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7 - 1952 – Kaiser-Frazer Henry J Corsair
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Estimate €30,000 - €50,000
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Description
1952 – Kaiser-Frazer Henry J Corsair A tribute to moderation in the triumphant America of the 1950s French registration document Chassis no. 12000487 Engine No. 6L161-3044764 - An alternative to the large American saloons and a rare example assembled in Israel - The most advanced Corsair version, featuring the most powerful 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine - Acquired at auction by its current owner in the mid-1990s - Recently fully restored following a very long period of inactivity - Beautiful midnight blue metallic paintwork with grey upholstery featuring blue piping and blue carpet - The car is in very attractive condition, with 86,500 km on the odometer and ready to drive View the full catalogue for the ‘Rétromania’ auction, which includes this lot, on the Collector Cars Auction (CCA) website. The file and additional photos for each vehicle are available via the following Drive link (upon request for access): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aluJ7ZZJvUKBib-4eJDbaGH6vxu5ePC4 Unveiled in 1950, the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J occupies a unique place in post-war American motoring history. Designed under the leadership of Henry J. Kaiser, it was the realisation of a clear ambition: to offer a compact, economical and reliable car in a market still largely dominated by large American saloons. Its design prioritised simplicity and robustness. It was based on a steel-spine chassis with a bolted-on body, featuring a wheelbase of 100 inches (2.54 m) and a kerb weight of just under one tonne. The independent front suspension with coil springs and the rigid rear axle suspended by leaf springs offered a balance between comfort, reliability and ease of maintenance. Braking is provided by four hydraulic drum brakes, whilst power is transmitted via a three-speed manual gearbox, supplemented in some versions by a Borg-Warner overdrive. For its engine, Kaiser-Frazer partnered with Willys-Overland, a manufacturer renowned for its robust engines, derived in particular from its experience in military and commercial vehicles. Two engines were available: the 2.2-litre ‘Hurricane’ four-cylinder and the 2.6-litre ‘Lightning’ inline six-cylinder. The latter, known as the Willys 161 in the American nomenclature, was a side-valve six-cylinder engine producing around 80 SAE horsepower. Its simple design, generous torque and long service life made it the engine of choice for the best-equipped versions. For the 1952 model year, Kaiser-Frazer continued to develop the Henry J, introducing two successive variants: the Henry J Vagabond, followed by the Henry J Corsair, which represented the culmination of this line before production was gradually phased out in 1954. The Henry J Vagabond was a transitional model that retained the original styling of the Henry J, with its narrow grille and understated lines, whilst benefiting from improvements in finish and equipment. The Henry J Corsair featured a modernised front end characterised by a chrome grille spanning the full width of the vehicle, as well as a more upmarket finish. The six-cylinder versions offered the best balance of driving pleasure, reliability and performance within the range. The history of the Henry J takes on a special significance with its assembly in Israel. Under the leadership of entrepreneur Ephraim Ilin, a factory was established in Haifa to assemble several Kaiser-Frazer models using components imported from the United States. Produced in small batches, these cars were fitted with specific manufacturer’s plates and a numbering system unique to the Israeli production run. Today, the Henry Js assembled in Israel are among the rarest variants of the Kaiser-Frazer range. They combine the appeal of an unusual American compact car from the 1950s with a unique historical record of the early days of the Israeli motor industry. The Kaiser-Frazer Henry J offered for sale is a 524-4 version, that is to say a Corsair with a six-cylinder engine. It is one of 8,764 examples produced, according to available data. It is also one of the even rarer examples assembled in Israel, as indicated by the manufacturer’s plate still fitted to the car. According to its current owner, this car was purchased at an auction in Bergerac some thirty years ago. At that time, it had been out of use for nearly twenty years. A registration plate still attached to the dashboard indicates that it previously belonged to an engineer living in Fougères. Following this purchase, the owner undertook a complete and meticulous restoration, faithful to the original specification. The mechanical components were fully refurbished, whilst the bodywork was repainted, the chrome fittings were restored and the upholstery redone. Keen to preserve the car’s authenticity, he notably retained its 6-volt electrical system, in keeping with its original configuration. The work spanned many years and was completed around six years ago. Since then, this Henry J, which has 86,450 km on the clock, has covered only a small number of kilometres. It is therefore in a very fine condition today. Its midnight blue metallic paintwork, combined with an interior upholstered in light grey chequered fabric accented with blue piping and complemented by a midnight blue carpet matching the bodywork, particularly highlights the numerous chrome fittings characteristic of American cars from the early 1950s. Mechanically, its performance is equally impressive. The 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine, derived from the robust Willys ‘Lightning’ block and listed on its identification plate as the ‘Kaiser Supersonic’, proves to be smooth, quiet and a pleasure to drive, whilst the car offers a serene and fluid driving experience. The up-to-date roadworthiness certificate is virtually pristine, reflecting the care taken in its restoration and maintenance. It is therefore a classic car ready for immediate use. A rare sight, particularly on European roads, and even more so in France, this Kaiser-Frazer Henry J – the brand’s most iconic model, in its most advanced ‘Corsair’ version and its most enjoyable six-cylinder variant – is a prime find for any discerning collector. Original, charming, easy to drive and ready to hit the road, it represents a rare opportunity for collectors keen to acquire an unusual American car that bears witness to the industrial history of Kaiser-Frazer and the automotive industry of the 1950s.
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About the sale Retromania
Auction location
Auction time 08/30/2026 at 3:00 PM
Lot description modified on 08/17/2026 at 10:30 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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