Chrysler’s “77” of 1930 is a stunning creation with beautiful lines and superb engineering. Its double-drop frame houses a tubular front axle, hydraulic brakes, and six-cylinder engine with full-pressure lubrication and aluminum pistons, delivering its power through a four-speed transmission. It was an excellent performer, with a “77” roadster even winning its class at the 1930 Mille Miglia in the hands of Gioacchino Leonardi and Ezio Barbieri.

The roadster offered here, an early production model with the desirable “pennant” hood louvers, was acquired by Frank L. Wright in 1977 and restored by his longtime trusted team of Roy and Ralph Snider in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. Chrysler historian Joe Morgan remembers the Sniders as a perfect match for their fastidious-natured client, noting in a recent conversation that “they did unbelievable work, with everything done in-house, including the upholstery, to an excellent standard. They were very thorough! Frank never put reproduction parts on cars and researched them extremely thoroughly, while having every nut and bolt redone.” Correctness was the byword for a Wright restoration; he was very proud that his cars were not over-restored, but rather properly and accurately finished.

As in most cases, the work by the Sniders and the owner was rewarded with the sparkling green and black “77” being exhibited in Antique Automobile Club of America competition and receiving its National Senior First Prize as well as two Preservation honors in 1979. Since its show career, the car has been largely maintained within the Wright Collection, enjoying occasional exercise. Mr. Morgan, privy to some of those “test runs,” recounts that the car is fitted with high-speed gears and thus “goes like you wouldn’t believe.” The restoration is exceptionally well-preserved for its age and still shows just beautifully.

This is an excellent example of the rare “77” roadster, offered from the estate of one of the most particular Chrysler enthusiasts, a man who knew excellence and insisted upon it for himself.