It is believed that approximately 29 Kaiser Deluxe convertibles were built, and of those, very few survive today. The Deluxe convertible offered here is the 12th example built and is possibly one of the finest of those remaining. Though its earliest history is unknown, this car was a part of the Harrah’s automobile collection when it was sold to its previous owner in the 1980s. Soon thereafter, it underwent a complete frame-off restoration. At that time, it was also repainted in its original color of Caribbean Coral, as noted by the chrome fender script.
The current owner, Mr. Randy Rutherford, purchased this rare convertible in 2002. Though the car remained in good condition, he noted that there were still a number of details that needed to be corrected. As a past president and former chief judge of the Kaiser Frazer Owners Club, as well as an AACA judge, Mr. Rutherford embarked on making this one of the finest ’49 Deluxe convertibles. The Kaiser was mechanically and cosmetically refreshed, including refinishing the stainless trim as well as replacing the carpet and steering wheel with correct examples.
After finishing the car in April 2003, it went on to win a number of awards, including an AACA First Junior, a First Senior, a Grand National in 2004, and a Senior Grand National in 2006. The Kaiser was also given the AACA National Award in the Discontinued Automobile category, as well as numerous Kaiser Club Gold Awards and Peoples and Judges Choice Awards. Finally, the car was displayed at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, New York, from 2009 to 2011.
Properly maintained and under expert care, the owner notes that while this 1949 Kaiser convertible is extremely rare to begin with, it is also one of the finest examples of the few that remain. With numerous awards under its belt, it is sure to bring home many more.
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