Vehicle Description
This 1948 Chrysler Town and County is an absolutely stunning
post-war, wood-bodied luxury automobile and is deemed a "Full
Classic" by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). As World War II
ended, American automakers began to restart automobile production
after the onset of the War brought the automotive industry to a
halt. Although Chrysler (along with its contemporaries) were
permitted to begin producing cars again, they were not able to
retool their lines and therefore many of the American cars from
1946 through 1948 largely resembled their pre-war counterparts.
Further adding to Chrysler's early post-war production issues was a
nationwide materials shortage that further delayed the company's
ability to build cars after the War. One way that Chrysler was able
to differentiate its post-war offerings from the 1942 models was
the addition of a new Town & Country model that featured steel
bodies adorned by white ash and mahogany paneling, an idea that was
said to have originated from the mind of Chrysler's President at
the time, David A. Wallace. Unlike the pre-war Town & Country
models which were station wagons, the new post-war versions came in
a variety of body styles including 4 door sedans, and convertibles.
These Chrysler woodies were gorgeous to look at, which was
especially impressive considering the production challenges that
Chrysler faced when restarting automobile production. The interiors
on the Town & Country were also quite elevated with buyers having
the option of Leather with Bedford Cord inserts or fully leather
bench seats. In total, Chrysler produced a mere 3,994 Town and
Country 4 door sedans between 1946 through 1948, of which 1,119
built in 1948, making this particular example quite a rare piece of
Mopar history. Powering this '48 Chrysler is a 250.6 Cubic Inch
"Spitfire" L-Head Inline 6 fed by a single 2 barrel carburetor that
together were said to have created 114 horsepower when new. The 250
Spitfire Straight 6 is mated to a Gyrol Fluid-Drive Semi-Automatic
Transmission which was quite the technological innovation and a
novelty back in 1948. The addition of an electric fuel pump is also
a welcome addition on a vehicle of this age due to the improved
start-up reliability it provides. Braking is supplied by hydraulic
drum brakes in all four corners, which makes bringing this nearly
4,000 pound Chrysler to a full stop much easier. A pair chrome side
mirrors and a pair of chrome spotlights add to the period feel of
this '48 Town & Country and improve the utility of this luxury
automobile. The original bias-ply tires have been replaced with a
set of radials mounted on steel rims and accented by chrome
Chrysler hubcaps and chrome beauty rings that together give this 4
door sedan a gorgeous look and even better ride. The chrome and
brightwork around the exterior of this 1948 Chrysler is in
wonderful condition and adds to the car's highly appointed exterior
appearance. The exterior has been refinished correctly in Dove Gray
paint which is set off by Ash wood framing and Mahogany veneer
paneling. A wooden roof-mounted luggage rack is in wonderful
condition and completes the exterior look of the car. The interior
of this 1948 Chrysler is exquisite! The front and rear bench seats
have been reupholstered in Oxblood Burgundy leather accented by
Taupe Bedford Cord cloth inserts. The burgundy carpeting, wood door
panels with burgundy upholstered door handles, steering wheel and
dash are in beautiful condition and all appear to be in their stock
configuration. The instrument cluster is outfitted with a 110 MPH
speedometer, temperature gauge, amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, and
fuel gauge. The dash is equipped with a clock, push-button AM
radio, speaker and controls for the heater and lights. Whether
you're adding to your collection of CCCA Full Classics or you're
buying your very first classic car, this 1948 Chrysler Town and
Country would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call at
763-428-7337!
*250.6 Cu. In. L-Head "Spitfire" Inline 6
*Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*Gryrol Fluid Drive Semi-Automatic Transmission
*114 Horsepower
*Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*CCCA "Full Classic"
*Correct Dove Gray w/ Wooden Paneling
*Oxblood Burgundy Leather w/ Taupe Bedford Cloth Inserts
*Wooden Roof-Mounted Luggage Rack
*Dual Chrome Spotlights & Outside Mirrors
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 30,838 Miles
