• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Flashback: Kaiser’s Zebra and Lion Interiors

August 11, 2016 By Nadeem Muaddi

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Kaiser Safari

In 1951, U.S. automaker Kaiser Motors debuted four special-edition vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show trimmed in exotic pelts — including zebra, lion, polar bear and horse. The designs were the brainchild of Carlton Spencer, a well known interior designer of the period.

With the exception of the following photos, little is known about the cars. But of course, a picture is worth a thousand words:

The Kaiser “Safari” was trimmed in genuine zebra and lion fur:

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Kaiser Safari

The Kaiser “Caballero” was trimmed in horse hides. It also had cowboy spurs and saddle bags on its door panels.

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Kaiser Caballero

The Kaiser “Explorer” featured polar bear fur on its seats, with brown bear accents:

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Kaiser Explorer

The Kaiser “South Sea” was more animal friendly, though just as over-the-top. It featured Hawaiian-print upholstery, woven grass mats and fish nets throughout its cabin.

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Kaiser South Sea

Of course, Kaiser Motors didn’t last long — but the company still sort of lives on in another popular, adventure-seeking brand.

Kaiser produced vehicles from 1945 to 1953, before merging with Willys-Overland Motors to form Willys Motors Incorporated. In 1963, the company changed its name to Kaiser Jeep Corporation. Seven years later, it was acquired by American Motors Corporation and renamed Jeep Corporation. In 1983, Renault bought American Motors and eventually sold it to Chrysler. Today, the division is simply known as Jeep — and its vehicles are still being used on safaris.

Filed Under: Archive, Industry History, Upholstery Showcase Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Exotic Hides, Fur Upholstery, Kaiser Motors

Primary Sidebar

anal porno bangbros rus porno yaşlı porno konulu porno olgun porno porno izle sarışın porno bakire sex 69 porno

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Albright's Supply
  • Keyston Bros
  • Hyde Leather
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Leather Craft
  • Douglass Interior Products

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Lancia Orca steering wheel

10 Crazy Steering Wheels We Want to Wrap

So you think you're good at wrapping steering … [more] about 10 Crazy Steering Wheels We Want to Wrap

Top 10 Wacky Car Interiors

We auto upholsterers have seen it all - from … [more] about Top 10 Wacky Car Interiors

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Cutters Custom Stitchin Inc

Shop Profile: Cutter’s Custom Stitchin’

There’s a three-man auto upholstery shop in … [more] about Shop Profile: Cutter’s Custom Stitchin’

The Hog Ring - How to make a french seam lay flat

How to Make a French Seam Lay Flat

Did you ever wonder how automakers make … [more] about How to Make a French Seam Lay Flat

The Hog Ring - Proof that Bentley Uses Forks to Trim Steering Wheels

Proof that Bentley Uses Forks to Trim Steering Wheels

No one believed us when we said trimmers at … [more] about Proof that Bentley Uses Forks to Trim Steering Wheels

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Design Studio

Design Studio: 1955-57 Chevy, Pt. 2

Last month, The Hog Ring Design Studio … [more] about Design Studio: 1955-57 Chevy, Pt. 2

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • 108 Years of Classic Cars and Upholstery: Who Will Take Over Swales Styleline?
  • Pangea Turns Leftover Auto Leather Into Opportunity for Detroit Veterans
  • Trimmer Edward Krasnowski Dies at 65
  • Registration for MasterTech Expo 2026 is Officially Open!
  • LEATHER CRAFT Releases Step-by-Step Upholstery Tutorial for 2025 GMC Sierra

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in