Classics, Motoring Memories

Motoring Memories: Henry J, 1951-1954

May 15, 2009

Although there were claims that the Henry J six would accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 14 seconds, it didn’t do nearly that well when tested for Road & Track’s January 1952 issue. The magazine’s 2,400-lb (1,089 kg) tester was fitted with an “economy” 4.11:1 rear axle ratio, and it reported a leisurely 20-second zero-to-60, certainly nothing to cause Olds 88 drivers to lose sleep.

The driving impressions of the car were very favourable, and estimated that with the regular 4.55:1 axle it would accelerate to 50 mph (80 km/h) in a commendable ten seconds. Top speed was in the 80 mph (130 km/h) range.

Mechanix Illustrated magazine’s Tom McCahill reported a much faster zero-to-60 time of 14.8 seconds with an overdrive-equipped Henry J six, quite quick for that era, and a top speed of 87 to 90 mph (140 to 145 km/h). An overdrive-equipped Henry J six averaged 28.9 mpg in the 1951 Mobilgas Economy Run.

A surprising 81,942 Henry Js were built in the first model year, compared with 70,003 of the rival Nash Ramblers. For 1952, the Henry J was improved with the addition of a trunk lid and better interior trim. The taillights were also moved to the points of the fins, a la Cadillac, for a much better rear end appearance.

A model called the Vagabond, fitted with a continental spare tire, was sold for a few months before being replaced by the Corsair. In spite of the improvements, only about 30,000 1952 Henry Js were produced.

Also in 1952, the Chicago mail-order house of Sears, Roebuck and Company decided to get back into the catalogue car business (Sears cars were sold through its catalogue from 1908 to 1912), and it chose the Henry J.

It had the Henry J slightly restyled and upgraded. Fitted with Sears-brand tires, spark plugs, and battery, it was marketed it as the Sears Allstate. This venture lasted only two years, with fewer than 2,400 Allstates sold.

Despite such 1953 technological “advancements” as a “Supersonic Six” engine, “Zero-Start” battery, and “Sure-Stop” brakes, the Henry J slipped to some 17,000 model year sales. It was carried over as a 1954 with no change, but lasted only a few weeks; just over 1,100 were built before production ceased in November 1953.

There were several reasons for the Henry J’s failure in the marketplace, the most prominent probably being that most buyers just weren’t interested in small economy cars. Also, its price was too close to standard large cars, and Kaiser-Frazer’s market position was weakening.

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