Kaiser-Frazer toys

[Gordie]

There were about four other different flyer's used for selling the Kaiser promotional models and the early ads offered them as scale models only but a couple of later flyers offered  the "Henry J AUTOBANK"  with a guarded slot in the metal and removable key locking bottom plate.  The bodies were made of tenite plastic.  They came in authentic Henry J colors and you could have your dealer name imprinted on the top.  No bank versions of the Henry J have shown up and I doubt that any were ever made other than prototypes.  I would assume that they would have used the model with the frosted windows to keep curious eyes from seeing what was in these banks.  Banthrico's 1953 Kaiser Manhattan promotional models were all banks and all metal as were most of their hundreds of metal promotional items.  Our upcoming meet in Kingsport has promised a display of Kaiser-Frazer models as well as a Kaiser washing machine and other collectibles and I am really looking forward to seeing what will be on display for us.

[Gordie]

For those of you that enjoy your Henry J's in hot rod style there are several options.  In addition to at least twelve different variations of the Hot Wheels toys which are just under three inches long there are six different "Gasser's" made by Sunstar.  In addition to the four versions that they make of stock Henry J's with or without an opening trunk  they have created six different modified versions.  There is "Horrid Henry" in blue, "The Phantom"  in gold, "Wild Weasel" in blue,  "Hiper Henry" in brown,  "Fist Full of Dollars" in white and "The Missing link" in orange.  No, I did not make up those names and I don't know what the differences are in the models other than the name and colors.  Sun Star models are extremely nice in stock form and are ten inches long and beautifully detailed.  The "Gasser" versions all go for over $100.00 each on eBay and are limited editions and I don't know how long they will be available.  I don't have one and I am still trying to get one each of the stock versions as they are extremely nice and come in original Henry J. colors.  If I had to choose one Henry J model of all the choices the Sunstar would be it.  I have seen the stock versions for as little as $39.00 on eBay and for that price they are a real bargain.

[Gordie]

Brooklin is a company that started out in Canada but soon moved to England and make over a hundred models in 1:43 scale and specialize in American cars.  Their models seem to be mostly in the 1930's through the 1950's and Kaiser has been well represented in their line of different models.  There is an Allstate which was mentioned before and a Henry J, a green Darrin and now a new red one with a different number on the front license plate.  I don't know what the difference is other than the color. The 1953 Kaiser Manhattan comes as a solid color, two-toned and a black one of 500 imported to Rotterdam and labeled as such.  Now there is a police patrol in black, a California Highway Patrol in Black and white.  A new orange Taxi appeared and now another different taxi company is in yellow.  The police cars and taxis are made in a quantity of only ten and are priced at around $200 each. There is also a 1954 Kaiser Manhattan 4 door and an Ohio Highway Patrol car in all black.  Willys is represented as well but I am not sure what all of the varieties are and I will report on them when I can find a list.  Brooklin models are well made to scale and are very heavy for their size.  They are all die cast metal with rubber tires and are very authentic in appearance.  You can find them at hobby stores or on line for a variety of prices and shipping costs.  I find most of mine on line and it pays to look at all of the offerings and compare prices.  The ones where only ten were made do not offer much in price comparisons.  We will be lucky to even find one available.

I just discovered another variation in the '53 Brooklin Kaiser Manhattan models.  It is a Dragon done in maroon and with a white simulated vinyl top and gold trim like the real Dragons.  It is a limited edition model  and I was not aware of it and  have only seen one on eBay for sale.  It is very attractive.

[Gordie]

For those of you that enjoy your Henry J's in hot rod style there are several options.  In addition to at least twelve different variations of the Hot Wheels toys which are just under three inches long there are six different "Gasser's" made by Sunstar.  In addition to the four versions that they make of stock Henry J's with or without an opening trunk  they have created six different modified versions.  There is "Horrid Henry" in blue, "The Phantom"  in gold, "Wild Weasel" in blue,  "Hiper Henry" in brown,  "Fist Full of Dollars" in white and "The Missing link" in orange.  No, I did not make up those names and I don't know what the differences are in the models other than the name and colors.  Sun Star models are extremely nice in stock form and are ten inches long and beautifully detailed.  The "Gasser" versions all go for over $100.00 each on eBay and are limited editions and I don't know how long they will be available.  I don't have one and I am still trying to get one each of the stock versions as they are extremely nice and come in original Henry J. colors.  If I had to choose one Henry J model of all the choices the Sunstar would be it.  I have seen the stock versions for as little as $49.00 on eBay and for that price they are a real bargain.

In addition to all of the hot rod Henry J's listed above there are at least five version of the kits made by Revell.  According to the box covers there are the following five made over about forty years:  Red and white "Drag Coupe", pink "Gasser", black "Henry J Saints", yellow "Dynomite" and an orange "Gas Coupe".  Perhaps there were others but these appear from time to time on eBay for from $30.00 to $90.00 in un built kit form.  They make very authentic Henry J drag race cars as they once raced at drag strips all over the country.  There are also a few slot car models still offered on eBay.

[Gordie]

The post that promted the next two responses was remover by the member who posted it.



WHERE DID YOU GET THAT GREAT FAUCET HANDLE?

Careful Terry - that'll get you in hot water!!

For the modelers among us, here is a photo of the only decent resin cast Darrin model kit I've been able to find. It was cast by R&R Resin more than a decade ago. I recently saw an ad for resinrealm.net that showed them, but I'm not sure about availability. Their # 402.896.4379. Its in 1/25 scale.

Gary.

[Gordie]

There was a nice collection of Kaiser-Frazer toys on display at the Kingsport meet as promised.  There was a good assortment of Kaisers, Henry j's, Darrin's  and Willys including a beautiful hand carved wood Willys Jeepster about ten inches long and a nice Jeep FC 150 tin stake truck.  In the swap meet was a 1947 windup Kaiser with the remote steering and a tin Frazer with the elongated trunk that holds the windup motor.  I found a Lincoln Line Henry J promo in black in nice condition and when I got it home and started to clean it up I discovered that it had been repainted at some time in its life.  After removing the paint it turned out to be a light gray and polished very well and now I have the Lincoln Line Henry j's in six colors.  I still can not find the hot rod version of the Henry J but hope to find one eventually.  There was lots of K-F-W literature and other collectibles at the swap meet and it was a really fun experience.  Now to get ready for next year in Texas!

[Gordie]

While looking on eBay for Kaiser-Frazer toys and models i saw three new listings for a Kaiser Carabela that are apparently from a just released 2018 series in Argentina..  The models are 1:43rd scale which makes them about five inches long and are similar in size and style to the Brooklin Kaiser Manhattan models from England.  The one pictured is a light grey color with a black top.  They are priced at $45.00 plus $40.00 shipping but I found one of the listings for $50.00 plus $25.00 shipping.  I have sent away for it and don't expect to see it for about a month but will report on the quality when I receive it.  Postage for anything from Argentina is always more expensive than other countries in South America.  I am not aware of any other model made of the Carabela and there are only a couple of models of anything that resembles the 1954-62 Kaisers.  The two '54 Brookllin models are priced well over $100.00 and one is of a police car.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

As some reading the Forum may already know, Matell has reviewed sales figures and trends with the conclusion that the exotic and wierd cars are not of interest to many hard core Matchbox and Hot Wheels collectors after all.  The result is a new Matchbox branded series of "showroom" vehicles including an early 1950's type Jeep station wagon, 1958 Dodge 4-door sedan and 1961 Ford Ranchero pick-up truck.  I was involved in the development of the 1951 HJ dragster (known as "Jaded") around 15 years ago, which is back out recently as part of a couple special series (including the AVENGERS series "Hulk" in purple!) Hot Wheels product.   I have been in contact with Matell on the possibility of doing a Kaiser, Frazer, Henry J or even an Allstate on the Matchbox side. 

If this moves forward I will let people know what I am allowed to by the company. 

[pjkaiser]

What about a Darrin hotwheels??

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

The Kaiser-Darrin is a Willys Motors, Incorporated product according the who actually built it (Willys Motors took over the Jackson MI facility) and marketed it (Kaiser-Willys Sales Corporation division of Willys Motors, Inc.).  That requires approval and licensing from Fiat Chrysler America (the former Chrysler Corporation) because of the way the acquisition of AMC by Chrysler in 1985 works. 

Kaiser-Frazer design rights were voided out when Kaiser Industries Corporation was liquidated by the Federal Bankruptcy Court prior to 1995.  That makes it free game (the people in China asked Chrysler for rights to reproduce the 1951 Henry J and the 1953 Kaiser; they didn't have to but didn't want to fight Chrysler in the American courts). 

That info came from a former contact (Ms. Capri Pilshaw) in Chrysler Corporation's legal department back in the 1990's

[pjkaiser]

Interesting, thanks for the history lesson

[Gordie]

In searching for Kaiser-Frazer toys on line I have come across a few variations in the way some of the toys are offered for sale.  I just received the 51 Frazer i:43 scale Hi-way Travelers convertible sedan model made in England with the top in the closed position.  This model comes with two outside rear view mirrors and an antenna on the right front fender.  The companion open top model has two spot lights and no antenna or mirrors.  The Highway 61 series of larger 1/18 scale '53 Kaiser Manhattan 2 door models are offered in single color paint as well as two tone in various color combinations.  It also is made with full size proper wheel covers but I have noticed that some of them have wire wheels.  I have recorded over 125 different Kaiser, Frazer,  Henry J and Darren toys and models.  That is far more than I ever imagined that they made over the years and I wonder how many more are undiscovered out there?

[Gordie]

Here are copies of the covers for the 1951 HJ and 1953 Kaiser Manhattan models Banthrico offered.  I checked with the company back in 1976 & the casting dies for the two vehicles were already scrapped out & it would cost between $6,000-$10,000 for them to re-measure and re-tool off an existing vehicle at that time. 

As noted in the page on the HJ, colors Banthrico offered were Mariner Gray, Ceramic Green, Blue Satin & Cardinao Red (so you can tell if the one you come across is a repaint).  Also, if you look carefully, you will find there is a decal with dealer information on the roof of the car at lower left on the page.  This is what they mean by Imprinting as noted.  I have yet to ever see (let alone own) a Spring Motor Powered Model version of the HJ.  Both the coaster version (no spring motor) and the spring motor version have Tenite plastic bodies, same material that the Kaiser Deluxe/Manhattans of 1951-54 Early Special types were made from (around the metal center armature).

I ran across an article in an old toy trade magazine that announced the Banthrico Henry J toy.  The article states:  "The new 1951 Henry J Kaiser-Frazer's new low priced market-buster due to reach the nations highways this summer is also due to  reach thetoy world in the form of an exact moter-powered scale model which is now being readied by Banthrico Industries Inc. of Chicago.  Although the Henry J. marks Banthricos debut in the toy field this company is by no means a newcomer to the manufacture of automobile scale models.  Known for years as a large supplier of scale model cars to the automobile industry, Banthricos models have enjoyed noteworthy success and won acclaim for perfect fidelity of detail and color.  Such well known makes as Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Chrysler Ford,Dodge, DeSoto, Lincoln, Mercury, Nash and many others, have been used in large quantities by these companies and their dealer organizations.  Heretofore all such scale models have been manufactured for the exclusive use of automotive organizations.  The new Henry J scale model is the realization of the greatest ambition of Jerome B. Aronson, President and founder of Banthrico who revealed that although he had planned to enter the toy field for quite some  time, he would not do so until a toy scale model could be selected that would not only have unusual appeal, but also the greatest promotional possibilities  for retailers across the country.  The radically new Henry J backed with a nation-wide advertising and publicity campaign had everything and more that Mr. Aronson desired.  Working with the full cooperation of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation, blueprints and specifications of the Henry J were on Banthrico's drawing boards many months ago, being scaled to exactly 1/25th of the size of the full-sized original.  Specifications for tools and dies to duplicate in miniature, the innumerable details of the outstanding features of the Henry J were being figured at the same time.  The finished product will not only be a credit to the toy industry but also a model makers delight, since all of the finer craftsmanship and scale model know how of Banthrico has been put to work to make the forthcoming Henry J one of the finest examples of scale model toys available.  Top grade plastic and metal parts, along with a tested and proved motor will be incorporated into this model.  Actual Henry J colors will be available in assortments.  The appointment of David J Oshrin, 200 Fifth Ave., New York, as exclusive sales agent for Banthrico's Henry J scale model, was also announced by Mr. Aronson."   It seems that Banthrico's dream was like Kaiser's and the Henry J was not a good seller as the models are very hard to find today.  It seems that Banthrico offered the dies or agreed to sell the toy bodies to Lincoln Line, a newer toy company also in Chicago and they may have made more Henry J' models than Banthrico did.  Lincoln Line's box illustrates the Henry J and uses Kaiser-Frazers name in large letters and offered a different base plate with a "recoil" motor.  You backed the car up to wind the recoil mechanism and then let go and the car will go forward.  Of all of the examples I have seen the recoil motor in the Lincoln Line models was broken or missing and I have never seen a Banthrico wind-up motor that was broken.  You have to look cloesly at the two models and see that the wheels are larger on the Lincoln Line models.  Lincoln line did make a couple of other toys and seemed to disappear from the toy business. Their model number for the Henry J was 1001 but it did not appear on the model nor was Banthrico's name displayed on their version either.  Both are very hard to find today!

The 1953's were a different story.  They were offered to dealers in 18 car cases for $28.50 FOB Chicago IL.  Each case included 1 1953 Kaiser Manhattan in 12 single colors used on the big cars & 1 each of 6 factory two-tones (color combinations offered for the big cars as well as break points for the colors).  Otherwise, the standard assortment was 12 cars minimum (Banthrico choice of colors) at $1.53 each.  If a dealer ordered at least 100 cars, the dealer imprint would be free; otherwise the minimum set-up charge of $8.25 for dealer names (1 to 99 cars) applied.  Keys to open the banks went with each car.  Dealers in Illinois ordering 1953 models were required to add 2% to the order cost, dealers in Indiana had to add 3%.  Shipping was based on F.O.B. Banthrico's Chicago IL plant.

[westmorland]

I picked up one of the Kaiser Carabella's that Gordie talked about and got it today  It's a little over 5 inches in length.   I haven't taken it out of the package yet.  It's a static display, nothing opens, the wheels might move, but I don't know.   It's screwed to the small base with a couple of tiny Phillips head screws.

[Gordie]

Congratulations, I am still waiting for mine to arrive.  What publication is that interesting looking article on the Carabella from?