Darrin standard equipment

[Gordie]

According to the 1954 Kaiser Features book among the standard features of the Darrin are exhaust deflector, five whitewall tires and top grain leather seat material.  Are those items listed in the judging manual?

[Terry T]

The exhaust deflector is listed as an accessory in the parts book and I think that most agree that leather wasn't used for the interior.

The parts book isn't always correct, but in this case I think that it is.

[Gordie]

The exhaust deflector has always been an accessory for the big cars except it became standard equipment on the 1947-8 Frazer Manhattans when they came out but this book listed all of the standard equipment on all models and these items were listed as standard equipment for the Darrin's.  Were the early Darrin's done in leather?  Early sales literature is sometimes based on prototype cars and things change by the time the cars get into production.  According to this book all Darrin's come with five whitewall tires also.  Did they?

[joefrazer]

I owned Darrin #30 and it had its original vinyl upholstery. No leather in that one!

[Gordie]

The original press releases also say "Seats, door panels and dash  are finished throughout in top grain leather in solid colors to harmonize with the body paint..."but the Trade Letter KW53-2  Dec.17 1953says "The deeply embossed vinyls in top and trim are well adapted to rugged sports car usage..."  The earlier press release also describes dual exhaust.  There must have been many changes in the cars before they got into production.

[pjkaiser]

It's the prototype, not a production Darrin.