Vehicle Description
Beautiful older restoration still in excellent condition. Numerous
upgrades for touring including dual master cylinder, electric
cooling fan, turn signals, and seat belts. Runs and drives very
well. A beautiful and seldom-seen Chrysler convertible ready to
enjoy!Chryslers were redesigned for 1940 with a sleeker, more
integrated look that was unlike anything else on the road. The
Windsor was the mid-level model, offering upscale interior
appointments and typical Chrysler quality. Wearing a restoration
that was finished in the 1990s, this very pretty 1940 Chrysler
Windsor convertible still stops people in their tracks when they
see it today. The color is called Ensign Blue, and it's a wonderful
soft blue that might have a bit of green mixed in?it's just
gorgeous. The bodywork underneath is nicely done with no signs of
filler abuse or substandard work. Panel fit is quite good and the
doors swing open and closed on well-oiled hinges. All the chrome
was restored at the same time, including the pot metal trim on the
sides of the hood and the headlight rings, pieces that must have
been insanely expensive to refinish. There's also a lot of
stainless steel brightwork, and it was all straightened and buffed
to match the chrome. Options include running boards, fender skirts,
wind wings, and a pair of fog lamps up front, which give the
Windsor a well-dressed, upscale look. From any angle, this is a
very pretty car.The red leather interior is the ideal complement to
the soft blue bodywork, and was likewise professionally restored
with the rest of the car. Seating surfaces are in excellent
condition with only light evidence of use on the driver's side with
some scuffing on the outer seat back. Plush carpets were
tailor-made to fit and the fairly ornate door panels feature
armrests and chrome hardware. The dash is beautifully finished with
a faux burled woodgrain, which accentuates the Ensign Blue
surround. A big steering wheel makes the Windsor easy to handle and
all the gauges are easy to see and fully operational. Blue
block-off plates for the radio and heater add a bit of contrast,
and switches for auxiliary systems are underneath. Of note, the car
has aftermarket seat belts, turn signals, and an electric pusher
fan for touring and parades. Other details include chrome garnish
moldings in excellent condition and a tan convertible top that is
vacuum-actuated but needs a bit of help to go up and down. The top
stows easily behind the back seat and includes a matching tan
canvas boot for a finished look. And there's a positively massive
trunk that features a full-sized spare tire and correct rubber
mats.Chrysler's bulletproof 241 cubic inch inline-6 is a legendary
over-achiever, putting the Windsor on equal footing with
competition like the 8-cylinder Buick Super. With 108 horsepower,
it was just as powerful and the durability of these Chrysler sixes
is well documented. This one was rebuilt to stock specs and runs
great, starting easily thanks to an electric fuel pump. It idles
with a nice 6-cylinder grumble from the tailpipe and the fat torque
curve makes it feel energetic around town. Of note, the original
ignition coil has been supplanted by a modern unit on the inner
fender, although the original is still in its factory spot in the
firewall should you wish to take it back to 100% stock condition.
Backed by a 3-speed manual transmission, the engine always feels
ready to go and with 4.10 gears in the rear axle, you can just
leave it in high gear most of the time. It is great for around-town
driving and will cruise happily at 55 MPH without seeming to work
very hard. The suspension is typical of the era, although someone
has thoughtfully added air shocks in back, and the 4-wheel drum
brakes have been augmented with a modern dual reservoir master
cylinder for safety on the road. The undercarriage is beautifully
detailed with only minor signs of use and there's no evidence this
car was ever rusty or patched up. Factory steel wheels wear
handsome original hubcaps and a set of 7.00-16 Firestone wide
whites of indeterminate age.If this car were simply pretty, that
would be enough. But when you add in the fantastic road manners of
these Chryslers, you get a 1940s cruiser that's as much a delight
to drive as it is to look at. The restoration is mellowing nicely,
making a car that is equally at home on the show field or on tours,
and with a few thoughtful upgrades, you shouldn't have any second
thoughts about putting it on the road. It's unusual to find a car
that does everything well, but this Chrysler has won us over with
its can-do attitude. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends
and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in
our inventory prior to purchase.
