Henry J. Kaiser was a visionary businessman. From the largest dam (Hoover) to the biggest shipyard (Richmond), he could build it faster and better. Right after WWII, he started fulfilling his lifelong dream to manufacture quality automobiles. For the better part of a decade, hundreds of thousands of cars proudly wore the Kaiser nameplate, and the Kaiser-Jeep company existed until 1970, three years after Henry J.'s passing.

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One of Kaiser's most innovative models--apart from the fiberglass-bodied Kaiser-Darrin sports car--was the 1951 Traveler, predecessor of today's hatchbacks and SUVs. Near the end of Kaiser production, a few Specials were made, among them this 1954 Personal Luxury Pickup.

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Based on the ultimate Kaiser passenger car design with its Buick XP-300 dream car-derived front end, "Darrin-dip" windshield, plus Safety-Glo taillights and featuring the Traveler's unique hinged tailgate, combined with an El Camino-style pickup bed (a full five years before the Chevrolet debuted in 1959), this Special represents the ultimate find for the collector of American orphan makes.

The amazing Kaiser featured here, VIN *013108*, was built late in 1953 at the Willow Run plant outside Detroit, at the time the largest building in the world under one roof. Only 3,500 "early" Specials were made, among them just 500 2-door models. This lone Pickup is the most special among the Specials.

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This fine automobile has been thoroughly restored as needed, while still carefully preserving its originality wherever possible. BARRIS KUSTOM Coachbuilder's badge on the right-hand B-pillar lends an additional touch of class.
We'll now have a closer look at this unique 1950s' Special; you're invited to come along.

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In the early 1950s, Kaiser's in-house styling studio--employing a designated "color engineer"--had to compete for the boss's attention with independent designer Dutch Darrin. The result: Kaiser automobiles featured some of the most interesting styling, colors, and upholstery materials in the industry. Every year, models bearing fresh and exciting nameplates were released: the Emerald Dragon, Jade Dragon, Manhattan, Virginian, and Carolina.

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Special's exterior presents itself in breathtaking condition throughout. The Pale Yellow paint is smooth and very glossy, without any noteworthy imperfections. There are no dings, dents, bubbles, or scrapes anywhere. Plentiful brightwork--befitting a true American Fifties cruiser, there's lots of it--looks equally stunning. There are no pits or dings, just gleaming chrome, the result of a "cost is no object" restoration.

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Brilliant Kelsey-Hayes chrome spoke wheels--a very expensive option at the time--sport center caps proudly featuring the Kaiser emblem. Cushion Ride tires of the correct dimension G78-15 feature extra wide white walls.

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Occupying a toothbrush clean engine compartment is Kaiser's ubiquitous Continental 226 cu.in. L-head Supersonic Six, the only engine at the company's disposal during its 10-year production run. In its last iteration, it produced 118 horses, enough to lend the light Special--it weighs only around 3,000 lbs.--easy freeway capability. The engine is coupled to a Dual-Range Hydramatic transmission with column-mounted shift selector, outsourced from GM.
We've just installed a brand new 6Volt battery and flushed the fuel system.

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Emerald Green Dragon-style interior features the original, very scarce Tropical Vinyl option on the dash, with a bamboo-like pattern. Check out the enormous ivory steering wheel. Throughout the uncut dash, everything looks stock and original, even the (silent) AM radio.

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Interesting details:

• Cyclops eye instrument cluster. Apart from the gas gauge, all lights and instruments work.
• Dual-Range Hdra-Matic shifter bezel.
• Unique "Kaiser Imperium" horn button: the family built dams, factories, ships, and automobiles!

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Comfortable interior looks to be in an excellent state of preservation, including the original door panels. Bench easily seats three adults and has been re-upholstered in LeBaron Bonney-style green mohair. There's plenty of storage space behind the seat.

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Close-ups of door panel and headliner. Note the material's unique grain, a Kaiser hallmark.

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Out back: huge Safety-Glo taillights, essentially 1953 units with additional, finned housings featuring a lighted strip running forward atop the rear fenders.

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From the rear, the Kaiser pickup possesses a very balanced, harmonious look.

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Bright white tonneau cover matches the vinyl top's pattern, contains embossed "K" insignia as per original.

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Yep, this Kaiser Special is a Woodie! Pickup bed was completely covered with pinstriped wood veneer; for heavy duty work, sturdy black rubber mats are included as well. Tailgate is a factory item from the DeLuxe Traveler.

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As clean as the remainder of the car, the undercarriage looks spotless. Note new fuel line and filter. There are no fluid leaks!

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Satisfied as to the fine cosmetic and structural condition of the rare pickup, we're ready to embark on a test drive. Are you coming along?

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Sunday, September 2nd, 2007, turned out to be yet another warm and sunny day here in San Buenaventura. We were looking forward to examine the Kaiser's road manners during a cruise down to our favorite breakfast spot in Malibu.

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The 53 year-old car starts right away, idles smoothly, sounds mellow, shifts positively, and brakes securely. It does not display any ill manners, such as overheating. Wherever we parked, we had to answer the universal question coming from excited passers-by: "What is it?"

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Returning home, we are very satisfied with the Kaiser's performance. It is an ultra-rare classic automobile that can actually be enjoyed on the road. Yes, it certainly is ready to be entered in a car show, but it also can be used as its creator intended.

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Reputed to be the flower car at Henry J. Kaiser's funeral at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, Calif., in August, 1967, this unique Special Pickup is a lasting testament to Kaiser's innovative spirit. Everybody has heard of Kaiser Permanente, the nation's first HMO, established at Kaiser's steel plant in Fontana: the great man had quite a few ideas that helped shape post-war America. The unique Kaiser Special was but one!

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Here's a unique opportunity to own a singularly important vehicle. Add it to your collection, put it in your driveway, show it with pride; you will never encounter another one. What could be more special than a one-off Kaiser Special? As such, this vehicle's appreciation potential is virtually unlimited. We wouldn't be surprised to see it crossing the block at Barrett-Jackson in the near future, fetching a six-digit amount, and deservedly so.