Lot 232

Hershey 2016

1929 Chrysler Series 75 Tonneau Phaeton

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$37,400 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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  • Formerly of the S. Ray Miller collection
  • Desirable factory dual-cowl phaeton body style
  • A wonderfully elegant automobile in beautiful colors
  • Eligible for both the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic!

75 bhp, 248.9 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front and live rear axles with semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, and four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 121 in.

Chrysler’s meteoric rise in the American automobile industry was a result of its fine engineering and advanced styling. From the solid remains of Maxwell and Chalmers came automobiles that quickly caught the American fancy. By 1929, the Chrysler Corporation had firmly entrenched itself as the third largest manufacturer in the United States, and it was setting its sights even higher.

The Series 75 was new in 1929, having evolved from the previous Series 72; the designation stood for 75 horsepower and a top speed of 75 mph. Changes included a narrow profile radiator with built-in radiator shutters, full-crown fenders, bowl-shaped headlamps, dual-cowl ventilators, vertical hood lovers, and a lengthened wheelbase. Standard were Lovejoy shock absorbers and Lockheed hydraulic brakes with larger drums and modern internal expanding shoes. Chrysler introduced the down-draft carburetor and pioneered rust proofing this year, while inside, the Chrysler 75 dash was painted in black and gold.

The rare and stately Tonneau Phaeton offered here was acquired from Dr. Stanley Feinman of Florida by the late, renowned Indiana collector S. Ray Miller in 1981. It remained part of Mr. Miller’s renowned museum until 2004 and was then acquired by the present owners.

Bearing the livery colors of two-tone blue, this phaeton is most striking with its orange-painted wire wheels and pinstriping. Complementing the exterior paintwork combination is a full blue leather interior and a tan Haartz cloth top. Popular options such as dual side-mounted spares with twin mirrors, dual Pilot-Ray road lamps, cowl lights, wind wings, and a rear-mounted trunk are all displayed on the Chrysler as well.

Very well maintained in its present ownership, this Chrysler would make a fine driver – including eligibility for the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic, on the basis of its Series 75 drivetrain! It offers some of the most attractive styling and best engineering of the period, in an unbeatably stylish combination.