1949 Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler's Town & Country was an expression of status and the pinnacle of postwar glamour. Produced from 1946 through 1950, it was based on the New York chassis and produced in limited quantities due to its complexity and high exterior maintenance. Though the Chrysler brochure listed five Town & Country body styles, only two were widely available: the convertible and the four-door sedan. The first 1949 models were carry-overs from 1948 year. Ads were quick to point out the company's 25th anniversary and its totally redesigned 'Second Series' which arrived in the spring of 1949.

Safety was a top priority and managed by a Safety-Level Ride, Safety-Rim Wheels, and Safe-Guard hydraulic brakes. New styling features included flush front fenders and a large egg-crate grille. Inside, there was the industry's first padded dashboard and Chrysler's first starter/ignition key switch. The Town & Country also featured a unique rear deck and taillights.

The wooden parts for the Town & Country came from Pekin Wood Products in Helena, Arkansas. They were shipped to Chrysler's Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit for assembly. Prior to being fitted to the body, the wood framing was assembled. This process was difficult and time-consuming, as it required extensive hand-formed contouring of the compound curved frames so they would properly adhere to the metal body parts correctly. Bodies included white ash framing over Di-Noc wood-appearing panels, the name used to describe a new form of decal resembling mahogany veneer, used late in 1947 in an effort to reduce costs and expensive maintenance. The later production cars did not have the Di-Noc, instead, they were given body-colored panels.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019