Kaiser-Frazer, The Last Onslaught on Detroit: An Intimate Behind the Scenes Study of the Postwar American Car Industry. Langworth, Richard M. Kutztown, PA: Automobile Quarterly, 1975. First Edition. Hardcover, 287 pages, photos, index.
Kaiser-Frazer was an American automaker formed in 1945 by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and auto executive Joseph W. Frazer to build “new” cars for the post–World War II market. With Detroit still converting from wartime production, the company got a strong early start by using a large former wartime plant at Willow Run (Michigan) and introducing the Kaiser and Frazer lines for 1947—stylish, roomy cars that initially sold well amid pent-up demand.
As the major automakers returned to full output, Kaiser-Frazer struggled with higher costs, limited dealer coverage, and fewer resources for frequent redesigns and new engines. Frazer was phased out after 1951, leaving Kaiser as the main brand. The company tried to stay competitive with bold styling (notably the 1951 “Anatomic Design”) and later the compact Henry J (1951–54), but sales slid.
In 1953–54, Kaiser bought Willys-Overland, shifting focus toward Willys’ profitable Jeep business. U.S. Kaiser passenger-car production ended after 1955, though cars continued briefly in Argentina. The firm evolved into Kaiser Industries and, through later corporate changes, the Jeep/Willys lineage ultimately became part of American Motors.
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