Images: Barrett-Jackson

The American sports car industry is popular as ever with cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, SRT Viper and even the modern muscle cars like the Camaro and Mustang seeing increased sales, performance numbers, and enthusiasm. But what was the car that started it all for the domestic sports car scene? While some would argue it was the Corvette or even the Ford Thunderbird, a lesser known company by the name of the Kaiser-Frazer Auto Company beat other brands to the punch, revealing their two-seater sports car prototype in 1952.

What resulted was the Kaiser Darrin, a unique sports car that has been named one of the most beautiful roadsters ever produced. Sound like your kind of vintage car? Well, then you’re in luck because a beautifully restored 1954 model is heading to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction next month.

Conjured up by famous couch builder Howard Darrin, the Darrin roadster was produced as a limited-run vehicle by the Kaiser-Frazer Auto Company in 1954.

Although the car was revealed originally in 1952, it took two years to produce just 435 examples as 1954 models. This particular Darrin is #381 of those 435.

Featuring a 161ci L-head 6-cylinder Willy’s engine and a Henry J 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, this particular Darrin is fully restored to its original factory specifications. This includes a 3-position landau convertible top, complete full body undercoating, stainless steel wire wheel covers complimented with wide whitewall tires, and a heater. The car is also finished in original factory-coded Pine Tint paint with a matching correct grain vinyl interior and body-colored top.

As a true representation of the original factory car, this Darrin has gone on to win many Concours awards, including awards from the Carmel, Palo Alto, Hillsborough and Palo Verdes events. The roadster also won the SCCA overall Concours Championship after its restoration.

This fine piece of American sports car history will cross the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction on Saturday, January 19th with no reserve.

A true piece of history, the sale of this rare car even comes with sales brochures, documentation of the restoration, many trophies and even USPS memorabilia of the stamp designed after the car. If you’re looking for a truly gorgeous and rare automobile, this could be your chance of a lifetime.