Few postwar American automobiles capture the romance of open-air
motoring quite like the Town & Country Convertible from Chrysler.
Originally introduced in 1941 as a distinctive "woodie" model
blending fine hardwood paneling with luxury-car engineering, the
Town & Country quickly became Chrysler's halo automobile. Following
World War II, production resumed with updated styling, and by 1948
the model represented the final and most refined expression of the
immediate postwar design.
For 1948, Town & Country production remained limited, with
approximately 8,368 convertibles built for the model year, each
crafted with extensive ash framing and mahogany veneer body panels
that required significant hand labor. As one of Chrysler's most
prestigious offerings, the Town & Country Convertible stood at the
very top of the brand's lineup in both price and exclusivity.
Presented here is a beautifully restored 1948 Chrysler Town &
Country Convertible finished in elegant, factory correct Polo Green
over a Green Cord and White Vinyl interior, complemented by a beige
Stayfast cloth power convertible top. The restoration was performed
with an exceptional level of detail, including factory-style
inspection markings under the hood and reproduction presentation
decals placed exactly as delivered, an effort clearly aimed at
authenticity and concours-level presentation.
Under the hood resides its original 324ci L-Head Straight 8,
bearing stamp code C39-69220, paired with Chrysler's innovative
Fluid-Drive semi-automatic transmission. This smooth and torquey
inline eight delivers the refined, near-silent operation that made
Chrysler's engineering famous in the late 1940s, while Fluid Drive
provides effortless clutch-assisted shifting for relaxed
touring.
Well-equipped as expected of Chrysler's flagship convertible, this
example includes:
• Front and rear bumper guards
• Windshield-mounted spotlight
• Comfort Master heater/defroster system
• Dash clock
• Interior courtesy lamps
• Cowl ventilation system
• Power-folding convertible top
• Pushbutton AM radio with dash speaker
• Accessory reverse lamp
• Dual outside rearview mirrors
• Firestone Deluxe Champion 8.20-15 wide whitewall tires
• Full chrome wheel disc covers
Upon arrival at St. Louis Car Museum, the car received a
comprehensive mechanical service to ensure it performs as
beautifully as it presents:
• Complete brake system service including new master cylinder,
wheel cylinders, shoes/liners, wheel seals, and turned drums
• Rebuilt Carter carburetor
• New spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor
• New accessory drive belt and radiator cap
• Fresh hydraulic fluid for the power convertible top
• New rear pinion seal
• Replacement muffler and tailpipe
Prior to coming to St. Louis, the car resided in Alabama during the
1990s before joining a respected private collection from 2005
through 2024. Throughout its life, it has clearly benefited from
attentive ownership, careful storage, and preservation-minded
stewardship.
Today, this Town & Country Convertible starts easily, idles
smoothly, and drives with the confident, substantial feel expected
of Chrysler's top-tier postwar luxury automobile. The woodwork is
beautifully presented, the paint retains a deep and elegant luster,
and the interior reflects the craftsmanship that made these cars so
special when new. With limited 1948 production, authentic
restoration details, original straight-eight power, and elegant
Polo Green presentation, this Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
stands as both a rolling work of art and a refined touring
automobile, ready to grace concours lawns or boulevard drives with
equal distinction.
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