1951 Kaiser Frazer Henry J, 513 Series
On loan from: Lester Becker, Exeter, NE
Original cost: $1,219.00
Number made: 37,363 (1951)
Engine, etc.: 68 hp; 134.2 cu. in.; 4-cyl.; 3- speed manual transmission; 100 in. wheelbase; 2,293 lbs.
This car was named for company president Henry J. Kaiser and was his attempt to mass produce an affordable car for the people. It was introduced in early 1950 as America’s second postwar compact car and helped stabilize the Kaiser-Frazer company’s shaky finances for a short time.
The Henry J Standard was intended for the bottom end of the market. The company also produced the Henry J DeLuxe which was very similar except for engine size. The DeLuxe, 514 Series, had a 161 cu. in. engine with 6 cylinders.
What the car sacrificed in engine power was made up for in fuel economy – 35 mpg when driven conservatively. The engine was underpowered but reliable.
The Henry J had very few options. There was no trunk lid but the back seat folded down to reveal an extra 51 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Henry J was a highly functional small sedan but was considered an “ugly” vehicle. Dutch Darrin, a designer, originally proposed something impressive like his 1951 Kaiser and removed eighteen inches from a 1951 Kaiser club coupe for a proposed design. Management instead chose the ungainly 1951 – 54 styling from a Kaiser-Frazer supplier.
Kaiser borrowed $69 million from the Reconstruction Finance Corp. in 1949 to fulfill his promise of a new car that American could afford. About $12 million of the loan was for development of the new compact which promised sturdiness and low operating cost. Unfortunately, it was only slightly less expensive than a full-size Ford or Chevy.
Great plans were made for production of a convertible and hardtop coupe based on the two-door style. The plans never reached the assembly line. The market was satisfied with the car and sales peaked at 80,000 in 1951. By 1954, however, sales had plummeted to 1,123 and the model was dropped.
The car was often modified for drag racers.
Sources: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z16297/Kaiser-Frazer-Henry-J.aspx
http://www.howstuffworks.com/1951-henry-j-standard.htm
http://www.classiccardatabase.com/specs.php?series=4867&year=1951&model=26962
http://uniquecarsandparts.com/lost_marques_kaiser.htm (Company history)
See also: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Kaiser-Frazer/1951_Kaiser-Frazer/1951_Henry_J_Brochure/dirindex.html (Original dealer brochure)
