Henry J Kaiser conquered almost each trade he went into, however his greatest efforts to tackle Detroit failed.
Though this was clear by 1954, it did not cease his automobile firm from releasing a beautiful new design. Nevertheless, the automobile floundered out there. Right here Joe Ligo drives a 1954 Kaiser Particular and talks in regards to the historical past of this fascinating firm and the person behind it.
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A transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a human staffer, is under.
[Image: YouTube Screenshot]
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Transcript:
It was a marvel of American engineering — the results of hundreds of thousands of {dollars} and years of labor. And now, I lastly get to drive it.
Okay, possibly I’m exaggerating. Mechanically, this 1954 Kaiser Particular is considerably unremarkable. However it holds a particular place in my coronary heart, as a result of I’ve needed to drive one since I used to be 14. Whereas everybody else was studying edgy younger grownup fiction, I used to be engrossed in Richard M. Langworth’s The Final Onslaught on Detroit. That most likely explains my lack of recognition in highschool.
The e-book tells the story of the rise and fall of the Kaiser-Frazer Company. Henry J. Kaiser was the traditional American entrepreneur — pushed by exhausting work and large concepts. He constructed roads, dams, and, throughout World Battle II, battleships. His fame for getting large tasks executed rapidly made him a family title. He was even featured in a comic book e-book.
However Kaiser needed to construct automobiles. He had radical concepts: front-wheel drive, fiberglass physique panels, and different improvements no conventional automaker dared to strive. Because the warfare ended, he partnered with skilled auto government Joseph W. Frazer. It appeared like the right match — Kaiser knew tips on how to construct issues, and Frazer knew how the automobile trade labored.
Most of Kaiser’s concepts proved too complicated or costly for manufacturing, however early gross sales of their steel-bodied, rear-wheel-drive automobiles had been sturdy. The partnership didn’t final, although. As soon as postwar demand slowed, Frazer needed to chop manufacturing and cut back prices. Kaiser, centered on enlargement, refused. Frazer resigned in protest in 1949.
Positive sufficient, Kaiser constructed much more automobiles than he may promote that yr. Overproduction and excessive prices grew to become recurring issues, and a merger with Willys-Overland in 1953 didn’t remedy them. Nonetheless, the corporate managed to provide a brand new Kaiser design for 1954 — and my ninth-grade self thought it was stunning. Seeing it in particular person now, I nonetheless do.
The low beltline, widow’s peak windshield, daring taillights, and sharp concave grille gave it a glance not like every other automobile that yr. Mockingly, Henry’s son, Edgar Kaiser, informed the stylists to mimic the entrance finish of the Buick XP-300 idea automobile — however for my part, the Kaiser appears higher.
Many of the physique panels had been carried over from 1953, cleverly disguised with the brand new grille and taillights. In reality, so many leftover 1953 our bodies had been used that the manufacturing unit merely swapped out sections to create the ’54 fashions. This automobile is considered one of about 3,500 early Specials constructed that method.
The brand new “Security Glow” rear fender lights provided a low-cost method to mimic tailfins because the firm couldn’t afford new sheet steel. With solely a six-volt electrical system, they aren’t the brightest, however they’re nonetheless considered one of my favourite taillight designs of all time.
Underneath the hood sits a 226-cubic-inch inline-six. Kaiser by no means provided a V8, and by 1954, the 118-horsepower Supersonic Six was underpowered in comparison with rivals. The upscale Kaiser Manhattan provided a supercharged model with 140 horsepower, and out on the highway, I positively discovered myself wishing for that additional increase.
This isn’t a quick automobile. Even with the pedal down, acceleration is gradual at greatest. However as soon as it’s on top of things, the six-cylinder is remarkably quiet, making for a soothing drive. Not like fashionable automobiles that pump faux engine noise by way of the audio system, this was an period when silence meant sophistication.
The four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, sourced from Common Motors, makes driving simple. With out the non-obligatory energy steering, parking takes some effort, however the automobile’s total trip is easy and secure.
You may really feel its weight on the highway. On brick streets, you hear the noise and really feel the vibration by way of the wheel, however not by way of the seat. The heavy body and thick cushioning make it surprisingly snug, even on tough surfaces.
Kaiser interiors had been glorious locations to spend time. Maybe to make up for the dearth of energy, they put actual effort into consolation and security: padded dashboards, easy-to-reach controls, and enormous home windows for higher visibility. A variety of color-coordinated materials and vinyls set these automobiles aside. The simulated bamboo trim appears nice and was mentioned to make cleansing simpler.
Even with its stunning design and refined inside, gross sales had been disappointing. Frazer’s early warnings had come true. In 1955, Kaiser-Willys shut down U.S. automobile manufacturing and moved operations to South America, the place demand was greater and competitors decrease.
Again house, the corporate stayed in enterprise by producing different merchandise — however that’s one other story.
Success within the auto trade requires greater than ambition. It takes endurance and nuance — qualities Henry J. Kaiser could have lacked. Reflecting on their defeat, his son Edgar as soon as mentioned, “You win all of your life, and that’s one factor. Then all of a sudden you lose, and that’s fairly one other.” Nonetheless, if failing to crack one of the vital aggressive industries in historical past was his largest loss, that’s not such a nasty document.
As for the automobiles themselves, my teenage dream lastly got here true. Fewer than 8,000 of those had been constructed, and even fewer survive as we speak. I really feel fortunate to have pushed one. I do know they’ll by no means be extremely collectible or well-known, and I fear that historical past will fade with time. That’s why I really like making these movies — so individuals can find out about and admire these automobiles whereas they nonetheless exist.
The story of Henry Kaiser isn’t nearly wins and losses. It’s about large contributions to America and the world. This automobile is a part of that legacy. Humanity will all the time face nice challenges — whether or not it’s area exploration, local weather change, or one thing else. And there’ll all the time be individuals whose ambition makes the unimaginable doable. Folks like Henry J. Kaiser, who believed in exhausting work and large concepts.
Kaiser-Frazer’s historical past goes past this automobile. They constructed convertibles, hatchbacks, compact automobiles, and even America’s first fiberglass-bodied sports activities automobile — earlier than the Corvette. The Final Onslaught on Detroit tells the total story intimately. It’s out of print now, however you possibly can nonetheless discover it in libraries.
Should you’d like to listen to extra of my ideas on the Kaiser Particular, take a look at the movies linked right here. Thanks for watching.
