Kaiser Darrin
The Kaiser Darrin is an exceptionally rare American sports car, notable as one of the first to feature a fiberglass body. It's prized by collectors for its unique sliding pocket doors and a single production run of just 435 cars in 1954.
Find one with Spotter →Typical sold price of a Kaiser Darrin ranges from $2,021 to $176,000, based on 175 sales tracked on Hypercars. 10 currently for sale.
The Kaiser Darrin was a bold attempt by an independent American automaker to capture the burgeoning post-war sports car market. Based on the Henry J platform, its fiberglass body was designed by Howard "Dutch" Darrin and featured unique sliding "pocket" doors. Only 435 were produced in 1954 before Kaiser-Frazer's automotive operations ceased, making it exceptionally rare.
Collectors prize the Darrin for its unique styling and extreme rarity. As one of America's first fiberglass sports cars, it holds a special place in automotive history. Its distinctive grille, which Darrin famously said looked like it wanted to 'kiss you,' and the novel door mechanism make it a guaranteed standout at any show.
The market for the Darrin is specialized and driven by condition. With an average sale price over $80,000, these aren't casual purchases. The best examples command six-figure prices, while cars needing work trade for significantly less. It's a blue-chip collectible for enthusiasts of rare American automobiles.
Buying Tips
- The sliding doors are the car's signature feature; ensure they operate smoothly and don't bind. The complex cable and pulley mechanism can be difficult to repair.
- Inspect the fiberglass body carefully for stress cracks, particularly around the door openings and wheel arches. Poorly executed past repairs can hide significant issues.
- Verify the originality of the 90 hp Willys F-head inline-6 engine and its components. While parts are available, a numbers-matching car carries a premium.
- Check for the correct 3-position Landau top and its mechanism, as these are very difficult to source. The same applies to unique trim pieces and interior hardware.
Prices range from $36,000 for project cars to $136,000 for top-tier examples.
175 Kaiser Darrin vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 10 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $220,000.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Kaiser Darrin cost?
Based on 175 sales tracked on Hypercars, Kaiser Darrin prices typically range from $2,021 to $176,000. There are 10 currently for sale.
How many Kaiser Darrin listings are for sale right now?
There are 10 Kaiser Darrin listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.