Originally conceived in 1941 by Chrysler employee Dave Wallace, the Chrysler Town & Country was only available in four-door form and featured a beautifully-crafted wooden body. Although the “woodie” was born of a practical need for relatively inexpensive estate wagons, its ash and mahogany-framed body was considered quite fashionable and, due to its association with country life, became a favorite vehicle of the wealthy.

At a factory price of over $3,400, Chrysler’s elegant convertible was the most expensive model available, exceeding any other model in the New Yorker series and eclipsing the more moderately priced Royal, Windsor and Saratoga. All told about 8,400 examples were built and each remains highly sought after by collectors to this day. The Chrysler Town & Country was by far Chrysler’s most opulent car for the day, and the example presented in this lot is exceptional.

Finished with correct Code 8 Gunmetal Gray exterior and complemented with lush maroon leather and tan cloth interior, it is indeed breathtaking. There were several color options to choose from at the Chrysler dealerships when ordering a new car, but the simple hue of this car best shows the lines and extensive use of chrome. Weighing in at 4,332 pounds from the factory, the Town & Country takes full advantage of the beefy cast iron inline eight-cylinder engine offering all of 135 horsepower. The engine compartment for this convertible is highly detailed and displays its hardware with pride. The engine is hooked to Chrysler’s efficient Fluid Drive transmission, making driving a pleasure.

The overall condition of this convertible is spectacular. The fit and finish of the body, paint, and chrome is as new. The interior is spotless and picture perfect. When customers sought an eye-catching, high quality, comfortable, and great driving car, the 1948 Chrysler always found its way to the top of the list. The example is worthy of that spot on top as truly one of the great examples of the Marque.