The 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan was the last Frazer authorized by Joseph W. Frazer before he was replaced as K-F president by Edgar Kaiser. These cars retained the previous bodyshell, spruced up with a new -- and more attractive -- honeycomb grille and large vertical taillamps.

1949 Frazer Manhattan convertible sedan, a posh and luxurious convertible
1949 Frazer Manhattan convertible sedan.
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The 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan convertibles required a heavily reinforced X-braced frame to provide torsional stiffness for the roofless body, which was virtually handbuilt from the sedan shell. This wasn't a true ragtop in the sense that the window frames and the little B-pillar window didn't retract.

Pluses of the 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan:
  • High quality
  • Parts supplies still good
  • More glittery look
  • Posh interior
  • Unusual postwar convertible sedan style, scarce and desirable
  • Milestone car status

Minuses of the 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan:
  • Underwhelming style
  • Engine subject to cooling problems, enjoys blowing head gaskets
  • Convertible trim, particularly interior, nearly impossible to find

Production of the 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan:

  • 4-door sedan: 9,950
  • 4-door convertible sedan: 70

(Figures approximate; includes some reserialed 1949s sold as 1950 models)

Specifications of the 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan:
Wheelbase, inches: 123.5
Length, inches: 207.5
Weight, pounds: 3,391-3,726
Price, new: $2,595-$3,295

Engines for the 1949-1950 Frazer Manhattan:

TypeSize
Horsepower
Years
sv I-6 226.2 cid
112 1949-1950

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