51 Kaiser

[Mr Manhattan]

http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/5333019027.html

[joefrazer]

This one appears to be an early 51 Special -it looks to have the painted vent window dividers. Knock off the bonding, tap out the dents and reinstall the engine and you could drive it as is. I like the color too!

[Fid]

Jim, what distinguishes it as an early special?  My '51 Special (same color) was purchased new in Aug 1950 and it lacks the thin stainless trim around the bottom but it does have square edged window molding and the early style radio...  which I'm finding out was actually used through about half of the '51 model run as opposed to just the earliest cars.  Anyway, "early" can be relative so I'm just wondering if there is a set of features which distinguish the '51s as "early."  I know the earliest '51 Kaisers had the same hubcaps that were used on the '49/'50 Kaisers.

[Gordie]

The very early 51's had no side moldings and then they were offered as an accessory and then they became standard equipment all in 1950.  The dates are in the service letters.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Information on what makes an early 1951 Kaiser Special vs. a "series 2" Special and a later Special will be found under the 1951 Kaiser Special topics in KFOCI HANDBOOK along with dates and other cut point type information.  There were in fact a number of changes to the 1951 Kaisers between start of production in late March 1950 and the last cars off the line at Willow Run on November 4, 1951.   

The 1951 Kaisers are just one reason why WRITTEN judging standards, available to owners and judges alike are so critical, a fact that escaped club management for over 50 years!

[Roadmaster49]

What a great deal for someone.  When the starting price is $900 and the engine is out, I think a serious person who shows up with some $100 bills can get this one for $500-$600. 

I'm just not enough of a 51 fan. I love the simple lines and grille work. I don't love the simple lines and grille work.