The Original Hatchback? 1950 Kaiser Traveler
In the ’70s, Japanese imports with hatchback body styles were all the rage. They possessed sporty styling but allowed for tremendous functionality. To its detriment, I can’t begin to recount what I hauled around under the hatch of my ’83 Toyota Celica. The domestics too, got into the act but before all of that, there was the 1950 Kaiser Traveler such as today’s find. I had completely forgotten about this model until stumbling upon this beautifully restored Royal Palm Beach, Florida resident. It’s for sale and available, here on craigslist for $27,500.
The hatchback arrangement, known as the Traveler on the Kaiser “Special” trim level and the Vagabond on the more upscale “Custom”, was a shortlived body style only offered in ’49 and ’50. As Kaiser sales material proclaimed, the Traveler and Vagabond were, “Cars of a thousand uses“. The interesting thing is that viewing either model from the rear, the hatchback lid is really not obvious – you need to look closely to see the shunt lines. Popular? I’d say so, Kaiser sold about 20K Travelers in 1950.
Today’s subject has undergone a meticulous restoration, inside, outside, and under the hood. Being a Traveler, the exterior is mostly trimless but still projects beautifully while decked out in a pale mint finish enhanced by a gleaming chrome grill and bumpers. Yes, it looks like 1950 but it’s the finest representative from 73 years ago that I’ve witnessed in a long time. The fact that this is a Kaiser – a fallen flag, just adds to its allure.
With the rear seat folded down, there is a nine-foot stretch of rear space that can be used for, well, whatever. On a late-night drive, you could actually pull over and grab 40 winks with some degree of comfort. As for the passenger compartment, what is actually revealed, is superb. The upholstery and door panels are finished in an exterior matching green vinyl material and it appears to have been expertly installed. The dash has been finished in a darker green hue and it contrasts perfectly with the period-correct chrome dash accouterments such as the center-positioned radio grille. The warning gauges look as if they have all been restored too – the entire environment is an exercise in excellence.
Under the hood is a 100 HP, 226 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine. Said to have 58K miles of experience, the seller tells us that the motor, “has an Edmunds head, dual. carburetors, Edmunds manifold system, and dual glass pack mufflers“. The original engine parts, along with a separate three-speed manual transmission, are included in the sale.
The seller claims that this Traveler is one of only eighteen still in existence – how that’s been tabulated, sources, etc., is not stated but regardless, I can’t imagine that there are many still rolling along, especially in this condition. This Kaiser’s hatchback design, as well integrated as it is, seems like a great idea, why do you think it didn’t catch on with other auto manufacturers?
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Comments
What a find, Jim, thank you as this is a first. Smart use of space and perfect for those how couldn’t afford a light truck and a family car too. There’s a lot of pride and love in this beauty being restored kept at its current condition. Wow.
Another interesting thing is that the left rear door has no access for a passenger as that is where the spare tire resides. I found one in the woods about 40 years ago and even then it was too rusty to restore.
Hi Jack, I’ll be darned, you’re right. You can see the spare behind the drivers seat. I never knew that, and Kaiser was a master at selling bare bones cars. This car has many gee-gaws added later, but things like sun visors, door arm rests, glove box, you could get a pretty basic car, and the amazing part, it was good enough!
The door was supposed to be welded shut, but most examples had their latch release mechanisms disabled instead.
I agree, great find, Jim. Well, as picture #3 shows, another “old man” selling his pride and joy. To many, this may appear to be just another frumpy old car, and in many respects, it is. After the war, for car makers, it was wide open. Interests changed drastically from before, and every car maker had a shot. I don’t think many thought Kaiser would have any chance, and they didn’t, but it didn’t stop them from coming up with some great ideas. Ideas that, at the time didn’t fly, but used later on. Kaiser was nothing special, used all the same parts as any other car, with the exception, Henry Kaiser, I read, treated his employees fairly, and insisted on a quality product, and it was.
The news has me( and many others, I’m sure) in a funky mood, but I just don’t see any attraction here for anyone under 60. The motor alone shows what this guy could do, but sadly, nobody will care. When I took our Packard to car shows in the 80s, these were the kind of cars in attendance. It was fun, we were all in the same gear. Not so today.
ISTM the bulk of antique car action is guys in their 40s and 50s who have a chance to get a car of their younger days they couldn-t afford then. Guys of the Traveler vintage are dying off or downsizing, and the hot cars now are hot cars from the 70s and 80s. Time marches on.
Thanks for reminding me why I quit attending them.
I have to agree with Howard A, interest in cars from this era is fading and more will be seen for sale in the coming years as the owners who loved them are dying off. It is a beautiful car and the restoration was outstanding, it really is stunning in and out. I’m sure the car will sell at some point, but I wonder if it will be sold for the ask.
Fully agree with you FordGuy…this classic is a real classic- one which no one now days knows what it is or cares about…there will be more like it, not as nice tho, as owners die off and the “kids” don’t want it…sad, but that the way it is…
If the kids don’t want it then that’s ok. Sure, they’ll drop it like a hot potato so they can buy an F150 that costs more than their mobile home; but there’s no doubt that whomever buys the old car will be an old car enthusiast.
Just Wow, i really wish i had a place to store this one. These are the kind of vehicles that need to be shown at car shows. The younger generation need to see more of them. I only live in the next town down and don’t remember seeing this one in any shows. I have the money, just not the space.
That’s gorgeous, nice find, Jim! They also made two-door versions for the “Two doors too many!” crowd. Or in this case, “One door too many” as the left rear door doesn’t open, as mentioned by JACKinNWPA.
https://barnfinds.com/the-first-hatchback-1951-kaiser-traveler/
https://barnfinds.com/1-367-1951-kaiser-deluxe-traveler-two-door/
Are we all sure that this is a Kaiser and not a Frazier? Clearly the 51 and on was a major body remodel to a much prettier look…at least IMO.
BTW, our 1951 Kaiser Traveler had 4 doors and the spare tire was in the trunk/hatch area either under a panel in the floor or in the fender (I’m pretty sure it was the former, but memory fails). We kids sat in the way back with the hatch up riding home from the swimming hole at the Croton River and I don’t recall a tire sitting with us.
They all had 4 doors, the left rear was just welded shut. Still had door handle so it looked the same from the outside. window didn’t roll down ’cause the spare was in the way.
Henry, our 4 door was a true 4 door, not welded shut. The yellow 51 Traveler that Scotty linked was a 2 door that does look like it was welded shut. Usually 2 door models of various manufacturers were designed as 2 door models and not just 4 door models with welded doors…at least as far as I am aware.
Eric, I’m way far from being an expert on any Kaiser, but especially 51-up. I’ve seen a couple of 51s but didn’t really pay attention to spare tire location. I DO know that on the standard 48-50 Kaisers and Frazers the spare tire was mounted vertically against the back of the back seat…would kinda defeat the idea of the wagon-wannabe. Don’t know where else they could have put the spare. The 49-50 shop and parts manuals don’t show spare anywhere else. Maybe yours was prototype or modified?
It’s a Kaiser. 1950 Frazers were trimmed differently, and there was no Frazer Vagabond until 1951. Even then, it only existed to use up leftover bodies from Kaiser-Frazer’s 1950 overproduction.
When the body was redesigned for 1951 the Traveler spare tire was moved to the rear of the car under a panel. From what I’ve read that resulted in the load floor not being flat.
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1951-1953-kaiser-traveler.htm
Thanks for that AMC Guy. In fact the floor was not entirely flat. As I recall, there was a hump for the rear axle that matched the seat back when it was down. From that hump back to the rear tailgate it was also flat but obviously lower, with the spare-tire panel (which had an indentation for the ring that was used to lift it to get at the tire). Yes, the license plate bracket folded down with the light fixture in the open position. I could see where some of the Travelers could be leak prone, but I don’t recall ours ever leaking. Interesting to read that the seat bottom on hinges and the back folding down was a Kaiser innovation. I would have thought that the ‘jump seat’ mechanism introduced decades earlier in limousines and taxis would have been a general inspiration. I know that our 55 Ford 4dr 6 seater wagon used that approach.
Our 1948 Traveler had the tire by the door, I always thought it was strange. We also had a 1951 Kaiser Virginian with a continental kit, it was such a cool car. We used to ride on the back tire tray as Dad put the car in the garage. The last was our 1953 Manhattan, which my Dad and I restore in 1969, when I was in High School. What GREAT cars the Kaisers were in their day.
Im going up to meet the gentleman today and put a deposit on it. The car’s staying in Florida, yay.
Good for you Wayne! Please let us know how it all turns out.
Thx,
JO
You must have made or found some space .I don’t blame you where their is will theres a way. Really neat car.I’m pushin 60 and I never saw one.It’ll be a cool car for shows or a putt around on a Sunday vehicle.Heck I’d use it to go grocery shopping
or pick up bags of compost for the garden at the local home depot .People will look at you like you’re driving a space ship. Enjoy.
Thanks Maggy
i feel like a little kid and im 70.
Gotta keep old school cars on the road.
This is terrific to hear. Gosh that is a beautiful example and as I am very happy you are taking this home if you can swing the deal.
I think I’ve seen this care Wayne. Went to the Kaiser-Frazer gathering in Knoxville a few years ago and took a bunch of pictures of it. What a great looking car! I took the pictures because that’s what I want mine to look like if I ever get through with it. Might need to hook up with you if you get it and take some more pictures. I’m in Florida too.
Hi Wayne, best of luck,,being the BFs wet blanket, always nice to hear someone stepping up to the plate on these neat cars, HOWEVER,,yep, wet blanket time, your name is “Wayne”, typically associated with an older person. I get that all the time with “Howard”. I guess I’d feel a bit better if a “Skylar” or “Briar” or “Cambell” was the buyer,,,my point, who will step up for these once the “Waynes” are gone?
I definitely will, i am very excited. i have a 65 corvair corsa and a 73 stingray. I really wanted something of the old school cars and here she is.
Congratulations!!!..enjoy this classic like it deserves to be..
Congratulations, Wayne! It’ll be fun to hear your thoughts on the car when you get it.
I’d love to go for ride in this and hear what it sounds like with that engine set up with the glass packs.Really cool utilitarian type car.
I highly doubt there are 14 in existence. I’ve seen a bunch of them for sale over the last twenty years… I wonder where he got that info..
Two thumbs up on this beauty. Enjoy Wayne.
Those engine modifications are something to behold. It’s hard to believe they ever existed, not to mention are in use now. It’s great to see this rare car in such wonderful condition.
I’ve got one of these under the shed waiting for restoration. They are really cool, and they were used for ambulances and coroner’s cars back in the day. Some had regular sedan upholstery on the front seat, but vinyl on the folding back seat. Wooden slats on the floor to keep loads being slid in from scratching up the paint.
These were designed on a shoe string (story goes that idea was drawn on the back of a napkin by Henry Kaiser at lunch one day). Wanted a station wagon but couldn’t afford all the new body stampings. Spare is in the left side rear door because the rear floor had to be flat. Moving spare to position under the car would have required new gas tank which they couldn’t afford. This car is gorgeous, may motivate me to get off the dime and start work on mine!
Great looking classic, it would make a cheap week end camper. Wish I could afford it!
My Dad worked for Kaiser Engineers for 35 years, retiring in 1970. We had a number of Kaisers, including one of these. As a kid I’d go open the back and hide in it….even slept in it a couple of times in the garage. Kaiser made one of these in 1951….believe it was called a Virginian. My high school car was a 1951 Special, and did I get sarcastic remarks from friends with Fords, Mercs, Oldsmobiles but, like the Beach Boys, I got around. These were great cars, but lack of adequate capital and no V-8 were detrimental and ultimately the Ford/Chevy 1954 price war killed off the brand, as it did a number of other independents.
Maybe it is ADHD, but after so many cookie cutter Mustangs and Chevelles and Tri-Five Chevys, I can only get so enthusiastic about seeing another, and something like this really stands out as something interesting. Hardly sexy or performance exciting, it’s allure is a subtle charm of a time when “cheap” meant frugal, and not just throwaway trash like it does today. This thing is really cool on so many levels, but will only be appreciated as such by a very few. Love the added bonus of Buzzard Puke Green paint. I hunted 30+ years to find my bare bones 58 Plymouth Plaza SEE-dan in monotone Buzzard Puke Green ! Passed on many in other colors. It had to be monotone and it had to be Buzzard Puke ! Love that color on a pastel era car.
Beautifully kept car, and brings back a lot of old memories… lol.
Jim – though definitely an early hatchback, I think that title belongs to Citroen. I think the 1930s Traction Avant 15CV was available with a rear opening for loading. They had the normale with just a trunk opening and the commerciale with the entire rear opening.
lub da era correct colors (surprised not white upholstery tho).
Seems there were 3 or 4 different co.s making these? (sedan/coupe w/lift, tail gaits)? Only 3, 4 yrs tho?
Even a woodie model(s?). kaiser, hudson, fraser, plymouth?
Apparently Vagabond VS Traveler was based on horsepower, trim materials, dashboard gauges, and wood floor trim. Here is the 1949 brochure: https://xr793.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1949-Kaiser-Vagabond-Traveler.pdf
Good info Sunshine! I’ve got one of those brochures somewhere, but haven’t had time to hunt for it. All of the cars had the same engine, whether Kaiser branded or Continental. Since Kaiser didn’t have the funds to build a 8 cyl engine when all the others were getting them, Kaiser offered a McCullouch supercharger for additional power. Wasn’t very popular!
Why didn’t the concept catch on? I’m going to hazard a guess.
The economy was moderately tight in the late 1940s – a postwar de-mobilization recession, with military orders stopped and GIs released to find work – and thus, if someone could afford a new car, and intended travel, he would have money for any of the urban hotels or “tourist courts” that were on the US routes of the time.
Sleeping in a car was, and is, inconvenient, not hygenic (no shower before bed, etc) and without privacy. Most of us have done it. Most of us didn’t do it when we could afford better.
The car-camper would own an older car, being of limited finances.
Even the later AMC/Rambler “Cross Country” station wagons, with drop-down seats and screen inserts that could be attached to window frames…only had limited interest. That was years later, and sales were good. By AMC standards. No one at GM’s marketing office saw fit to take notice.
Bottom line is, it’s not a nice way to travel. In the day, the potential traveler would either be better attuned to real camping gear, or budgeting hotel costs…perhaps traveling by rail, which in the declining era of passenger trains, was for a few years, a real bargain.
There’s one(or was one) of these at the Rust Ranch, in Kansas. If someone had the talent, or cash, to totally restore one of these. Saw it on the Yu Toob, a couple weeks back.
A very cool car and in a great color. Hopefully Wayne got it. Ad’s been deleted.
Yes, i am officially the new owner. Thank you all for the great comments. I am a happy camper.