Vehicle Description
Chrysler Corporation was just six years old in 1930, yet the firm
had already built a solid reputation for quality, style, and value.
The ambitious Mr. Chrysler added Plymouth, Dodge, and DeSoto to his
portfolio to fill the entry-level and mid-priced slots, providing
the financial stability to move the Chrysler marque steadily
upward. In the late 1920s, Chrysler was busy making a name for
itself on the international motorsports stage. The quick and
durable 70-series roadsters racked up tremendous sporting accolades
- including high finishes in the Mille Miglia and Le Mans, against
considerably more exotic, purpose-built machinery. The new Chrysler
Series 77 arrived for the 1930 model year, featuring a host of
improvements, including a double drop chassis, four-wheel hydraulic
brakes, and a four-speed gearbox. New styling features included a
thin-edge chrome grille with body-color slats, and on early cars,
unique pennon-shaped louvers on the hood sides, giving the design a
distinct Art Deco flair. Power came from the robust 268 cubic-inch
L-head inline-six, rated at 93 horsepower. Like its predecessors,
the Series 77 also proved to be a formidable competition car, and
the factory entered two 77 roadsters at Spa in 1930, eventually
finishing 5th behind three Alfa Romeos and a Bugatti. Chrysler also
repeated their superb 5-litre class win at the Mille Miglia the
same year. For those customers not out to win the Mille Miglia,
Chrysler offered a wide variety of coachwork options to suit
individual tastes and desires. Nine standard bodies were available,
including a roadster, coupe, phaeton, tourer, and others. As part
of the strategy to move Chrysler up-market and compete with LaSalle
and, eventually, Cadillac and Packard, buyers were offered select
semi-custom options from Locke and Brewster. This lovely Chrysler
77 is an exceptionally rare coachbuilt model, wearing an elegant
Town Car body by the prestigious Brewster & Co. of New York. Frank
Kleptz acquired this extraordinary Chrysler in the late 1970s from
another well-known and respected collector, Roger Ritterbeck. In
typical Brewster fashion, the design is minimally adorned, with
elegant proportions, exquisite detailing, and superlative build
quality. The pennon-shaped hood louvers identify this as an early
production model, as later cars switched to a more conventional,
though less attractive vertical design. It wears a well-preserved
older restoration, finished in a handsome color scheme of burgundy
with subtle light accents, matching wire wheels, and a black
upholstered roof. As with nearly all of Frank Kleptz's cars, the
restoration is expertly finished, as evident by the AACA National
First Prize award from 1980. The Brewster Town Car was aimed at the
wealthy big-city dweller seeking a luxurious automobile with
superior performance and maneuverability compared to larger
machinery. Like most chauffeur-driven cars of the era, this
Chrysler features a businesslike driver's compartment trimmed in
hard-wearing black leather. Rear passengers enjoy more opulent
trimmings of maroon broadcloth and matching carpet. Appointments
include a glass partition, folding opera seats, and braided grab
handles. The soft trim remains in good order, though some minor
moth damage is apparent on the rear seat upholstery. Under the hood
resides Chrysler's legendary "Red Head" six. It is very well
detailed, with the proper dark green finish on the block, bright
red cylinder head, and black enamel ancillaries. Likewise, minor
fittings and plumbing are period-correct, with authentic tags and
decals on the accessories. Some flaws and blemishes are noted in
the painted surfaces, primarily from this car's extended storage
period. Following a basic service with new fluids and fuel, it now
runs quite well, and the gearbox exhibits smooth, effortless
changes. Even the thermostatic radiator shutters still function as
they should. Some additional attention is warranted to the braking
system and elsewhere; however, once sorted, this will make a
delightful tour car eligible for a wide variety of events. This
extremely rare Series 77 is a fine example of Chrysler's unique
blend of quality, luxury, and performance. With the added cachet of
the Brewster nameplate, it is easy to see why Frank Kleptz was so
taken by its charming character. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6845-1930-chrysler-series-77-brewster-town-car/
