1951 Frazer Manhattan
American automotive history took a unique turn when Kaiser-Frazer introduced the first postwar four-door convertible sedan, predating the famous 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible by a full decade.
Only 131 examples of the Manhattan convertible were produced in 1951, making it extraordinarily rare even when new. The $3,075 price tag (a premium for the era) contributed to the limited production numbers.
Each Frazer was essentially hand-built at the Willow Run facility, with a complete restyle not shared with its Kaiser sibling. The convertible featured a hydraulically operated soft top and power windows as standard equipment, both unusual luxury features for the period.
Garden Green paint was a popular factory choice, often paired with saddle leather interiors, matching carpets, and vinyl door panels.
Power came from a 226-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower, paired with GM’s Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The Manhattan included premium appointments such as dual spotlights, fog lights, and a distinctive “charging knight” hood ornament.
With total Frazer production for 1951 reaching only 9,931 units across all models, the Manhattan convertible stands as one of the rarest American automobiles of the early 1950s.
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