Vehicle Description
The idea of turning the structural aspect of wood as a styling
feature may not have originated with Chrysler, but it can be argued
that they certainly perfected it. The earliest woodies were born of
necessity, with basic, utilitarian bodies that were sold in the
aftermarket to adapt cars like the Model T for commercial duty.
Eventually, the structural and functional wood became a point of
style, and by the mid-1930's most American manufacturers began to
offer well-equipped station wagons with stylish wood bodies. It was
Chrysler's Town & Country of 1941 that gave the traditional
utilitarian wood structure a luxurious, elegant makeover. The
inspired Town & Country was a top of the line luxury car that
combined the best of the New Yorker from the windscreen forward
with an opulent "country home" feel from the windshield back. The
T&C was expensive to build, costly to buy, and required
specialized maintenance but it proved a success, and soon other
manufacturers were jumping on the bandwagon with their own versions
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 machines. This 1948 Town & Country convertible
has been in the care of just three families since new. It was
originally purchased in Sacramento, California by Charles L. and
Betty Miller, delivered new in Catalina Tan (Code 9 on the trim
tag); a very rare and attractive springtime promotional color that
was reserved only for California dealers. Mr. Miller drove the car
very little yet took meticulous care of it. In the late-1950s, the
couple moved to Arlington, Virginia and in April of 1957, they
hired someone to drive the Chrysler from California for them. The
original emergency transit permit (a temporary registration of
sorts) still accompanies the car. Once in Arlington, the car saw
even less use, as the elderly man was not allowed to drive it on
the road. He still cared for it meticulously, never left the car
out overnight, and only pulled it out of his garage on occasion to
carefully wipe it down with a damp chamois, never using a hose and
bucket to wash the car as he was afraid of damaging the wood. The
second owner grew up in Arlington and was alerted by a friend who
had spotted the Chrysler in the Miller's driveway. Word soon came
from a family member that Mr. Miller would sell the car if it went
to a good home. The 2nd owner's father purchased the car in or
around 1960, and it remained in their family until 2015. For all
those years, it was treated the same way Mr. Miller cared for it -
never washing it with a hose, always carefully wiping it down, and
never leaving it out overnight. In fact, we are told it only spent
one full night outside in all the time the second family had it-
when it was used for a family trip to the Indy 500. Today, the Town
& Country presents in very good, unrestored condition. It remains
exceptionally original, save for one repaint in the correct color,
a replacement Haartz canvas top, and some light detailing. It is
otherwise an incredibly well-preserved, straight, and honest
example, with outstanding wood and a clean, tidy underbody. The
respray is of average quality, and some sanding marks are visible
in the bodywork; however the paint has an appropriate luster that
is in keeping with the car's unrestored nature. The chrome is a mix
of original pieces and some average-quality replated pieces, again
appearing consistent with what is a largely unrestored car.
Importantly, the wood is excellent and appears to be original. The
doors and trunk fit well, and the varnish is even and appears very
well-maintained. � The Town & Country was a top-line luxury car,
and Chrysler used the finest leather and Bedford cord upholstery.
This car's deep maroon leather/taupe Bedford Cord trim presents
very well, with an appropriate patina from regular use. There is a
tear in the front seat, though it remains serviceable and would
best be treated with some careful preservation work. Otherwise, the
upholstery on the rear seat and door cards is in fine original
condition. Similarly, the convertible top is sound and in good
condition, though there is some staining visible in the canvas. As
this was a range-topping car, it is well equipped with a factory
clock, radio, heater, and spot lamp. The original spare wheel,
jack, and a reproduction workshop manual will be included. Chrysler
fitted the T&C Convertibles with their legendary 323 cubic-inch
Spitfire 8-cylinder. This flathead engine was magnificently smooth,
particularly when mated to the fluid-drive transmission, giving
these big cars outstanding cruising ability. This example runs very
well, with the typical effortless nature that defines a well-sorted
T&C. The engine compartment shows signs of regular maintenance
and appears tidy, mostly correct, and very well-presented. It is
wonderfully original and has not been restored because it has never
needed it. Similarly, the undercarriage is exceptionally clean,
revealing the 70 years of care this car has enjoyed. The 1941-1948
Town & Country enjoys CCCA Full Classic status, making it eligible
for their outstanding CARavan tours and events. This beautiful
original car would also be well suited for AACA events or simply
for casual cruising around town. With a wonderful history in the
hands of only three careful owners, this unrestored Town & Country
will surely reward its next keeper.