1947 Chrysler Town and Country New Yorker Series Convertible

The majority of the Town & Country Woodie Sedans were built in 1946, with a limited number carried over into 1947. This example is powered by a 323.5 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine producing 135 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

Lloyd Mayes acted quietly and waited patiently when he acquired all four of the remaining Eighty Cylinder Sedan and added them to his collection. This car was reportedly his favorite of the four, which he called 'Big Red.'

Mr. Mayes purchased this car in 1990 from the longtime owner Mr. Bob Porter. When it was purchased, it had roughly 44,000 miles on the odometer.

In 2006, this car was purchased by the current owner, who began a comprehensive nut-and-bolt, frame-off restoration. The engine and transmission were rebuilt and some inside mahogany panels were replaced. The wooden framework remains original and restored.

The car won its class at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance. It also has its AACA Junior and Senior badges.

The car has a window visor, roof rack and side-mounted spotlights, and additional bumper guards.

In 2009, this Town & Country Sedan was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot was estimated to sell for $325,000-$375,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $330,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009