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Henry J
The Henry J is an American automobile built by the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation and named after its chairman, Henry J. Kaiser. Production of six-cylinder models began in their Willow Run factory in Michigan in July 1950, and four-cylinder production started shortly after Labor Day, 1950. The official public introduction was on September 28, 1950, and the car was marketed until 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.
The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation received a federal government loan in 1949 to finance the project. This monetary support specified various particulars of the vehicle. Kaiser-Frazer would commit to design a car that, in its base form, retailed (including federal tax and retail delivery preparation charge) for no more than $1,300.00 (US$16,990 in 2024 dollars). It was to seat at least five adults, be capable of going at least 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) for sustained time, and be available for consumer purchases no later than September 30, 1950.
A compact car design proposal was made by Howard "Dutch" Darrin that utilized the already approved future Kaiser, but with a shortened wheelbase. However, Henry J. Kaiser wanted an entirely new car and decided on a design developed by American Metal Products, "a supplier of frames and springs for car seats." In an attempt to improve the appearance of the car, Darrin contributed a "dip" to the beltline, windshield, and rear window as well as adding little tailfins.
To accomplish the low-price objective, the Henry J was designed to carry the fewest possible components and was built from the fewest 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 a glove compartment, armrests, passenger-side inside sun visor, and flow-through ventilation.
Power for the Henry J was delivered by a 134.2 cu in (2.2 L) four-cylinder 68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS) engine. Later models were available with a 161 cu in (2.6 L) L-head six-cylinder engine producing 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS). Willys-Overland supplied the engines. The four-cylinder was the same engine used in the CJ-3A series Jeeps, with only slight modifications to a few parts; the block and internal components were interchangeable with the CJ-3A engine. The Henry J production provided a substantial revenue source for Willys-Overland. This standard engine could achieve up to 35 mpg‑US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp) when driven conservatively.
Before the Henry J was released to the market, the first production models were taken to Arkansas for road testing. Experts computed that driving 100 miles (161 km) on the roughest roads would equal 5,000 miles (8,047 km) of everyday driving.
While the Henry J was priced low, a Chevrolet 150 model could be bought for less than $200 more, and Chevy included operating rear windows and a trunk lid. The standard Chevrolet, Ford, Plymouth, and other low-priced competitors were also larger cars, offering more interior room. Kaiser-Frazer started offering the deck lid as part of an "Accessory Group" (preferred equipment group) during the 1951 model year, as well as a variety of other dress-up items. However, advertising for the Henry J still focused on operating costs at a time when the rationing of gasoline by the War Production Board ended and fuel sold for about 27 cents per gallon. The car could achieve 25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp), and in 1953, a Henry J won the Mobil Economy Run.
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Henry J
The Henry J is an American automobile built by the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation and named after its chairman, Henry J. Kaiser. Production of six-cylinder models began in their Willow Run factory in Michigan in July 1950, and four-cylinder production started shortly after Labor Day, 1950. The official public introduction was on September 28, 1950, and the car was marketed until 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.
The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation received a federal government loan in 1949 to finance the project. This monetary support specified various particulars of the vehicle. Kaiser-Frazer would commit to design a car that, in its base form, retailed (including federal tax and retail delivery preparation charge) for no more than $1,300.00 (US$16,990 in 2024 dollars). It was to seat at least five adults, be capable of going at least 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) for sustained time, and be available for consumer purchases no later than September 30, 1950.
A compact car design proposal was made by Howard "Dutch" Darrin that utilized the already approved future Kaiser, but with a shortened wheelbase. However, Henry J. Kaiser wanted an entirely new car and decided on a design developed by American Metal Products, "a supplier of frames and springs for car seats." In an attempt to improve the appearance of the car, Darrin contributed a "dip" to the beltline, windshield, and rear window as well as adding little tailfins.
To accomplish the low-price objective, the Henry J was designed to carry the fewest possible components and was built from the fewest 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 a glove compartment, armrests, passenger-side inside sun visor, and flow-through ventilation.
Power for the Henry J was delivered by a 134.2 cu in (2.2 L) four-cylinder 68 hp (51 kW; 69 PS) engine. Later models were available with a 161 cu in (2.6 L) L-head six-cylinder engine producing 80 hp (60 kW; 81 PS). Willys-Overland supplied the engines. The four-cylinder was the same engine used in the CJ-3A series Jeeps, with only slight modifications to a few parts; the block and internal components were interchangeable with the CJ-3A engine. The Henry J production provided a substantial revenue source for Willys-Overland. This standard engine could achieve up to 35 mpg‑US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp) when driven conservatively.
Before the Henry J was released to the market, the first production models were taken to Arkansas for road testing. Experts computed that driving 100 miles (161 km) on the roughest roads would equal 5,000 miles (8,047 km) of everyday driving.
While the Henry J was priced low, a Chevrolet 150 model could be bought for less than $200 more, and Chevy included operating rear windows and a trunk lid. The standard Chevrolet, Ford, Plymouth, and other low-priced competitors were also larger cars, offering more interior room. Kaiser-Frazer started offering the deck lid as part of an "Accessory Group" (preferred equipment group) during the 1951 model year, as well as a variety of other dress-up items. However, advertising for the Henry J still focused on operating costs at a time when the rationing of gasoline by the War Production Board ended and fuel sold for about 27 cents per gallon. The car could achieve 25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg‑imp), and in 1953, a Henry J won the Mobil Economy Run.