Kaiser Dragon Sedan
Kaiser's Dragon represented a desperate but brilliant final attempt to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. The interior featured revolutionary 'Bambu' vinyl with actual bamboo fibers embedded in the material, creating a unique woven appearance. The exterior featured 'dragon gold' accents and a padded vinyl top applied by hand. Despite innovative features like tinted glass and a high-compression engine, Kaiser couldn't overcome styling that looked dated compared to competitors.
Finding a Dragon with original Bambu vinyl is critical to value. The exotic interior material deteriorates badly and reproductions are expensive. Verify matching numbers. Parts scarcity is significant - join the Kaiser-Frazer Owners Club before purchasing.
The Dragon was Kaiser's top trim level for 1953. All Dragons featured the Bambu vinyl interior treatment, padded tops, and extensive chrome trim. Production ended when Kaiser moved operations to Argentina, making the Dragon the final Kaiser built in America.