Read below to learn more about us or check out our inventory of classic cars.
We actively buy, sell, and trade everything from antiques and classics to muscle and European sports cars, vintage motorcycles, and automobilia. All vehicles are displayed in our combined 85,000+ square feet of Swiss Track Tile Flooring and climate controlled complex in St. Louis, Missouri just 10 minutes from Lambert International airport.
Vehicles can be viewed Monday-Saturday during regular business hours, and appointments are encouraged to ensure vehicle availability.
Contact us for more details
(855) 586-3413
(855) 586-3413
Terms and Conditions
Payment Options
We accept the following payment methods:
- Cashier's Check/money order
- Personal check (once cleared)
Vehicle Pickup & Shipping
All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility.
Finance, Warranty, Shipping question?
Call the dealer at (855) 586-3413
General Terms
Notice to Bidders: All of the vehicles we list on eBay are for sale locally.  We reserve the right to end an auction early.  All cars are immediately ready for delivery upon sale.
Deposit: We require a non-refundable 0 deposit within 48 hours of winning the auction. Please call to make arrangements for payment.
Payment Types: Cash in person, Certified Funds, Institutional Financing
All sales transactions must be completed within 7 calendar days of auction close.
Prices subject to change without notice and do not include Title, License, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes or Processing Fees, if any. Please contact seller first for vehicle availability. Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made. EPA mileage estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance.
Fees and Taxes
Sales tax, title, license fee, registration fee, dealer documentary fee, finance charges, emission testing fees, and compliance fees are additional to the advertised price. Vehicle is listed locally, we reserve the right to end the auction at any time.