2024.01.25
'From the Maine Classic Car Museum Collection'
1951 Kaiser Deluxe Jade Dragon
Sold for
US$39,200
inc. premium
Chassis no. K512053525
o 226.2ci L-head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
o Single Downdraft Carter Carburetor
o 115bhp at 3,650rpm
o 4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
o Front Independent A-Arm Suspension, Rear Live Axle
o 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A fine example of Kaiser's Dragon series sedans
*Believed to have 11,000 original miles
*Flamboyant "Dragon Skin" interior trim
*Styled by the great Howard "Dutch" Darrin
THE KAISER JADE DRAGON
For 1951, Kaiser debuted a completely redesigned lineup, featuring low-slung body styling by longtime affiliate Howard Dutch Darrin, which he billed as "anatomic design." The new Kaisers were attractive, with a quirky character that reflected the company's staunch independence. Lacking the budget of the Big Three, Kaiser made clever use of trim packages to differentiate the upmarket Deluxe from the entry-level Special. At the top of the line was the Dragon Series – a range of color and trim options all featuring unique heavy grain vinyl trim resembling expensive alligator leather. To avoid confusion and assure Kaiser's more budget-minded buyers, the marketing department took a tongue-in-cheek approach, advertising it as "Dragon Skin." There were various Kaiser Dragons based on color combinations – Jade Dragon, Golden Dragon, Silver Dragon, and so forth. All were based on the Deluxe series and featured Hydra-Matic transmissions and other premium options.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 1951 Jade Dragon offered here is remarkably well-preserved, showing just over 11,000 miles which is believed to be accurate. It is an early first series car, recognizable by its painted green roof, as opposed to the Dragon Skin-clad padded roof of later series. The two-tone green livery and fabulous Dragon Skin upholstery are pure 1950s gimmickry, and truly delightful. Options on this car include a Hydra-Matic transmission, oil-bath air cleaner, heater/defroster, pushbutton AM radio, and electric clock. The Kaiser Dragon is pure mid-century Americana, and this wonderfully preserved example is certain to turn heads.
- - -
Today we're back at Bonhams to see the auction.
- - -
It's Scottsdale Car Week! I flew here and Fred drove with Harriet for some warmer weather, friend visits, and cars!
2024.01.25
'From the Maine Classic Car Museum Collection'
1951 Kaiser Deluxe Jade Dragon
Sold for
US$39,200
inc. premium
Chassis no. K512053525
o 226.2ci L-head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
o Single Downdraft Carter Carburetor
o 115bhp at 3,650rpm
o 4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
o Front Independent A-Arm Suspension, Rear Live Axle
o 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*A fine example of Kaiser's Dragon series sedans
*Believed to have 11,000 original miles
*Flamboyant "Dragon Skin" interior trim
*Styled by the great Howard "Dutch" Darrin
THE KAISER JADE DRAGON
For 1951, Kaiser debuted a completely redesigned lineup, featuring low-slung body styling by longtime affiliate Howard Dutch Darrin, which he billed as "anatomic design." The new Kaisers were attractive, with a quirky character that reflected the company's staunch independence. Lacking the budget of the Big Three, Kaiser made clever use of trim packages to differentiate the upmarket Deluxe from the entry-level Special. At the top of the line was the Dragon Series – a range of color and trim options all featuring unique heavy grain vinyl trim resembling expensive alligator leather. To avoid confusion and assure Kaiser's more budget-minded buyers, the marketing department took a tongue-in-cheek approach, advertising it as "Dragon Skin." There were various Kaiser Dragons based on color combinations – Jade Dragon, Golden Dragon, Silver Dragon, and so forth. All were based on the Deluxe series and featured Hydra-Matic transmissions and other premium options.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 1951 Jade Dragon offered here is remarkably well-preserved, showing just over 11,000 miles which is believed to be accurate. It is an early first series car, recognizable by its painted green roof, as opposed to the Dragon Skin-clad padded roof of later series. The two-tone green livery and fabulous Dragon Skin upholstery are pure 1950s gimmickry, and truly delightful. Options on this car include a Hydra-Matic transmission, oil-bath air cleaner, heater/defroster, pushbutton AM radio, and electric clock. The Kaiser Dragon is pure mid-century Americana, and this wonderfully preserved example is certain to turn heads.
- - -
Today we're back at Bonhams to see the auction.
- - -
It's Scottsdale Car Week! I flew here and Fred drove with Harriet for some warmer weather, friend visits, and cars!