1951 Kaiser Henry J Coupe
Henry J. Kaiser was an interesting figure. In 1940, he spearheaded aid to residents of Germany who lived under an oppressive regime. He built cargo ships during the war in Richmond, California and did so in record time. In 1942, he established Kaiser Permanente, a pre-paid hospital financing plan and opened the Kaiser Richmond Field Hospital. In 1945, along with Joseph Frazer, he started the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation to build cars and the Henry J went into production five years later. There's more to his story, but we'll run out of room.
For consignment, a 1951 Kaiser Henry J, showing 31,723 miles which are not actual. Built in the late 80's and early 90's, this iteration harbors a 440ci V8 under the hood and benefits from front disc brakes, air conditioning, and a Hurst shifter. Henry J's were not huge sellers in 1951 and were later rebadged as Allstates and sold by Sears Roebuck.
Exterior
This is not your grandfather's Henry J and is dressed in a wild coat of Bright Red and blue and yellow graphic stripes along the rocker panel and tastefully contouring along the subtle rise of the rear panel. The next thing that gets your attention are those deep dish 15-inch Weld DragLite wheels in back, tucked under and somehow fitting behind the quarter panel, while the wheel opening in front fully exposes the wheels there. In profile, the shape is absolutely unique with a surging front end leaning sharply forward, and an upturned tail with fin-like protrusions. But it's the front that may spark the most conversation with high, wide set headlights and a pursed lip-like grille that lacks a grille and is therefore thrust into prominence with nothing under it to balance the visual. There are Henry J metal name plates and some elaborate pinstriping in back along with a pair of bullet-like tail lights. Paint and metal are good with imperfections noted as some bubbling down low, some touched up chips, and some that haven't been touched up. Panel gaps are overall good and a touch less than perfect in others.
Interior
We leave 1951 temporarily and find a redone interior with Camel and Maroon leather that begins on the door panels that also sport external electric window units and original appearing door handle. Tuck and roll maroon inserts fill the bucket seats which are framed in camel leather, and the back bench with separate upper copy the pattern, all in good shape. A more modern Chrysler branded steering wheel that tilts and telescopes fronts an instrument cluster that is of similar vintage, with square speedometer in black plastic housing. An Allstate emblem adorns the black glovebox and the rest of the dash is color keyed to the exterior and within that red is an AM/FM/Cassette radio. On the center hump, a Hurst shifter arises from a simple box over tan loop carpet in nice condition. Above, the tan headliner appears to be perfect.
Drivetrain
The hood opens and takes some of the grille with it and reveals a 440ci V8 under the hood with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and an Edelbrock intake manifold. The bay is clean and even contains some chrome dress up components. Meanwhile, an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it and sends power to the Ford 9" rear with 3.55 gears. Power brakes are supplied and are front disc with rear drums. Headers are also onboard to begin the exhaust process.
Undercarriage
The star of the show is that narrowed rear end sporting 31x16.50R15 meats with a late 2021 date code, and tires this fat are what boyhood dreams are made of! Conditions are clean underneath with minimal surface rust and no errant fluids around. The dual exhaust leaves the headers to find Turbo mufflers, then head east and west to exit just before the rear tires, dressed in chrome tips. A tiny bit of surface rust under the passenger door but we don't detect any invasive rust. Suspension here includes coil springs up front and leaf springs with ladder bars out back.
Drive-Ability
Like a bulldog on wheels, the Henry J fired up with a raucous tone coming from the 440, and its short wheelbase makes for good handling, even with skinny, (205/75R15), tires up front. There's very good acceleration on tap and we're not entirely convinced wheelie bars would be unwarranted. The interior is comfortable, visibility is good, and the functions we test all operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
If you're looking for a 50's car that is unique, fast, and uncommon, this Henry J will satisfy the search. It's also compact compared to other cars of the era, so you won't need a warehouse or oversized garage in which to store it. The legacy of Henry J. Kaiser is represented by this car, even in modified form, and you'll not only have a fun and potent street rod, but the story of an interesting American who built it.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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