1941 Chrysler Series 28 Six Royal Club Coupe

1941 was the last year American automobile manufacturers were in full production until the end of World War II. At the end of the year, Chrysler moved ahead of Studebaker to take eighth place among the top 10 automakers. Along with the 8th place for Chrysler for 1941, the other big news was their two concept vehicles that took the auto show circuit by storm: six Newport dual cowl phaetons, including one that paced the Indianapolis 500, and six Thunderbolts, both coach built by LeBaron.

The 1941 Royal Series were similar to the previous year except the bodies were slightly lower and wider. In the front, the number of horizontal grille bars went from nine in 1940 to six in 1941. The Chrysler nameplate was now on the front nose of the vehicle. All models could be purchased with or without running boards. The bumper guards and the decorations on the trunk received a redesign. A Fluid Drive gearbox was standard with a new 'Vacamatic' semi-automatic transmission available at an additional cost. The Automatic Safety control gearshift was new, as was the inside hood lock and a steering wheel with no spokes in the upper half. The engine was an L-head six-cylinder unit that offered around 110 horsepower. Four-wheel hydraulic brakes kept the vehicle in the driver's control. There were two wheelbase lengths available, a 121.5-inch or 139.5-inch version. The shorter platform housed a Coupe, Club Coupe, Brougham, Sedan, or Town Sedan body style while the long wheelbase version came as a chassis, 8-passenger sedan, or limousine. The most popular body style for 1941 on the Royal C-28 Series was the Sedan which saw 51,378 examples sold.

There were 6,846 Royal Six Business Coupes produced in 1941 and had a base price of $945. This particular example rides on wide whitewall tires and has hubcaps, rear fender skirts, a heater, a radio, and a clock. The chrome is in good condition, as is the paint. The interior is believed to be original, along with the wood-grained dash, instruments, and knobs.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $40,000. Bidding reached $20,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012