Kaiser Dragon

A two-page color ad that ran in Life[3] was one of the ways the 1951 Kaisers were announced with their redesigned bodies and a new vinyl upholstery option called "Dragon skin" instead of alligator so people would not think that it was real alligator skin.[4] The cars also had thick carpet. Then came the second series cars, named for their color (i.e. Mariner Gray was called "Silver Dragon")[5] and vinyl on the roof, which had a different pattern to it than the interior, and so was called Dinosaur.[6] The last series came only in Tropical Green and were called "Jade Dragons".[1] This option cost $125 ($1,305 in 2021 dollars [7]).[8]

After a year of no Dragons, the 1953 Kaiser Dragon was introduced on Oct. 31, 1952.[9][10] This time, the Dragon was a separate model, not a trim option.[1][9] These cars were upscale, and had many high-end standard features, such as an electric clock, a radio,[1] a heater, a "Bambu" vinyl top that resembled bamboo, 14-karat gold plated hood and fender nameplates, interior trim (including a nameplate on the glove box door that was personalized with the owner's name),[2][9] and hood ornament, plus power steering[1] and padding in the glove box. They only came as four-door sedans.[1][2]

Safety features were added to what was called "The world's first safety first car"[11] (even though the Tucker 48, a car known for unique features, including safety items, came out five years earlier). Items like a full padded dash, a pop out windshield, recessed instruments, and a "safety angle seat" were standard.[12] Front leg room was 45.1 inches (1,150 mm), with rear leg room at 39.5 inches.[1]

These cars were expensive for the time at US$3,924 ($39,743 in 2021 dollars [7])[1] (a comparable 1953 Buick Roadmaster cost US$3,358 ($34,010 in 2021 dollars [7]) and came with Buick's 188 hp 322CID V8, vs. the Dragon's 118 hp[2] I6). Along with the expense, 0-60 mph time was a slow 15 seconds (which was slower than a Buick Super).[9][13] Only 1,277 ended up being sold.[5][10]