1949 Chrysler

Chrysler offered its largely hand-built, prestigious Town & Country convertible on the top-of-the-line New Yorker eight-cylinder chassis, now with the wood body framing applied over steel panels. The wooden parts for the Town & Country came from Pekin Wood Products in Helena, Arkansas. They were shipped to Chrysler's Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit for assembly. Prior to being fitted to the body, the wood framing was assembled. This process was difficult and time consuming, as it required extensive hand-formed contouring of the compound curved frames so they would properly adhere to the metal body parts correctly. Running changes through 1949 saw Dinoc woodgrain replaced in late production with body color painted panels, a rare and highly attractive variant that is shown off to advantage on this spectacularly restored example, and one of the last wood-framed Chrysler Town & Country convertibles to be built. Its rarity and distinctive style earned it a meticulous concours-quality restoration, winning an AACA National First Prize and an AACA Grand National award. It has Fluid Drive, full wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, radio, clock, heater and power-operated top. It is finished in beautiful dark red which Chrysler colorfully called 'Pepper Red' that contrasts to advantage with the brightly varnished light ash wood framing. The interior is upholstered in rich cognac brown leather topped off with a tan cloth top and a matching top boot cover. This is a brilliant show car restored and maintained to concours-quality standards. One of the last Chrysler Town & Country convertibles built, it will occupy an important place in any collection, tour or show field.