West Coast Classics are proud to present this meticulously restored 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 in the rare factory 'Onyx Black' color paint finish with a special-order maroon interior (Trim Code 888) and must surely be one of the very finest highest quality examples available anywhere of the 435 units produced and reportedly the only factory Black Darrin built!
Designed with sliding pocket doors and a fiberglass body, this Concours-condition vehicle is considered a very rare, high-end collector's item amongst classic car enthusiasts worldwide.This is a stunning example of one of the most avant-garde American cars ever made. The Kaiser Darrin is a true "disruptor" from the 1950snot only did it beat the Corvette to the punch as the first production fiberglass sports car, but its sliding pocket doors remain one of the most unique engineering feats in automotive history. Finding one in 'Onyx Black' with the Trim Code 888 maroon interior is incredibly rare, as most were finished in lighter pastel shades like Champagne or Yellow. The fact that it includes the original Owner Identification Card and Service Policy suggests a provenance that is just as meticulous as the restoration itself.
Since this car was powered by the Willys 161 cubic-inch engine, it was designed more as a stylish grand tourer than a raw muscle car. However, its lightweight fiberglass body gave it a nimbleness that most heavy steel cars of 1954 couldn't match.
Unique Features: Beyond the doors, it featured a three-position "Landau" top and was powered by a Willys 161 cubic-inch F-head six-cylinder engine
Beating the Corvette to the Punch: Although production began in late 1953 for the 1954 model year, the Kaiser Darrin prototype actually debuted in September 1952beating the Chevrolet Corvette's public reveal by several months.
The "Pouty" Grille: The distinctive shell-shaped radiator grille was another Darrin hallmark, often described as looking like a "rosebud" or "pouting" mouth, which added to its European-inspired elegance.
Performance Under the Hood: It was powered by a 161-cubic-inch Willys Hurricane F-head six-cylinder engine. While not a powerhouse by today's standards, its lightweight fiberglass body made it quite nimble for its time.
A Rare Second Life: After Kaiser stopped production, Dutch Darrin actually bought back roughly 50 of the remaining unfinished cars. He retrofitted many of them with Cadillac V8 engines transforming them into genuine high-performance sports cars.
