135bhp, 323.5 cu. in. L-head eight-cylinder engine, Fluid-Drive transmission, independent front suspension, leaf spring rear suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127.5"
The end of World War II brought with it an unprecedented demand for cars from the American buying public. As automobile manufacturers struggled to simultaneously meet this demand and revert from wartime production, complete model changes were delayed by several years and current models were largely based on early 1940s designs.
Chrysler's Town & Country, however, was one notable exception. Originally conceived in 1941 by Chrysler employee Dave Wallace, the Town & Country was only available in four-door form and featured a beautifully-crafted wooden body. Although the "woodie" was born of a practical need for relatively inexpensive estate wagons, its ash and mahogany-framed body was considered quite fashionable and, due to its association with country life, became a favorite vehicle of the wealthy.
After the war, Chrysler capitalized on this interest by introducing Convertible Coupe and four-door Sedan variants of the Town & Country, replacing the previous four-door station wagon. Spurred on by an enticing advertisement campaign and a two-page spread in the Saturday Evening Post, anxious public interest in the new Chryslers prevented the firm from making any clay models or prototypes. As a result, the car was reportedly built from sketches to meet looming time constraints. Cosmetically, little changed in the first three years, as the new Convertibles and Sedans were based on the upscale New Yorker series and offered a variety of luxurious appointments in addition to the Saratoga's standard features. Of course, after 1946 more practical Di-Noc vinyl panels replaced the mahogany woodwork.
At a factory price of over $3,400, Chrysler's elegant convertible was the most expensive model available, exceeding any other model in the New Yorker series and eclipsing the more moderately priced Royal, Windsor, and Saratoga. All told about 8,400 examples were built and each remains highly sought after by collectors to this day.
The Town & Country Convertible offered here benefits from a professional frame-up restoration. It is the property of a Floridian collector and has been meticulously maintained in climate-controlled storage since its acquisition. While it has not been shown or judged as of yet, the vendor reports a show-quality finish throughout and the car is as clean underneath as it is on top. By all accounts, it would make for a formidable contender at any national level show. Finished in green with a green convertible power top, the beautiful interior was recently and professionally redone and has been upholstered in Bedford cord to match. Notably, the color scheme is also reported to be factory correct and it suits the car beautifully. Its big eight-cylinder engine and Fluid-Drive transmission are further complemented by a radio and two heaters.
Despite their practical origins, woodies grew to epitomize distinguished living by virtue of their attractive bodies. This beautiful Town & Country holds true to this character and exemplifies the original 1946 Chrysler advertisement "There's an air about this glorious convertible -- a whisper of country clubs and moonlight rides -- There's poise in every dashing line -- a car that's at ease in any company."
The end of World War II brought with it an unprecedented demand for cars from the American buying public. As automobile manufacturers struggled to simultaneously meet this demand and revert from wartime production, complete model changes were delayed by several years and current models were largely based on early 1940s designs.
Chrysler's Town & Country, however, was one notable exception. Originally conceived in 1941 by Chrysler employee Dave Wallace, the Town & Country was only available in four-door form and featured a beautifully-crafted wooden body. Although the "woodie" was born of a practical need for relatively inexpensive estate wagons, its ash and mahogany-framed body was considered quite fashionable and, due to its association with country life, became a favorite vehicle of the wealthy.
After the war, Chrysler capitalized on this interest by introducing Convertible Coupe and four-door Sedan variants of the Town & Country, replacing the previous four-door station wagon. Spurred on by an enticing advertisement campaign and a two-page spread in the Saturday Evening Post, anxious public interest in the new Chryslers prevented the firm from making any clay models or prototypes. As a result, the car was reportedly built from sketches to meet looming time constraints. Cosmetically, little changed in the first three years, as the new Convertibles and Sedans were based on the upscale New Yorker series and offered a variety of luxurious appointments in addition to the Saratoga's standard features. Of course, after 1946 more practical Di-Noc vinyl panels replaced the mahogany woodwork.
At a factory price of over $3,400, Chrysler's elegant convertible was the most expensive model available, exceeding any other model in the New Yorker series and eclipsing the more moderately priced Royal, Windsor, and Saratoga. All told about 8,400 examples were built and each remains highly sought after by collectors to this day.
The Town & Country Convertible offered here benefits from a professional frame-up restoration. It is the property of a Floridian collector and has been meticulously maintained in climate-controlled storage since its acquisition. While it has not been shown or judged as of yet, the vendor reports a show-quality finish throughout and the car is as clean underneath as it is on top. By all accounts, it would make for a formidable contender at any national level show. Finished in green with a green convertible power top, the beautiful interior was recently and professionally redone and has been upholstered in Bedford cord to match. Notably, the color scheme is also reported to be factory correct and it suits the car beautifully. Its big eight-cylinder engine and Fluid-Drive transmission are further complemented by a radio and two heaters.
Despite their practical origins, woodies grew to epitomize distinguished living by virtue of their attractive bodies. This beautiful Town & Country holds true to this character and exemplifies the original 1946 Chrysler advertisement "There's an air about this glorious convertible -- a whisper of country clubs and moonlight rides -- There's poise in every dashing line -- a car that's at ease in any company."
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Auction details
RM - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
8:00 AM PT - Aug 2nd, 2008
offered by
RM Auctions
5 West Forest Ave
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
