1948 KAISER SPECIAL
1948 Kaiser-Frazer 4 door sedan. This is a later model Kaiser with Frazer interior, optional hood ornament and central hood chrome strip not found on many Kaisers. I am not really sure of the model of this K-F for this reason and though I have consulted with those more familiar with these models than I am, it is still a bit of a mystery. As far as we can tell, there were only about 2000 of these Kaisers made with the flashier Frazer interior. Note the Frazer emblem as the center of the steering wheel. The ivory steering wheel and the gleam of the chrome-studded dash require that you wear sunglasses on a sunny day even when sitting in the car. This car still lives up to that description too. Quite extraordinarily preserved, the dash and steering wheel needed little, while the seats, carpet and headliner have all been replaced. All the matching chrome and ivory appointments still remain intact, giving this car an unusual appeal well beyond the rather mundane external appearance. There is nothing mundane, however, about this Kaiser Grille and front bumper with the four vertical bumpers, leading a both vertically and horizontally-patterned grille. As if this were not enough, the characteristic bulbous nose of the hood is topped by a pit viper hood ornament. Today's auto aficionados will think of a Shelby Cobra before considering a Kaiser when presented with this ornament, and the in-line 6 engine certainly is not a forerunner to the GT 428cid engine, but you have to give this Kaiser-Frazer credit for its conceit. The Kaiser/Frazer club offers this explanation: "There were several aftermarket hood ornaments offered for Kaiser-Frazer owners. One popular one had a big buffalo at the front of it and another set had a big K or F at the front. There was another that looked like a torpedo shape and others too. None were offered by K-F for the 1947 or '48 cars. After looking at the picture on the web site that appears to be a 1949 Frazer Accessory hood ornament. They were very popular when they came out and many owners put them on their earlier cars." We would love to hear your comments too. Everything works in this fine Kaiser. The in-line 6 engine flathead has been rebuilt and runs cool with excellent compression. It also stops well with rebuilt brakes. The paint has been retouched and is still a little thin in places, but is generally quite nice. There is no rust and no bondo in this car. Anyone who can shed light on the exact model of this car is welcomed to share what they know that we can pass on to its new owner. Please contact Tom at 803-370-6354 or email Wheels@TheMotorClub21.com for many more photos and details. The car is available for inspection by appointment in Stanley, NC (just about 20 minutes west of Charlotte, NC)