Author Topic: Sedan vs Manhattan  (Read 2155 times)

Hdryder77

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Sedan vs Manhattan
« on: September 18, 2020, 02:52:12 AM »
Can someone tell me what makes a Frazer a Manhattan rather than a Sedan?  I thought mine was a Manhattan until I checked the numbers inside drivers door. 485 is a Sedan. . 486 is a Manhattan.

Fid

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Re: Sedan vs Manhattan
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2020, 07:16:55 AM »
In 1948 both a Manhattan and standard are sedans. In 1951 the Manhattan was a hardtop.
Some differences between the '48 Manhattan and standard:
Manhattan has fancier interior and had front and rear seat arm rests, chrome strips on the door panels.
Two barrel carburetor
Chrome inside window frames
Chrome strip across the center of the dash
Larger tenite color coordinated steering wheel, shift lever knob and signal light lever knob.
Enclosed steering column
Wider rocker panel chrome trim
Many were tutone
Manhattan badge on the fender flanks

There are more differences so hopefully someone can chime in with those.
For some reason, the general population always seems to call any Frazer a 'Manhattan' and perhaps the person who sold you yours did so as well.  It is notable how many Frazer standards are listed on line as "Frazer Manhattan"
The standard is a good car so don't worry about that.  The Manhattan is the upscale model with said features and some others.
1953 Henry J Corsair Deluxe
Edgar Kaiser's custom 1951 Henry J
1951 Kaiser Special
1952 Allstate Deluxe

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kaiserfrazerlibrary

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Re: Sedan vs Manhattan
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2020, 01:42:48 PM »
When1948 Manhattans went into production the only engine available was the same 100bhp 226 engine the Kaisers used.  In May of 1948, to stimulate sluggish sales by advance release of the "Dual Manifold" version of the 226; that had a 2-barrel carb and the package included overdrive as an additional option.  The 100 bhp version was still available through the end of the 1948 model year.  The leather upholstery option was introduced early in calendar 1948 and had no suggested retail price on it; only the dealer cost  It was only offered on Manhattans.  Manhattans also had "Manhattan" script on the fender

The standard Frazer is not a bad car and had many features on it (directional signals standard, overdrive as an option) that the standard Kaiser Special did not.   It's not bad as a hillclimber and will hold its own on the highway at posted speeds.

I've attached some items from the 1947-48 Manhattan presentation portfolio.


Gordie

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Re: Sedan vs Manhattan
« Reply #3 on: September 18, 2020, 05:14:51 PM »
The Manhattans also had Matching carpet front and back as well as special upholstery in blue, green or maroon depending on the outside color combination.
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Hdryder77

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Re: Sedan vs Manhattan
« Reply #4 on: September 18, 2020, 09:10:16 PM »
Thnx for the info. Muchly appreciated.