Conceived as a wood-bodied sedan-wagon prior to World War II, Chrysler’s Town & Country matured as a pair of elegant woodies in the immediate postwar period. A fleet of five body styles had been planned for 1946, two- and four-door sedans, a three-passenger roadster, and both hardtop and soft-top convertibles, but in the end only the four-door and the convertible were deemed viable. The sedan was sold as a six-cylinder Windsor model, the convertible an eight-cylinder New Yorker. Total convertible production from 1946 to 1948 was 8,368 cars.

This splendid Town & Country Convertible Coupe received a no-expense-spared comprehensive restoration some ten years ago. All wood was replaced, and mechanical systems were rebuilt or replaced as needed. The metal body parts were prepared and painted in Chrysler’s Regal Maroon, and a matching leather interior was installed. It is equipped with a pushbutton radio, Comfort Master heater and defroster, dual windshield post spotlights and dual cowl-mounted exterior mirrors. The convertible top is tan canvas.

Powered by Chrysler’s 323.5-cid Spitfire inline eight, it has Fluid-Drive with a Presto-Matic semi-automatic gearbox. Following restoration it earned a Best in Class at the 2003 Bay Harbor Concours d’Elegance, followed by a similar award at the 2004 Glenmoor Gathering.

Rigorously maintained, the car remains in excellent condition, and needs nothing for concours competition, extended touring or simple enjoyment.