Vehicle Description
1926 Chrysler Model 70 Sedan
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 1926 this car was labeled the Series 60 due to the fact that
the inline 6 cylinder engine produced nearly 70 horsepower. A
slightlychopped, hot rodded and fuel injected version, making it a
true driver. With plenty of upgrades and retaining most of the
factory looks, this car is ready to tour and be shown...oh and
there's even plenty of room tobring your family or friends in the
back seat.
Exterior
Presenting nicely in dark blue with black accenting on the twin
beltline bump outs, it has curvaceous fenders and a black vinyl,
top as the metalworking technology of the day wasn't ready for such
a huge panel. A few chips and dings are noted throughout the body,
however they do not make this rolling piece of street rod art any
less eye-catching. Headlights, in their shiny chrome pods, flank
the blacked out grille with its dark blue surround and brass winged
viking hat radiator cap. This corral holds itsown as the center
hinged hood and side cowling has been removed allowing the world to
see the elephant in the room...think HEMI, but more on that later.
Swooping dark blue fenders flow back into strong rubber coated
running boards before gracefully arching upward to create the rear
fender. Hovering above is the passenger compartment with its 3-inch
chop and lightly smoked glass. Rounding out the back of the car we
note some flourish pinstriping, the fuel tank, and teardrop
taillights gracing the rear fenders. The wheels, which are 15-inch
black painted steel with smooth chrome dog dish caps, are wrapped
in 205/70R15 blackwall rubber.
Interior
Opening the 4 doors allows us a view of the multi-colored Mexican
blanket style seat covers that grace both front and rear bench
seats thatstretch from door to door. These seats sit within black
tubs and provide room for 3 in each row. Black vinyl is on making
up the door panels, and these are peppered with what appear to be
the original handles and latches. A blue painted metal dash has
aluminum inserts holding the SW gauges in the center along with a
few chrome knobs for various other functions. A digital display is
noted for the EFI control by FiTech right in front of the driver,
along with a wood rimmed and drilled 3 spoke steering wheel.
Nicelystained wood makes up the flooring and a peek upwards reveals
a wooden lathe roof structure supporting the vinyl.
Drivetrain
With the side cowling and hood removed the engine compartment is
clean, concise, and detailed. The engine itself presents with a
black block and silver finishedvalve covers with Chrysler
Fire-Power embossing. This bay holds a powerful 331ci Hemi V8 that
is right out of 1955 and has been treated to a .465 lift camshaft.
A Hot Head aluminum intake delivers the right amount of fuel from
the FiTech EFI unit bolted on top. An A518 4-speed automatic
overdrive transmission is on back and this pushes power to a Ford
8.8" 3.73 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Some light surface rust on the body hangers and on the usual steel
suspects, however this car remains structurally sound, and has a
sturdy frame. Black paint covers the frame and with overspray on
the wooden floors and bottom sides of the running boards and
remains free of rot. Leaf spring suspension is on the front and
rear and hydraulic disc brakes are in the front and drums in the
rear. Dual exhaust with glasspack style mufflers handles the
removal of spent fossils efficiently and ends under the rear of the
car with dual dual chrome tips.
Drive-Ability
This car started quickly thanks to the FiTech fuel injections and
after a few seconds came into a healthy rumbling idle. While we
made no attempt at setting a land speed record, the car does have
more than 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 design work is still shining brightly on this example
and the lines work very well with the hot rod motif. This example
is ready to be shown and enjoyed reliably, why settle for a Ford or
Chevy when you can indulge in a Chrysler.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
