1951 Frazer Manhattan 4-Door Hardtop
2021.0033.0003, Generously donated by an anonymous donor
Engine: 226 cu. in. (3.7L) Cast-iron block, L-6
Output: 110 HP @ 3,600 RPM
Transmission: Automatic
Wheelbase: 123 in.
Overall Length: 211 in.
Weight: 3.771 lbs.
Top Speed: 80 MPH
No. Produced: 152
Original Price: $3,078
Manufacturer: Kaiser-Frazer
The Frazer Manhattan is associated with post-war America’s optimism and desire for luxury. As the nation transitioned to a peacetime economy, automobile manufacturers began to dream big. Up front, the Manhattan’s distinctive chrome grille captured viewers’ attention. The body has sleek, aerodynamic lines, and consumers who wish to stand out could choose from two-tone finishes highlighting the car’s curvy contours.
The Manhattan didn’t just transport people; it carried them surrounded by a sumptuous interior of top-tier fabrics and finishes. Due to its low production numbers and a scarce population of survivors, this beautifully restored Frazer Manhattan is a rare example of a style unique to Frazer. During its short life, Kaiser-Frazer was the world’s fourth-largest auto manufacturer. The Frazer brand, however, began entering the annals of companies that faded into obscurity. By the end of 1951, the Frazer name was gone.