In its September 1929 issue, Autobody magazine hailed the semi-custom dual-cowl phaeton built by New York coachbuilder Locke on the Chrysler 77 chassis as exhibiting “the most outstanding changes in design…. A striking feature of this year’s design is the treatment of the hood louvers. This gay and sprightly design appears to be a particularly good advantage on the open cars of the ‘77’ series, the phaeton of which is shown above.”

The dual-cowl phaeton offered here is an example of just that style. Restored in the early 1960s, it was an award-winner at the Antique Automobile Club of America National Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania in 1965, while in the ownership of the pioneering vintage automobile restorer and dealer M.H. “Tiny” Gould. Mr. Gould subsequently sold the car to Paul Stern of Manheim, Pennsylvania, founder of that town’s namesake auto auction, a Chrysler dealer, and an avid, early collector of the marque’s finest products. Stern is believed to have returned with the car to Hershey and been awarded yet again in 1967.

Galen Brandt of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, a charter member of the Walter P. Chrysler Club, acquired the 77 in 1996 and elected to preserve much of the original cosmetic restoration of the car, while returning its mechanicals to roadworthy condition. He drove it in numerous events, weddings, and parades, including the 2011 AAA Revival Glidden Tour in Cumberland, Maryland. Mr. Brandt’s son noted in 2014 that the car “was never on a trailer but driven and enjoyed.” That fall, it was acquired from the Brandt estate by the immediate prior owner and resided quietly in their own collection for the past decade.

Still very attractive in its cheerful color scheme, which displays its elaborate styling to good effect, this semi-custom Chrysler will continue to be a distinctive choice for AACA tours and events. It boasts excellent provenance with some of the great figures of the hobby.