Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 7404961
Engine No. C39-46195 B
Among the most exciting postwar American luxury cars, the Chrysler
Town and Country evolved from the wood-bodied station wagons built
by the company in 1941 and 1942. A wagon model was now gone, but
was replaced by a convertible and sedan, most frequently built on
the eight- and six-cylinder chassis, respectively, with similarly
finely crafted hardwood coachwork. Each Town and Country was
assembled with remarkable care and finesse, using only the finest
materials both inside and out, and was truly a piece of fine
furniture on four wheels, as each piece of wood was hand-fit
throughout.
Unsurprisingly, the convertible version in particular became not
just a powerful draw for Chrysler showrooms, but a special status
symbol, beloved by captains of industry and Hollywood film stars
alike. Truly the flagship of the company, it remains one of the
most collectible automobiles of the early postwar era, and examples
figure into the finest stables and museums all over the world.
The Town and Country convertible offered here was formerly part of
the collection of Jim Covert of Jupiter, Florida. Mr. Covert was
noted for his superbly selected automobiles, maintained to an
extremely high standard - in particular, several outstanding Town
and Countries, all of which were selected for their rarity and
quality, and were restored to be the very best of their kind.
This convertible was brilliantly refinished for Mr. Covert in
Newport Blue with the complementary Highlander leather and wool
tartan cloth interior, which is remarkable to behold and was an
original factory option. As an excellent original example prior to
restoration, it remains wonderfully authentic throughout, finished
to the highest level without being overly restored as so many of
its ilk are. Built prior to the late-1947 introduction of Di-Noc
inner decals, it is coachbuilt in the fashion of early Town and
Countries, and thus retains all of its original, factory-installed
Arkansas white ash framing and Honduras mahogany inner panels. All
of the wood is in outstanding condition for its age - a great
rarity among Town and Countries, which truly makes this particular
car stand out.
Now accepted as a 'Full Classic' by the Classic Car Club of
America, this superb Town and Country has been lovingly preserved
within its current owner's private museum, well-maintained and kept
in the best possible condition. Worthy of inclusion in the finest
collection, it is one of the very best in the world, still
representing the absolute best that Chrysler had to offer.
