1948 Chrysler Windsor

Automobile manufacturers emerged from World War II with revised and upgraded prewar models for the 1946 model year, scrambling to meet the imminent consumer demand for new automobiles. Chrysler's pre-war models were styled by Raymond H. Dietrich and the company's Art and Color Department, the counterpart to the similarly named GM group, but not nearly as the same leading edge of fashion.

The Chrysler Windsor, like all corporate products, was a face-lifted version of the 1942 models, except for the front sheet metal, which featured 'fade-away' front fenders. Chrysler's six-cylinder Windsor model was available in sedan, convertible, club coupe, and business coupe configurations. It sat above the entry-level Royal and below the eight-cylinder New Yorker in the model range. Consumers agreed with Windsor's styling, price point, and accouterments, and total sales from 1946 to 1948 accounted for approximately 63 percent of Chrysler's total production.

The Royal and Windsor rested on a 121.5-inch wheelbase, while the long-wheelbase versions had a 139.5-inch platform. The Royal and Windsor were powered by an L-head six-cylinder engine with a 250.6 cubic-inch displacement, four main bearings, solid valve lifters, and developed 114 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. The Saratoga and New Yorker used an L-head eight-cylinder engine with five main bearings, solid valve lifters, and delivered 135 horsepower at 3,400 RPM. A three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment with a Fluid Driver and hydraulically operated M-5 transmission optional. The Saratoga and New Yorker used a 127.5-inch wheelbase.

The 1948 Chrysler Windsor body styles included a coupe, club coupe, convertible coupe, two- and four-passenger sedan, traveler, town and country, and as a bare chassis. The eight-passenger sedan and the limousine were offered on the long-wheelbase platform. Pricing began at $1,900 for the coupe and rose to $2,880 for the town and country. The eight-passenger sedan listed for $2,450 and the limousine sold for $2,580.

A new feature on the 1948 Windsor was low-pressure tires on the standard wheelbase vehicles.

The Windsor models were better-appointed versions of the entry-level Royal Series and similarly appointed to the New Yorker but with a six- (instead of eight) cylinder engine. They had two-tone wool broadcloth upholstery, rear seat folding armrests on sedans, exterior 'gooseneck' mirror on convertibles, carpeted front compartment, and an electric clock. A Highlander interior was optional, along with a Comfort Master Heater, all-weather air control system, three types of radio antenna, central bumper guard, six-ply tires, an exhaust extension, spotlight, and underhood light.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020