The Stunning 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Dkf-161 Sports Car Is One Of Those Rare Autos That Doesn’T Look Like Anything Else.

1945 Jaguar Mark IV Drophead Coupe:
After World War II concluded on September 2, 1945, Jaguar Cars’ William Lyons restarted automobile production so quickly that aircraft were still under construction to complete government contracts in one area of the factory while cars were already being assembled in another.

Of course, the company still used the same tooling as before the war, so the new Jaguar Mark IVs were, mechanically speaking, virtually identical to the prewar 1939 SS model. However, the Mark IV was a solid performer with classic coachwork and appointments that enjoyed remarkably broad appeal. Of the 4,420 3.5L Mark IVs produced, only 560 were drophead coupes.

1940 LaSalle Convertible Coupe:
The LaSalle Series 52 Special Convertible Coupes used the stylish new GM ‘torpedo’ body. They were lower, wider and more integrated in appearance than those used on the less expensive standard LaSalles. The new body was also shared with the 1940 Series 62 Cadillacs.

In general, the cars appeared very clean as they were largely absent of unnecessary chrome trim. Instead they relied more heavily on their integrated body forms to create their visually pleasing impact. Unfortunately, the demise of LaSalle was predetermined and despite their highly impressive sales year, the company shut their doors and production was abruptly halted.

1954 Kaiser Darrin:
The stunning 1954 Kaiser-Darrin DKF-161 sports car is one of those rare autos that doesn’t look like anything else, with its long, sleek hood, a small and exquisite “pursed-lips” grille, sliding doors and three-position folding top.

The beautifully proportioned two-seater also had tapering rear fenders and large teardrop taillights that smoothly blended with its lines. The grille looked like it “wanted to give you a kiss,” one car designer quipped. Laudau irons let the folding soft top be locked in an intermediate position, leaving the rear section erect for open-air driving without rear drafts.