Rare 1954 Kaiser-Darrin roadsters to be auctioned in Arizona and Paris; they come complete with unusual sliding doors
The Kaiser-Darrin was America’s first production fibreglass sports car and though it was not a great success in terms of numbers sold, it featured a number of unusual design features – including sliding ‘pocket’ doors – that make it noteworthy. Only 435 were made and unusually two examples come to auction in January and February 2016 through RM Sotheby’s in Arizona and Paris.
Undoubtedly a “head turning” car in terms of its presence, the Kaiser-Darrin roadster was designed by Howard ‘Dutch’ Darrin and built in conjunction with Henry J. Kaiser of Kaiser Motors. Its production run was limited to 1954 only and its conception came about as part of a movement in Detroit to compete with European roadsters being imported and sold in the United States after the end of the Second World War.
Two stories to keep beside you
Double power
A double house on “the most politically significant rat-run in Britain” is for sale for £6.25 million Described as “solid Tory” and “the most politically significant rat-run in Britain” in a 1995 article by Chris Blackhurst, Lord North Street in London’s Westminster was built between 1720 and 1725 and consists of thirteen properties that have […]
Extras are everything
California estate complete with everything from a rock climbing wall to a video games centre for sale for £14.3 million – Only “discerning global citizens” should to apply to view
Launched in September 1952 as “the sports car everyone has been waiting for” at the Los Angeles Motorama, production delays meant the first (and only) models to be sold became available in 1954. The roadster was priced at $3,668 (the equivalent of £22,000 or $32,000 today) but whilst its appearance was and still is stunning, design flaws – most especially its relative poor performance compared to larger-engined cars such as the Jaguar XK120 – resulted in it being a sales flop. Production was swiftly wound up and consequently, the two examples on offer will appeal to those looking to add something unusual to their collections.
The yellow Kaiser-Darrin roadster, chassis number 161-001390, will be offered without reserve by RM Auctions in Arizona in the 28th to 29th January 2016 sale with a guide of £96,000 to £124,000 ($140,000 to $160,000). The white example, chassis number 161-001031, will be sold in Paris on 3rd February with a guide price that is yet to be disclosed.
Update 31st January 2016: The 1954 Kaiser-Darrin sold above the upper guide for £124,000 ($176,000 or €162,000) at Arizona.
Subscribe to our free once daily email newsletter here:[contact-form-7 id=”225″ title=”Contact form 1″]
Readers have their say
10 comments
They leaked like billy-o!
If only they came with Rita Heyworth included!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That blithering idiot Rod Jones exposes his ignorance yet again. Unless be refers to some Australian ‘sheila’ of his acquaintance. I suppose his pathetic attempt at humour meant Rita Hayworth. What a dope. By the way, it will be interesting to see if he ever answers Peter Wayde’s questions.
I find that motor cars with odd-looking grilles tend to appear ugly. I think these are and the EDSEL is another example.
Hey Glen!!!!!!! Happy New Year to you mate too!!!!!!! I’d take Rita Hayworth (sp????????? error mate) or even any hot female film star of that era in the car mate!!!!!!!!! It’s just a bit of fun!!!!!!!!
The thought that any female could be enticed into a vehicle with a gormless, illiterate oaf like you is quite preposterous. Your best bet is a sozzled marsupial. If indeed you can drive.
To witness the clash of two Titans, at such an intellectual level, is truly humbling…..
This was a strange exploratory period of car design; including Swallow – Doretti, some weird and wonderful coach built Daimlers, Tickford Healeys and A.C’s, until Peter Kirwan – Taylor – the Wykehamist genius came up with the Lotus Elite finessed by Frank Costin of Cosworth,and so much more
Matthew must have his own reasons for allowing the imbecilic Rod to comment(if that is how one can describe his puerile meanderings) but he is now becoming an irritant and lowers the tone of the Times.
His attempts at humour may go down well in some outback pub, but are just embarrassing in London.
Can’t you make an exception for the Melbourne Idiot…
In a way he is racist as he leads us all to be believe Australians are a bit dense