1949 Chrysler Royal Series Station Wagon

When World War II ended and automobile production resumed, most of the vehicles produced were of pre-War design. Some had slight modifications and it took several years for the automakers to introduce totally new vehicles. For Chrysler, that year was 1949, when they introduced their first postwar all-new styling change. 1949 also marked the company's 25th year in business.

In addition to the styling changes, Chrysler introduced a station wagon, a body style that had not been part of the company's lineup since 1942. In 1949, Chrysler produced just 850 examples of the Royal Station Wagon out of the 124,218 vehicles built by Chrysler. Chevrolet produced a mere 10,171 examples and Ford just 13,412 station wagons. Clearly, this was a small, niche market. They were rare when they were produced, and in modern times, they remain very rare.

Along with the station wagon, the Royal Series also included a club coupe, sedan, and a long-wheelbase sedan with seating for eight. Only 185 examples of the LWB Sedan were produced. The most popular body style of the series was the 4-door sedan, which saw 13,192 examples produced, selling for $2,020 (less options).

This example was purchased by the current owner from a New Hampshire-based collector in the mid-2000s at the AACA Eastern Division meet at Hershey, Pennsylvania. Power is from Chrysler's 'Spitfire Six' which offers 116 horsepower and displaces 251 cubic inches. There is a three-speed Fluid Drive semi-automatic gearbox, though a three-speed manual was standard on all Royals. The wheelbase measures 129.5 inches and there are four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2011, this Royal Series station wagon was offered for sale at the St. John auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $55,000 - $70,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $57,750 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011