1949 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
VIN # C4522688
59319 Original Miles, 3 Owner car since 1949
Description
From the earliest days of motorized transport, the use of timber
was elemental to motorcar construction. A holdout from the days of carriage
building, first motor buggies, and brass-era tourers wore bodies made entirely
of wood, and even as the use of sheet metal became prevalent, wood still formed
the underlying structure of most car bodies. Wood was so crucial to the
automobile business that Henry Ford bought entire forests in Northern Michigan
to feed Model T production at his revolutionary Highland Park plant. By the
mid-1930’s most American manufacturers offered well-equipped station wagons
that boasted increasingly stylish and well-finished exposed wood bodies. As
engineers gradually developed new methods of stamping and forming metal,
woodwork transitioned from a structural element into a styling feature, before
going out with a flourish in the early 1950s.
Following the second world war, The Town & Country was the
star of the lineup, offered variously as a sedan, coupe, and convertible. The
T&C was costly to build, expensive to buy, and required specialized care to
keep it in top condition. Nonetheless, it was popular with buyers, and soon
other manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon with their interpretations of the
luxury woody. However, few could match Chrysler’s commercial success or the
sheer sense of occasion when in the presence of one of these magnificent,
handcrafted automobiles.
The venerable and robust Spitfire L-head inline-eight
cylinder was standard fitment, paired with Chrysler’s ingenious Fluid Drive
4-speed semi-automatic transmission. Changes for 1949 included new front-end
styling, a redesigned trunk, and Di-Noc wood grain covered inserts replacing
the natural mahogany panels of previous years. This example is one of those desired
models, with the wood grain panels accenting the gorgeous ash-trimmed body with
dramatic effect.
The most critical element of any Town & Country is, of
course, the woodwork, and this car does not disappoint with its exquisitely
crafted joinery, precise alignment, and rich glossy finish. The sheet metal
received similar meticulous care and is impressively straight, looking
resplendent in its correct dark green metallic paintwork. The extensive chrome
and polished brightwork are also restored and remain superb.
Originally from Washington state, This Chrysler Town and Country
Convertible is appointed in correct Highland green leather and matching carpet,
and the luxurious cabin presents in beautiful condition, with a lovely
character thanks to the care and enjoyment it has received since the
restoration. The hardware, fittings, and chrome details are all in excellent
order, down to the intricately detailed window winders and escutcheons. A
driver-focused binnacle houses the instruments, and the dash features intricately
detailed brightwork and matching leather dash pad The cream canvas top is taut
and free of fading or creasing, with a new rear Polyvinyl window and when
folded by the effortless power retractable top, is finished with a moss green boot
cover to match the upholstery.
Power comes from original Chrysler’s legendary flathead
inline-eight. The smooth and torque-laden nature of the eight pairs well with
the 4-speed Fluid Drive transmission, allowing for effortless progress despite
the relative heft of the T&C. Correct clamps, decals, and hardware features
throughout the engine bay. As with the
rest of this marvelous car, finish quality is original and outstanding, with
the engine and undercarriage showing evidence of light road use.
The whisper quiet, smooth, and powerful 135hp Chrysler inline eight-cylinder
engine drives through Chrysler's Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission. It
has been restored to be a beautiful touring car with a nicely detailed engine
compartment, show quality paint, Pristine chrome, and new leather interior.
The well-preserved original car went thru a extensive refresh to
return its original showroom like condition including details such as :
·
New original correct Good Year soft cushion ride white
wall tires including spare.
·
Chassis entirely undercoated.
·
The original Radiator was re-cored and restored.
·
New brakes and hydraulics all around
·
Restored trunk compartment with matching carpet, leather, and
vinyl trim.
·
All original woodwork restored.
·
NOS Chrysler emblems and badges
A
fine summer driver, it combines Chrysler's quality engineering, proven
drivetrain and the visual distinction of the wood-framed Town & Country
body in one of Chrysler's rarer (only 993 built) and memorable body styles.
Located in Houston, Texas, this beautiful and highly desired automobile
is offered for sale by owner and available for domestic or international export
upon sale with title. Serious inquiries are welcomed by contacting phkglobal@hotmail.com