Christmas is over and I hope everyone had a nice holiday.
Three weeks ago I mentioned the Kaiser Darrin was built on a Henry J platform. The Henry J was a compact car developed by Kaiser Corporation to increase market penetration. Sears at that time was developing their auto centers and was looking for a complete car to sell. The Henry J fit the bill and Sears entered into an agreement with Kaiser to sell specially trimmed Henry Js branded as Allstates at their auto centers.
They had unique grilles, Allstate batteries, tires, sparkplugs and accessories. The upholstery was the same as seat covers sold by Sears’ stores. They were a little nicer than the Henry J and at a price just under Henry Js, they were a better value. Total sales for model years 1953 and 1954 was less than 2400. They had a narrow marketing approach only in the Southeast, and never expanded it, but you could purchase one from their catalog. Apparently, people didn’t take to the idea of purchasing a car from a department store. Sears dropped the car early in 1953. The Henry J itself was discontinued after 1954.
Henry J from American Excellence
Allstate from Brooklin
. Always wondered what happened to him, as he was
