Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Carpenter on July 29, 2017, 09:09:36 AM

Title: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on July 29, 2017, 09:09:36 AM
From time to time I see reference to "all of those 1954's that are still around". Were are they?
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: joefrazer on July 29, 2017, 12:20:54 PM
I count at least three between two friends and myself. I've parted out four over the years as well.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: dusty on July 30, 2017, 07:01:53 PM
I have 3, 1 can be restored has an excellent grill never been wrecked, 1 is ready for the stored 226 and Dusty is a 2nd owner car that i used to drive to meets. the car came from CLARK MOTORS in Klamath Falls Or. the original owner was Bob Clark the first owner.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Bob G on July 31, 2017, 02:19:33 PM
Gas tank is being removed for inspection at this time. Again thanks to all for the advice. Will post the solution.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on July 31, 2017, 09:56:24 PM
Huh?
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Bob G on August 02, 2017, 02:42:56 PM
Regarding "Huh". I responded to the wrong message. Sorry!
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on August 02, 2017, 07:21:53 PM
Back to my question.  Are they personally owned or across the country in junk yards?  There ARE thousands, right?
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: rialto on August 03, 2017, 09:04:36 AM
1954 was a very low production year but the survival rate of 54s is probably the highest of any year. It just seems like a lot were saved considering how many were made.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on August 03, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Where are they?  Anyone know...or have a list?
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: joefrazer on August 03, 2017, 01:59:22 PM
There are about 130 in the club's registry, (add to that about fifty 55s), which based on the number built would imply a high survival rate. That may be due to the supercharger and it's novelty...people saved these cars because of the unique engine configuration. Or, perhaps it was as my father said, any Kaiser stood out in a crowd, but the 54 really made an appearance.

Here's a picture of mine after being pulled out of 12 year's storage.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on August 03, 2017, 09:49:45 PM
No doubt about it, Joe, they are beautiful cars.  And to think, that sleek body came out in 51 when the other cars were still boxes or boxes with round corners.

Don't know if you noticed, but the silhouette of the 95-96 Impala SS was a carbon copy of the silhouette of the 54 Kaisers....and  I like them too.  Ha...4 door sedan with a Corvette engine.  Voom-voom.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Bobm90 on August 06, 2017, 08:08:34 AM
My 54 Manhattan is still for sale, maybe the asking price is a bit high at 10,900. I really have to get rid of it and could take even a little less. This car is decent and could use some tinkering. It gets a lot of attention but no offers, runs great, has new brake shoes, tires and rebuilt transmission, I didn't get it a supercharger on it, it may have been removed by the dealer or never installed at the factory(special order?, no one can answer). I have more than what I am asking in it but can't seem to sell it, I would have to think twice before buying another "orphan car".
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Doc on August 06, 2017, 08:38:05 AM
Here are two 54s, a Manhattan and a Late Special. We sold an Early Special  a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on August 06, 2017, 09:06:45 AM
What about the two 54s?  Yours?  For Sale?  Location?
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Doc on August 06, 2017, 09:56:33 AM
Mine, owned for over two decades and not for sale. They attract much attention at car shows and are fun cars to drive.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: Carpenter on August 06, 2017, 12:37:32 PM
Good for you.  I carry photos of mine and get many compliments.
Title: Re: 1954 Manhattans
Post by: dbalfisto on August 07, 2017, 09:46:23 PM
Well, here's mine.  I'd say it is reliable, drive it every couple of months and is great for cruising with friends or grandkids.  Really does turn heads