Kaiser Carabela

Manufacturer	IKA
Production	1958 to 1962
Assembly	Santa Isabel, Córdoba Province
Class	Mid-size
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	226.72 cu in, 6 cylinders
Transmission	3 speed
Dimensions
Wheelbase	118.59 in, 3010 mm
Length	215.71 in, 5475 mm
Width	74.86 in, 1900 mm
Height	60.87 in, 1545 mm
Curb weight	3612 1b, 1638 kg

 

The Kaiser Carabela was a car built by IKA in Argentina from 1958 to 1962

History

The Carabela began production on July 25, 1958, and 2,158 cars were made in the remaining months of that year. IKA was also producing Jeep automobiles in Cordoba, assembling 20,454 Jeeps in 1958 alone. With only the state-run utility vehicle maker IAME as a competitor, combined Carabela-Jeep production of 22,612 units accounted for 81 percent of all vehicles built in Argentina in 1958. Many people have questioned the prudence of locating the IKA vehicle factory in distant Santa Isabel, far from ports and transportation hubs, but the main reason is that Córdoba was General San Martn's home province, and he had a close, influential relationship with President Juan Perón.

The "Gran coche argentino," or "Great Argentine Car," concluded manufacturing in 1962 with 15,000 cars built, offering beautiful mobility for Argentina's doctors, financiers, and other notables. In 1960-62, the Carabela shared a stable with an Alfa Romeo 1900 sedan variant known as the Bergantin (another type of Spanish sailing ship) and an Argentine-built Renault Dauphine (badged IKA Dauphine). The Carabela and the Bergantin were replaced in 1962 by Rambler versions licenced from AMC.

PERFORMANCE:

• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 17.1 m imp gal, 14.2 m US gal, 16.5 100 km
• MAX SPEED: 93.2 mph, 150 km, h
• max speed in 1st gear: 31.1 mph, 50 km/h
• max speed in 2nd gear: 55.9 mph, 90 km/h
• max speed in 3rd gear: 93.2 mph, 150 km/h
• power-weight ratio: 31.1 lb/hp, 14.1 kg/hp
• useful load: 1058 1b, 480 kg
• acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 18 sec
• speed in direct drive at 1000 rpm: 19.3 mph