Vehicle Description
I The use of structural woodwork as a styling feature may not have
originated with Chrysler, but in the early 1940s, their designers
managed to transform this utilitarian feature into a status symbol.
The earliest woodies were born of necessity, with essential
form-after-function aftermarket bodies adapted to vehicles like the
Model T for commercial duty. Eventually, style points began to
shape the woodwork, and by the mid-1930's most American
manufacturers offered factory-built station wagons with wood
bodies. But 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 cowl 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 versions of
the luxury woody. However, few could match Chrysler's stature and
the sheer sense of occasion when in the presence of one of these
magnificent machines. Chrysler excelled at the upscale wood-bodied
car, and few of their rivals came close to the Town & Country's
quality and luxury. This 1948 Town & Country Convertible is a prime
example, finished in Polo Green and well-equipped with all the
luxury fittings a buyer from the late-40s would desire. This car is
presented in good condition with excellent woodwork and an
appealing patina to its older restoration. The Polo Green paint
suits the car's "country home" character particularly well, and
while there is some fading to the finish, it is consistent and
attractive, with an appealing and honest character. The woodwork
appears sound and in good condition, showing signs of re-varnishing
through the years. There are some imperfections in the finish, but
the overall character makes it an excellent choice for touring and
driving enjoyment. The exterior brightwork all presents in very
good order, and the car wears proper chrome wheel covers and rides
on period-correct wide whitewall Firestones. The interior has been
authentically restored using dark green mottled leather and beige
Bedford cord inserts. The soft trim is restored to factory specs,
finished to a high standard, and blends nicely with the
well-preserved original brightwork and other interior fittings.
Options include a Deluxe Comfort Master heater, factory radio,
clock, Guide searchlight, and Fluid Drive transmission. It also
features an attractive green/gray 'salt & pepper' canvas top piped
in green leather that's in excellent condition. Beneath the long
hood sits Chrysler's Spitfire straight-eight engine. The L-head
design was a holdout from the pre-war era, but its torque,
refinement, and near bulletproof reliability made the T&C one
of the finest driving luxury cars of the period. This car's engine
bay is tidy with authentic fittings like the oil bath air cleaner,
Spitfire spark plug cover, and period-style hardware. While there's
room for further detailing effort, it is otherwise perfectly
presentable for a tour and event car that's going to be driven. And
driving is what the Town & Country does best. These cars are well
built, comfortable, and effortless to drive for long distances.
This example is in the ideal condition for entry into a wide range
of tours and driving events, and since it is designated a Full
Classic, that includes the popular CCCA CARavan tours. Desirably
equipped and brimming with character, this is an appealing example
of Chrysler's iconic, genre-defining Town & Country woody. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7013-1948-chrysler-town-country/
