1951 Kaiser Frazer Golden Dragon

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £10,000, then £500 is added, making the total amount payable of £10,500.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £250 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

We know next to nothing about the life story of this Kaiser Golden Dragon Sedan, apart from the fact that it was built in 1951 and, at some point, it entered the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles.

We know the odometer currently reads 67,860 miles.

We think we know, from a scrap of paper found in the car, that it spent at least some of its pre-collection life in and around Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Anyway.

We’re glad it’s here now because it really is a charming vehicle and it’s in very good all-round condition.

As with all cars from this vendor’s collection, our assessment comes with the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive the car and can therefore only attest to its cosmetic condition.

The yellow ‘Golden Dragon’ paintwork on this striking car has held up remarkably well in general, and is largely devoid of any nicks, scuffs, scratches, splits, creases or folds.

The chrome work, too, is in very decent all-round nick, save for a bit of pitting here and there, as are the lights, trim and badging.

The ‘Dinosaur Skin’ vinyl roof is in first-class condition.

The shut lines are tight and even, and the doors slam home with weight and precision.

The wheels, with their chrome hub caps and yellow rims, look fine, too.

The chrome trim at the bottom of the n/s/r wing is coming away. The chrome trim around the passenger window has a few dents in it.

Some of the exterior rubber trim is perishing in places.

The chrome fixture on the boot is pitted and is missing its locking mechanism. In the boot there is a replacement fixture which, though also pitted, does have a lock fitted.

There is no evidence of corrosion that we can see on the bodywork.

Overall, this rare and eye-catching car presents extremely well and is, we think, in very commendable condition for its age.

The car’s strong condition continues on the inside, where the ‘Dragon Skin’ upholstery, shiny yellow metal and Art Deco-inspired chrome dashboard combine to create an interior that’s delightfully of its era.

The upholstery - front and back - is comfortable, supportive and broadly in very good condition, save for a small split in the seat on the driver’s side.

The door cards are good, too, as are the carpets, the headlining and the padded surround to the dashboard.

The glove compartment door is loose and falls down on one side when open.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started the vehicle.

The boot seems to be in decent condition. Lifting up the carpets here or elsewhere in the car reveals nothing more than a standard bloom of rust dust, as far as we can see.

The undersides look very strong and honest to us. There is only a light sprinkling of rust dust on one or two parts and the overall impression is one of solidity and structural integrity.

Clearly, you’ll want to see for yourself and reach your own conclusions.

The engine bay is clean and dry. From what we can tell, everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

We think this is a sound, honest, strong example of a rare and very handsome car.

Aside from some basic recommissioning, we don’t imagine that there’s a great deal of work to do here provided the engine and mechanicals prove to be as good as the car’s excellent cosmetic condition.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £10,000 - £15,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.