Chassis No. 161001020

Engine No. 6P48059

Body No. 161-1020

The Kaiser-Darrin was a fiberglass roadster designed by Howard "Dutch" Darrin, known for his distinctive styling, including the signature "Darrin dip" behind the front doors and a tapered nose with a small grille. The doors, which slid in and out of the fenders instead of swinging outward, were both a safety feature and a hallmark of Darrin's design. Built on the platform of the Kaiser-Frazer Henry J compact, the car was initially created without Henry J. Kaiser's approval. However, after his wife praised the prototype's beauty, the car went into production as a "halo" model, featuring an F-head six-cylinder engine. Only 435 units were made in a single production year.

As just the 20th example to be completed, this early production 161 Roadster holds particular interest to collectors. Previous research suggests that this car benefits from over $200,000 worth of restorative work performed under prior ownership. This comprehensive body-off restoration brought the car back to near-new condition. As one of the first 50 examples produced, it is correctly finished in Champagne White (153) over a Red vinyl (7200) interior. The three-position soft top was restored with a matching Red finish. Additionally, the wheels were correctly refinished and feature hubcaps complemented by BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires.

Acquired by The Academy of Art University Collection in 2011, this early-production Kaiser-Darrin 161 Roadster is accompanied by a restoration portfolio and a collection of memorabilia which includes original black-and-white and color sales brochures, a period magazine article, and a 2005 USPS commemorative stamp. Today, this unique car offers a wonderful opportunity to obtain this rarely seen American sports car.