To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Santa Monica event, June 25-26, 2016.

Chassis No.
F516B001050

Estimate:
$ 60,000 - $ 80,000 US

For what would turn out to be its final year, the Frazer was given a complete restyle not shared with its sister Kaiser, which ultimately made the 1951 Frazer a rare model when new. For the 1951 model year, Frazer offered four different models. In the Standard line, there was a four-door sedan and a four-door utility sedan, more commonly known as the Vagabond. All Frazers were essentially hand-built at Kaiser-Frazer’s Willow Run facility, which was necessitated by the fitting of either the unusual and stylish four-door hardtop roof or the four-door convertible styling. Interiors were draped in leather that was befitting of a luxury automobile of this status. Hydraulically-operated power windows and convertible top were included as standards, and most cars, including this example, were optioned with GM’s Hydra-Matic transmission.

In the best traditions of American and European coachbuilding techniques of the period; the new Frazer was styled and tailored to the individual and discerning tastes of each prospective owner. It was hoped that it would “express completely all that the word ‘custom’ implies.” The handcrafted 1951 Frazer Manhattan satisfied your every desire to travel in a first-class period fashion.

With only 230 miles since restoration and mechanical freshening; this model F51 Frazer Manhattan Convertible is driven by a 226.2-cid, 115-hp inline six-cylinder engine with the previously mentioned automatic transmission and is presented in Garden Green, complemented by a rich saddle-toned leather interior with matching top boot. The interior features green carpets, dashboard and green vinyl door panels. The interior is fitted with nicely detailed accents that can be found in the style of the windwing releases, handles, horn ring, instrumentation, seatback handrails, ashtray, radio and speaker surround. Additionally, the Manhattan also has a heater, "charging knight" hood ornament, dual KF spotlights, amber KF foglights, AM radio, guards on both bumpers, color-keyed wheels, factory wheel covers and whitewall tires. The Frazer brochure used a car presented in these colors to best illustrate their own preferred vision for the model.

When postwar convertible sedan offerings are considered, most enthusiasts would think of the 1961 Lincoln Continental. In reality, the Frazer four-door convertibles were the first of this type to be built and sold after World War II.

Combined Frazer total production was just 9,931 cars in 1951; this included 6,900 Standard sedans and 3,000 Vagabonds. In the more upscale Manhattan trim line, there were also only two distinct models offered: a four-door hardtop sedan, of which just 152 were built, and this very rare four-door convertible model that had a production run of a scant 131 units; the surviving number is surely fewer. Back in 1951 this "flagship" retailed for a pricey $3,075, so it’s no wonder that so few were produced.
1951 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Sedan