Darrin (United States)

Darrin was an American automotive brand active from 1952 to 1958, founded by Howard A. Darrin, a notable figure in automotive design based in Los Angeles, California. Darrin gained recognition for his innovative designs for both American and European vehicles, particularly during the pre-World War II era. His work included collaborations with Kaiser, where he contributed to the design of the 1946 K-F sedan. However, Darrin sought to create a more performance-oriented vehicle.

In 1946, Darrin designed a fiberglass-bodied convertible, but production was delayed due to the subpar quality of fiberglass at the time. He later developed the Kaiser-Darrin sports car in 1952, financing the project independently and without the initial approval of Kaiser-Frazer executives. The design was eventually accepted for production, although it did not enter the market until 1954. The Kaiser-Darrin was built on the Henry J chassis and featured a Willys 2638cc overhead valve six-cylinder engine, producing 90 horsepower. While its performance was considered modest, an optional supercharger was available to enhance power. The car was noted for its distinctive styling, which included a long nose and doors that slid into the front fenders. A total of 335 units were produced before Kaiser ceased operations in the United States, leaving Darrin with 100 unsold vehicles, which he subsequently modified with 304 horsepower Cadillac V8 engines.

In 1954, Darrin was rumored to have designed a sleek fiberglass body for a vehicle intended to be sold by Robert Perreau in Los Angeles, but this project did not come to fruition. By 1957, Darrin returned to the sports car market with the Flintridge-Darrin, also known as the Darrin Mk II DKW. This model was a rebodied version of the DKW three-cylinder sedan, marketed through Flintridge Motors in La Canada, California. The sporty convertible featured fiberglass bodies produced by Woodill Motors and offered a removable hardtop. The interior was designed to accommodate up to six passengers on two bench seats.