1949 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible

VIN # C4522688   59319 Original Miles, 3 Owner car since 1949

Description

From the earliest days of motorized transport, the use of timber was elemental to motorcar construction. A holdout from the days of carriage building, first motor buggies, and brass-era tourers wore bodies made entirely of wood, and even as the use of sheet metal became prevalent, wood still formed the underlying structure of most car bodies. Wood was so crucial to the automobile business that Henry Ford bought entire forests in Northern Michigan to feed Model T production at his revolutionary Highland Park plant. By the mid-1930’s most American manufacturers offered well-equipped station wagons that boasted increasingly stylish and well-finished exposed wood bodies. As engineers gradually developed new methods of stamping and forming metal, woodwork transitioned from a structural element into a styling feature, before going out with a flourish in the early 1950s.

Following the second world war, The Town & Country was the star of the lineup, offered variously as a sedan, coupe, and convertible. The T&C was costly to build, expensive to buy, and required specialized care to keep it in top condition. Nonetheless, it was popular with buyers, and soon other manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon with their interpretations of the luxury woody. However, few could match Chrysler’s commercial success or the sheer sense of occasion when in the presence of one of these magnificent, handcrafted automobiles.

The venerable and robust Spitfire L-head inline-eight cylinder was standard fitment, paired with Chrysler’s ingenious Fluid Drive 4-speed semi-automatic transmission. Changes for 1949 included new front-end styling, a redesigned trunk, and Di-Noc wood grain covered inserts replacing the natural mahogany panels of previous years. This example is one of those desired models, with the wood grain panels accenting the gorgeous ash-trimmed body with dramatic effect.

The most critical element of any Town & Country is, of course, the woodwork, and this car does not disappoint with its exquisitely crafted joinery, precise alignment, and rich glossy finish. The sheet metal received similar meticulous care and is impressively straight, looking resplendent in its correct dark green metallic paintwork. The extensive chrome and polished brightwork are also restored and remain superb.

Originally from Washington state, This Chrysler Town and Country Convertible is appointed in correct Highland green leather and matching carpet, and the luxurious cabin presents in beautiful condition, with a lovely character thanks to the care and enjoyment it has received since the restoration. The hardware, fittings, and chrome details are all in excellent order, down to the intricately detailed window winders and escutcheons. A driver-focused binnacle houses the instruments, and the dash features intricately detailed brightwork and matching leather dash pad The cream canvas top is taut and free of fading or creasing, with a new rear Polyvinyl window and when folded by the effortless power retractable top, is finished with a moss green boot cover to match the upholstery.

Power comes from original Chrysler’s legendary flathead inline-eight. The smooth and torque-laden nature of the eight pairs well with the 4-speed Fluid Drive transmission, allowing for effortless progress despite the relative heft of the T&C. Correct clamps, decals, and hardware features throughout the engine bay.  As with the rest of this marvelous car, finish quality is original and outstanding, with the engine and undercarriage showing evidence of light road use.

The whisper quiet, smooth, and powerful 135hp Chrysler inline eight-cylinder engine drives through Chrysler's Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission. It has been restored to be a beautiful touring car with a nicely detailed engine compartment, show quality paint, Pristine chrome, and new leather interior.

The well-preserved original car went thru a extensive refresh to return its original showroom like condition including details such as :

 

·       New original correct Good Year soft cushion ride white wall tires including spare.

·       Chassis entirely undercoated.

·       The original Radiator was re-cored and restored.

·       New brakes and hydraulics all around

·       Restored trunk compartment with matching carpet, leather, and vinyl trim.

·       All original woodwork restored.

·       NOS Chrysler emblems and badges

 

A fine summer driver, it combines Chrysler's quality engineering, proven drivetrain and the visual distinction of the wood-framed Town & Country body in one of Chrysler's rarer (only 993 built) and memorable body styles.

Located in Houston, Texas, this beautiful and highly desired automobile is offered for sale by owner and available for domestic or international export upon sale with title. Serious inquiries are welcomed by contacting phkglobal@hotmail.com