1948 Higgins Deluxe Sedan Cruiser

Extremely Rare 1948 Higgins 26' Deluxe Sedan Cruiser

You are viewing the only 1948 26' Higgins Deluxe Sedan Cruiser known to exist. You're not alone if you have never seen or heard of Higgins boats. To date, only about 250 total Higgins pleasure boats are known to exist.  Most were destroyed when fiberglass boats were introduced.

This historic and special boat will make a great addition to your personal collection or a great way to entertain and impress corporate clients.

Based in New Orleans, production records were lost as a result of 2 hurricanes. Katrina struck the final blow.

Higgins Industries produced WWII Military Craft like the LCVP Landing Craft seen in the movie "Saving Private Ryan" during the war and then turned the plants into pleasure craft production after the war.

The Andrew J. (named after Andrew Jackson Higgins, founder of Higgins Industries) has won multiple ACBS Best of Show, Best Preserved and People's Choice awards and is still in Concourse condition. Her trailer was built and specially modified to keep her safe and sound while not in the water. I pull her with a Toyota Tundra easily. She has a custom made cover.

A true barn find ... she was sent to renounded restorer Dan Nelson of Nelson Boatworks to return her to her original glory. This was not just a rebuild it was a top-to-bottom restoration to original manufacturer's specifications. The transom and cabin sides have been restored with beautiful Mahogany veneer, which maintains her Preserved Status. The bottom was totally replaced with marine grade Okome plywood and sealed per current specifications. The interior is amazing all the way to the correct upholstery.

David Van Ness rebuilt the engine and drivetrain to original factory specs - 135 HP Chrysler Crown 6 Cylinder Engine and Paragon Transmission. She runs tirelessly. 

The engine has approximately 200 hours on it as she was used primarily at various ACBS (Antique and Classic Boat Society) boat shows and events. She is still in Concourse Condition.

She is such a joy to cruise in with the windows open and the breeze flowing through the shaded cabin and the folks in the rear enjoying the sunshine. Even rainy days are fun-filled cruising out of the elements. She can accomodate up to 12 guests. 

She has always been stored inside in a temperature-controlled environment and properly winterized after each season.

The last ACBS Show The Andrew J. attended was in September 2023 in Bay Harbour, MI. She won a Platinum Award with a 98.5 Score. She was properly winterized that fall and has been in storage on her custom made trailer since. Fuel has been removed from her new fuel tanks.

She is truly a rare collectors craft ready to entertain friends, family or business associates. She always get top recognition and cheers from passerbys and fellow boaters.

She was found under a hay barn in Oklahoma back in 2004 and subsequent restoration began 2 years later by Dan Nelson. Even though the investment has surmounted well over $100 K, her price has been dropped considerably to market values.  I really hate to see her go as we have enjoyed many flawless outings on her but we would like to move on to another adventure.... The Great Loop.

Please don't come tire-kicking. Her price is firm and well worth your investment. Now that the election is over, Antique and Classic boat sales and interest has sky-rocketed.

It is winter in Indiana now where she is stored near Indianapolis so a Sea Trial here is not manageable until Spring. After viewing her here, if the you are truly interested and put down a non-refundable deposit of $1500, I can hold her until a Sea Trial here.  Otherwise, I can deliver to a warm water area with the same deposit and an extra delivery amount TBD based on distance. She has not been surveyed and will be the buyers expense if so desired.

NO Trades please. Transactions to be bank to bank.  No Cash Apps.

Thank you for considering The Andrew J.  Please ask for additonal pictures if desired.  I have a full porfolio of her restoration as well.

Jeff Oppenheimer

Owner and VP of the Higgins Classic Boat Club.