Vehicle Description
1929 Chrysler 65 Roadster
Produced at the old Chalmers plant in Detroit and introduced in
January 1924, Walter P Chrysler's first automobile was an
innovative, medium priced, six-cylinder car of better-than-average
performance, as numerous motor sport successes would soon
demonstrate. Offering a $5,000 specification for under $1,500, the
Chrysler featured hydraulic brakes, aluminium pistons,
full-pressure lubrication and a tubular front axle, and was able to
reach 70mph comfortably. Not surprisingly, it was an outstanding
success, 32,000 being sold in the car's first year of production.
The original Chrysler Series 70 six remained 3.3 litres in capacity
until 1926 when it was enlarged to 3.6 litres. A smaller, 3.0-litre
Series 60 six was introduced for 1927 while the 70 grew to 4.1
litres for 1928, becoming the Series 72. By this time the range had
expanded to encompass not just the smaller Series 60 six but also a
four-cylinder model and the fabulous Imperial, the latter larger
and more expensive than the original and intended to compete with
the likes of Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard. The four had
disappeared from the range by 1929, being as a Plymouth, while
Chrysler's smallest six had moved on to become the 195.6ci
(3.2-litre) Series 65, featuring a longer wheelbase, Lockheed
hydraulic brakes and hydraulic shock absorbers. Thx to
Bonhams.com
For 1929 this car was labeled the Series 65 due to the fact that
the inline 6 cylinder engine produced 65 horsepower. A single
family owned since 1964 roadster version, restored over the course
of 1964 through 1965 that is nicely preserved, and a true driver,
and we didn't dare push it to its top speed on our test track
thanks to experience in the past on a 1 year older model. With
recently rebuilt brakes and a rebuilt carb this car is ready to
tour and be shown...oh and there's even a special spot for your
mother-in-law out back.
Exterior
Presenting nicely in maroon with red accent striping, it has black
fenders and a stained but functional ivory canvas top sans rear
window. A few chips and dings are noted throughout the body but
don't make this rolling piece of art any less eye-catching.
Headlights, in their shiny chrome pods, flank the blacked out
grille with its bright chrome surround. This corral leads back to a
long maroon center hinged hood with cooling louvers on the sides
and auxiliary driving lights mounted atop the cowl. Swooping black
fenders flow back into strong rubber coated wooden running boards
before gracefully arching upward to create the rear fender.
Rounding out the back of the car is the trunk/rumble seat with room
for 2 passengers or any spare luggage you may want to bring along
and the spare tire hangs between the twin bar chrome split rear
bumper. A simple taillight graces the driver's rear fender and on
the passengers is the step to enter the rumble seat. The wheels,
which are 19-inch wooden spoke are wrapped in 5.25/5.50-19 period
correct blackwall rubber.
Interior
A smooth ivory colored vinyl bench seat with ivory stretches from
door to door. A few small imperfections are noted but nothing
remarkable. The same material is on the door panels, and these are
peppered with what appear to be the original handles and latches
for the map pockets. A black painted metal dash has the original
gauges inserted in the center along with a few chrome knobs for
various other functions. A black rubber mat lines the floors and
presents with heavy wear, bunching and tearing.
Drivetrain
The engine compartment is clean and concise but not extensively
detailed and the engine itself presents in a silver/gray hue that
is riddled with patina. This bay holds the correct 195ci L-headed
inline 6-cylinder engine and has a rebuilt 1-barrel carburetor to
feed it the appropriate mixture of fuel and air. A 3-speed manual
transmission is on back and this pushes power to a 4.30 rear.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the body hangers and lightly covering the
usual steel suspects, however this car remains structurally sound,
and has a sturdy frame. Black paint covers the wooden floors and
bottom sides of the running boards and remains free of rot. Leaf
spring suspension is on the front and rear as are hydraulic drum
brakes that were recently rebuilt. Single exhaust handles the
removal of spent fossils efficiently and appears nearly new from
the muffler back.
Drive-Ability
This car started quickly with the aid of a manual choke, and once
warmed up it ran great. We made no attempt at setting a land speed
record but does have adequate power, acceptable handling and
surprisinglygood braking. It steers effortlessly and is a nice car
that Is great for a scenic cruise.
Clearly this is a car meant to be used and enjoyed. Chrysler's
exceptional engineering clearly manifested itself in these early
models, which performed well and proved to be very reliable. This
example shows well and was enjoyed by its owners.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
