1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible

This 1948 Chrysler Windsor Highlander Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000. It is mostly original and well-preserved since new. It is finished in Burgundy Cognac with only one re-paint since new. It is believed that Lucille Ball was once the owner of this car.

The interior is a correctly restored plaid highlander interior. There are many options on this car including its original flathead six-cylinder engine, fluid drive manual gearbox, factory AM radio, defroster, and factory heater.

The Chrysler Corporation nameplate began on June 6th of 1925, when the Maxwell Motor Company was reorganized into the Chrysler Corporation by Walter P. Chrysler. Walter had been involved with the ailing Maxwell/Chalmers Company since the very early 1920s. He had been tasked with overhauling the company's troubled operation as it tried to weather the post-War recession.

When the Chrysler cars were introduced in 1924, they were powered by a well-received six-cylinder engine. They were affordable, durable, and well-engineered. Production of the Chalmers automobiles ended in 1923 and Maxwells concluded in 1925. The low-priced four-cylinder Chryslers introduced for 1926 were basically just re-badged Maxwell's.

The Chrysler Corporation weathered the Great Depression with the help of designers Raymond H. Dietrich and the newly formed Art and Color Department. Production ceased during World War II, but when it resumed, it was at nearly double the pace. The post-war cars were basically pre-war cars with a mild face-lift. The convertible coupe was a highly sought-after Windsor model, as it provided plenty of seating for its occupants and the enjoyment of open-air traveling. The Windsor line was a more affordable version of its larger siblings, the New York and the Town & Country. The 250 cubic-inch engine provided an ample amount of power and kept the car cruising at highway speeds.

At the auction, this car failed to find an interested buyer willing to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. The car was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2007