112 hp, 241.5 cu. in. inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual Chrysler Fluid Drive transmission, hypoid rear axle suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 121.5"

• Fitted with multiple accessories

• Excellent for local shows, cruise-ins, and driving events

Few people would suspect it at the time, but 1941 was the last year American automobile manufacturers would be at full production until WWII ended. Chrysler completed the year in a flourish, moving past Studebaker to take eighth place among the top 10 automakers. Big news at Chrysler, however, were the two concept vehicles that wowed spectators on the auto show circuit: six Newport dual cowl phaetons, including one that paced the Indianapolis 500, and six radical Thunderbolts, both built by coachbuilder LeBaron. The Thunderbolt featured an aluminum body with hidden headlights, a grille-less nose, and fully-skirted front and rear fenders. It’s most unusual feature was an electrically-operated fully-retractable hardtop that hid beneath the rear decklid. The Thunderbolt’s unique coupe design carried across other Chrysler designs, including the Royal Six Business Coupe, which shared the compact passenger compartment roofline and front and rear decks of almost equal length, similar to the Thunderbolt concept car.

A total of 6,846 Royal Six Business Coupes left the factory in 1941, weighing in at 3,170 pounds, with a base price of $945.00. All were powered by Chrysler’s 241.5-cubic inch inline six, producing 112 horsepower when mated to the Fluid Drive transmission, as this car is equipped. It is nicely trimmed with wide whitewall tires, hubcaps, rear fender skirts, heater, radio, and clock, which make for quite a stylish vehicle. The chrome is in good condition, as is the paint, while the interior appears to be original, along with the wood grained dash, instruments, and knobs. Some of the glass is delaminating, but it appears to be serviceable and not in need of replacement. Production was modest when new and there are relatively few survivors today, making this a unique car for cruise-ins and driving events.