Kaiser Henry J (1951-1954)
Article by Mark Trotta
Established in 1945, Kaiser-Frazer was a joint business venture between Henry J. Kaiser and Joseph W. Frazer. Their full-size passenger car models included the Custom, Deluxe, and Manhattan sedans, and a unique four-door hatchback sedan called the Traveler. Kaiser wanted to add an inexpensive, affordable small car to the line-up.
To keep production costs down, the Henry J was subject to many cost-saving measures. These included fixed rear passenger windows, no glove compartment or armrests, and no passenger-side inside sun visor. Other cost-cutting steps included substituting amp and oil gauges with warning lights. And although featured on most cars of the day, there was no flow-through ventilation.
The Henry J had no rear deck lid, the rear seat folded forward for trunk access.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Further production costs were saved by using an existing 4-cylinder motor, straight out of the Willys Jeep. The 134ci flathead was rated at 68 horsepower.
An optional flathead six, also a Willys engine, displaced 161 cubic-inches and produced 80 horsepower. All cars were fitted with a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
Production began in 1950 for the 1951 model year. Six-cylinder models started production in July 1950, with four-cylinder engine production starting several months later.
Riding on a short 100-inch wheelbase, the Henry J was available as a two-door sedan only. Weight was approximately 2300 lbs.
**************************
1951 Henry J
Presented for sale in September 1950, the 1951 Henry J was priced at $1300, which was lower than other cars in it's category. This was part of an agreement from a government loan that helped finance the little car's development.
Joseph Frazer left Kaiser-Frazer in 1951. Cars continued to be sold as Kaisers.
**************************
1952 Henry J
In 1952, there was new styling and improved workmanship, as well as slightly higher pricing. The front end featured a full-width grille, with rear tail lamps incorporated into the fender fins.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
The 1952 Henry J was available as the Corsair (4-cylinder) and Corsair Deluxe (6-cylinder) model. A new model called the Vagabond featured a Continental spare tire kit and upgraded interior.
**************************
Sears Allstate Henry J
Also in 1952, Kaiser began selling re-badged Henry J's through Sears-Roebuck department stores, under the nameplate of Allstate. These were targeted to sell mostly in the southern United States.
Allstates were nearly identical to Kaiser-Frazier Henry J's. Slight differences included a unique grille, hood ornament, hubcaps, identification badges and interior trim. The cars came equipped with Allstate products (tires, belts, battery, etc.) and featured a three-year warranty.
**************************
1953 Henry J
Fewer than 17,000 Henry J's were sold in 1953, and after two years of lower than expected sales, Sears dropped the car. The company decided to discontinue the car at the end of the 1953 model year.
**************************
1954 Henry J
In an effort to sell off remaining vehicles, 1954 Henry J's were merely leftover 1953 models. The only distinction from the 1953 version is the "54" prefix in the serial number.
**************************
Henry J Production
First year models were most successful - sales peaked at 80,000. Each successive year brought lower sales, and by 1954, sales had fallen to 1,123.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Instead of being viewed as an affordable economy car, the Henry J was perceived by many to be a "poor man's car". This perception hurt sales and effectively lowered the car's value before it ever left the showroom floor.
In all, a total of 131,702 Henry J's were produced.
**************************
Japanese Henry J
In an automotive history footnote, the Henry J was the first car produced in Japan after World War Two. Through a licensing deal with East Japan Heavy-Industries, part of the Mitsubishi group, the Henry J was produced in Japan from 1951 to 1954. This marketing strategy was based on the belief that American GI's stationed in the area would take an interest in the little car.
**************************
Related Articles: