Found on ACC Auctions60 photos1948 Kaiser Special 121 - Gray Cloth
Specifications
- Year
- 1948
- Make / Model
- Kaiser Special
- Trim
- 121 - Gray Cloth
- Engine
- 350ci Chevy V8
- Exterior color
- Teal
- Interior color
- Gray
Description
Vehicle Description 1948 Kaiser Special 1948 Kaiser Special Sedan – Fuel-Injected 350ci V8 – 3-Speed Automatic – RestomodThe Kaiser Special holds an important place in automotive history as the debut model from one of America's major post-war independent automakers. Designed under the influence of Howard "Dutch" Darrin, its modern "pontoon" styling moved away from pre-war separate fenders, introducing a smooth, slab-sided body style that influenced subsequent industry designs.This particular 1948 Kaiser Special Sedan has been modified into a Restomod, replacing its original powertrain with a 350ci V8 engine, Holley Sniper 2 electronic fuel injection, and a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission. Finished in metallic teal with multi-color graphics, the car combines its vintage aesthetic and two-piece split windshield with practical mechanical updates, including four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and an upgraded cooling system.Highlights 350ci V8 with Holley Sniper 2 EFI and a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission Four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, and Holley Hyper-spark ignition installed in 2025 Custom metallic teal paint with unique multi-color body graphics applied in the mid-1990s Offered with a clean California title, service records, a car cover, and an assortment of spare parts Engine & Drivetrain 350 cubic-inch V8 modified under current ownership Holley Sniper 2 electronic fuel injection, Holley Hyper-spark ignition, and an in-tank fuel pump Aluminum radiator with an electric cooling fan, a transmission cooler, and an Evil Energy coolant expansion tank Three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission equipped with a shortened driveshaft, a frame brace, and new output and shift shaft seals Dual exhaust system with dual rear exits Upgraded 12-volt system with a chrome alternator and a battery replaced in April 2026 Engine mounts, valve cover gaskets, transmission filter, pan gasket, and transmission mount were replaced in 2025 Exterior Metallic teal paint accented by yellow and white multi-color graphics running along the beltline and rear fenders, applied in the mid-1990s Upgraded modern H4 headlights Body-color front and rear bumpers, a driver-side peep mirror, a rear fender-mounted antenna, and a two-piece split windshield Interior Front split-bench seat with a fold-down center armrest and a full rear bench seat Gray cloth upholstery extending from the seats across to the door panels Wood-rimmed aftermarket steering wheel, a floor-mounted shifter topped with a polished round knob, and an under-dash heater unit Factory 100-mph analog speedometer and supplementary gauges, augmented by a digital Holley Sniper display tracking engine speed, coolant temperature, and air/fuel ratios Chassis & Suspension Independent front setup with coil springs; live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and twin-tube shocks Four-wheel disc brakes equipped with braided stainless-steel lines Power steering pump system retrofitted in 2025 15-inch steel wheels wearing chrome hubcaps, custom dice-style valve stem caps, and Nexen tires Known Imperfections Pitted chrome trim, paint chips, and body scrapes are visible along the body Corrosion is present on various underside components Factory Oil, Amp, Temp, and Fuel dash gauges are inoperable Doom light is inoperable Ownership History The V8 swap and transmission installation occurred under previous ownership Acquired by the current seller in April 2025, who added approximately 2,000 miles and oversaw the installation of the fuel injection, braking, and steering updates Additional Info Service records from recent work are included Custom-fit car cover and miscellaneous spare parts, including chrome exterior trim pieces, an uninstalled wiring harness, carpets, replacement front vent window glass, sound-deadening material, and new weatherstripping Clean California title in the seller's name The original trim tag decodes as follows:MODEL: 481 - 1948 Kaiser SpecialBODY: 5 - 4-Door SedanPAINT: 101 - Onyx BlackTRIM: 121 - Gray ClothThis 1948 Kaiser Special Restomod marries rare, post-war streamline design with modern fuel-injected V8 performance and safety enhancements like four-wheel disc brakes. It represents an approachable turn-key opportunity for any collector seeking a distinct, conversation-starting cruiser...
