1948 Frazer Manhattan on ebay

[Fid]

Looks like Ted O's car -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-1948-Kaiser-Frazer-Manhatten-showroom-condition-/120889221668?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c258f2224#v4-37

Very  nice piece of work. Ad claims it is a Manhattan but VIN begining with F485 indicates it is a standard. Also, it has a steering wheel from a standard, not a Manhattan and glove box is lacking the chrome a Manhattan would have. Manhattans also had wider rocker trim and color coordinated shift lever / turn signal knobs (which this one lacks). There were some restorers that would do that- take a standard and add Manhattan trim to it and call it a Manhattan. Looks like that's what was done with this one. Still a nice looking car and I always loved that turquois color on these. Anyone know who's it is?

[Jim B PEI]

Its in the on-line Registry as Mr O's car

[Fid]

I know Ted O has a true '48 Manhattan which is the same color. Here's what the steering wheel in a '48 Manhattan looks like:

Compare it to the ebay ad and the difference is noticeable.

Of course I scoured my KFOC Handbook first, lest I be scolded for not doing so.

[Jim B PEI]

This is getting VERY strange! If this was anyone other than Mr F or Capt Frazer, I'd say they were mistaken.

The Ebay car is listed as VIN:    F485018603

Mr Oleson's car is listed on the on-line registry as a regular Frazer, NOT a Manhattan ie #29  F485-018603   16566        101 602             81  512   Oleson      MO

So, this appears to be Mr Oleson's car and a standard Frazer.

Did he have another near identical 48? It could be, as I have two near identical (one 3 sp overdrive, one automatic) 1957 Studebaker Champion 4 dr sedans in Turquoise/Glendale Green, with exactly the same option list

[Fid]

When I mentioned "Mr. O" I meant Ted O'Dell. I know the picture of the Manhattan steering wheel that I posted is definitely from Ted O'Dell's '48 Manhattan, which is definitely a Manhattan. The ebay car may belong, or formerly belong to "Mr. Oleson" which would explain my confusion as they are two different people. The ebay car is definitely not a tag matching Frazer Manhattan as is evident by the VIN (check your handbook!) begining with F485 and the fact that it has the narrow rocker trim and a steering wheel/column/dash from a standard. Unfortunately, there are some forgeries out there and with internet it's not so easy to pass them off to the next person. It's likely the seller has no idea that the car is not a Manhattan. There could be a lawsuit however, if someone purchases it thinking they are getting a Manhattan and then learns the truth.

[Jim B PEI]

Oh! Ted O'Dell! Ooops, my mistake. I didn't expect all THAT many people with a surname starting with "O" having lovely blue 48 Frazers!

[Fid]

And there is also a Mr. Oberhellman (I think...)  don't recall the exact spelling, in Iowa who owns the stunning blue (same color) 1948 Frazer Manhattan which was owned by long time KFOC member Doug Taylor. That car is a true Manhattan and has all robins egg blue leather upholstery. So there are a few Mr. Os out there with Frazers.