Henry J
| Henry J | |
|---|---|
1951 Henry J
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kaiser-Frazer Corporation |
| Production | 1950 – 1954 |
| Assembly | Willow Run, Michigan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 134.2 cu in (2.2 L) I4 161 cu in (2.6 L) I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 100 in (2,500 mm) |
| Length | 174.5 in (4,432 mm) (1950) to 178 in (4,521 mm) (1953-1954) |
| Width | 70" |
| Curb weight | 2,341 lb (1,062 kg) |
The Henry J was an American automobile built by the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation and named after its chairman, Henry J. Kaiser. Production of six-cylinder models began in July 1950, and four-cylinder production started shortly after Labor Day, 1950. Official public introduction was September 28, 1950. The car was marketed through 1954.
The Henry J was the idea of Henry J. Kaiser, who sought to increase sales of his Kaiser automotive line by adding a car that could be built inexpensively and thus affordable for the average American in the same vein that Henry Ford produced the Model T. The goal was to attract "less affluent buyers who could only afford a used car" and the attempt became a pioneering American compact car.
To finance the project, the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation received a federal government loan in 1949. This financing specified various particulars of the vehicle. Kaiser-Frazer would commit to design a vehicle that in its base form retailed (including federal tax and retail delivery preparation charge) for no more than $1,300.00 (US$12,941 in 2017 dollars). It was to seat at least five adults, be capable of going at least 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) for sustained periods of time, and available for retail sale no later than September 30, 1950.
To accomplish this, the Henry J was designed to carry the fewest possible components, and built from the fewest number of parts. To save body stamping costs, early Henry Js did not have rear trunk lids; owners had to access the trunk by folding down the rear seat. Another cost-saving measure was to offer the car only as a two-door sedan with fixed rear windows. Also lacking in the basic version were glove compartment, armrests, passenger-side inside sun visor and flow-through ventilation.
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