1951 Frazer Manhattan Convertible Sedan
American luxury car manufacturing changed dramatically in 1951 as several independent automakers faced their final days, including the Frazer brand, which produced one last remarkable vehicle: the Manhattan Convertible Sedan, built by hand at the historic Willow Run facility.
The Manhattan’s striking body design departed from its Kaiser siblings, featuring distinctive lines that distinguished it in the luxury car market. Each vehicle received careful assembly, where workers installed either a four-door hardtop roof or, in rarer cases, convertible architecture.
The design incorporated an expansive greenhouse and clean, uncluttered flanks that contrasted with contemporary styling trends.
A Continental-sourced 226 cubic inch L-head inline six-cylinder engine generated 115 horsepower. Most examples were equipped with General Motors’ Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission.
The chassis featured coil-spring independent front suspension and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, riding on a 123.5-inch wheelbase.
The powertrain configuration emphasized reliability over outright performance. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power typical for the period. The substantial wheelbase contributed to the car’s stable road manners and comfortable ride quality.
The interior reflected the car’s premium positioning with leather upholstery throughout the cabin. Advanced features for 1951 included hydraulic power windows and a power-operated convertible top.
Additional amenities featured push-button radios, heaters, dual windshield post spotlights, directional signals, and backup lights.
The Manhattan Convertible Sedan competed in the luxury segment against established brands like Packard and Chrysler. However, its hand-built nature and limited production numbers set it apart from mass-produced luxury cars.
Manufacturing complexities and associated costs contributed to the model’s brief production run. The 1951 redesign, while visually striking, proved expensive to implement. These factors, combined with challenging market conditions, led to the end of Frazer production after 1951.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
