Vehicle Description
Chrysler may not have been the first American car company to employ
structural woodwork as a design feature, but they are indeed
responsible for elevating timber into a glamorous status symbol.
The earliest wooden car bodies were born of necessity, with
essential form-after-function bodies sold as aftermarket
accessories for the Model T and others. As wood station wagon
bodies became factory offerings, style points began to shape the
woodwork, and by the mid-1930s, most American manufacturers offered
factory-built people movers with handsome wood coachwork. But
Chrysler's Town & Country of 1941 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. Chrysler contracted with (and later
acquired) Pekin Wood Products of Helena, Arkansas, to build the
wood sections, which were then shipped to Detroit for hand fitting
and final assembly. The T&C was costly to produce, expensive to
buy, and required specialized maintenance, but it was successful
enough to encourage other manufacturers to jump on the luxury woody
bandwagon. However, few could match Chrysler's stature and the
sheer sense of occasion when in the presence of one of these
magnificent machines. The early post-war versions of the Town &
Country are among the most desirable and collectible of this
long-running series. They combine the high-end quality and luxury
of the pre-war models with easy drivability and superb ride
quality. They also enjoy official Full Classic� designation by the
Classic Car Club of America, allowing entry into a wide range of
tours and competitive concours events. With a superb, highly
detailed restoration, this 1947 Town & Country Convertible is one
of the finest available today. It is one of an estimated 100
survivors from approximately 3,300 produced and is finished in its
original, special-order color of Sumac Red with a black top. Photos
from the restoration, completed in 2014, show the car was complete
and well-preserved at the start of the project. The restorers
removed the body from the chassis, replacing wood only where
necessary and painstakingly rebuilding the car from a bare frame.
Throughout the process, great attention was paid to authenticity
and quality. The result is an award-winning car with a veritable
trunk load of trophies and special awards from major concours
events across the country. Looking resplendent in Sumac Red, this
Chrysler exudes class. The paint and body are finished to a very
high standard, and the extensive chrome and brightwork are suberbly
restored. Fittings and accessories include the correct full wheel
covers, dual searchlights, and dual exterior mirrors. The woodwork
is exquisite, with a deep gloss and finish quality akin to the
finest wooden speed boats. Opulent cabin appointments include rich
dark red leather, beige Bedford Cord inserts, wool carpeting, and
plentiful chrome trim. This car also features a factory radio,
heater, and power-operated canvas top. These big Chryslers are
renowned for their exceptional comfort and drivability; this
example is no exception. The original 323.5 cubic-inch L-head
inline-eight is torquey and refined, while the fluid-drive
transmission delivers power with smooth, effortless action. The
engine compartment is fully detailed to concours standards with
period-correct labels, fittings, and finishes, including the
underside of the hood - which is properly painted gray. The most
recent owners took great pride in showing this Town & Country at
concours events around the US. They amassed an impressive number of
trophies, including Best in Class at the 2015 Boca Raton Concours,
2016 Keels and Wheels Best in Class, 2016 Santa Fe Conours
President's Award, Winter Park Concours Chairman's Award, 2017
Cincinnati Concours People's Choice Award, among many others.
Thanks to meticulous care, it remains a gorgeous car, ideal for
concours display or wafting along to your country estate. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7438-1947-chrysler-town-country-convertible/
