1946 Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler resumed automobile production in the post-War era using designs based on the 1942 models. The Chrysler lineup included the Royal Series - the least expensive Chrysler model, the Windsor - a higher trim level of the Royal, the Saratoga series - an eight-cylinder equivalent to the six-cylinder Royal, and the New Yorker - the top-of-the-line model. The New Yorker came equipped with all of the amenities and accouterments found on the Saratoga plus a carpeted front compartment and two-tone wool broadcloth upholstery. Body styles that mirrored the Saratoga included the coupe, club coupe, and 2- and 4-door sedan. Additional New Yorker body styles included a convertible, Town & Country sedan, and Town & Country Convertible. The roadster and club coupe had been advertised, but no plans or models were ever created.

The Saratoga and New Yorker were both powered by an L-head, five-main bearing, eight-cylinder engine displacing 323.5 cubic inches and delivering 135 horsepower at 3400 RPM. Prices began at $1,825 for the coupe while the same body style sold for $1,735 on the Saratoga. Both models rested on a 127.5-inch wheelbase platform and came equipped with a Fluid Drive and hydraulically operated M-5 transmission. They had four-wheel drum brakes, an independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, and a semi-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

Prior to World War II, the Town & Country model was only available as a station wagon but now embossed other bodies. The bodies were fitted with ash framing, mahogany veneer, and steel panels, and were the most expensive models in the Chrysler range.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 71000000

During the early years of automobile production, wood-bodied vehicles were mostly used as 'work' vehicles. Depot Hacks transported passengers from train stations to hotels. Trucks often used wood as their truck beds. As time progressed, wood-bodied cars became a status symbol and grew in popularity. 'Woodies', as they became known, required a high level of craftsmanship and as such, were considered a luxury option, or a 'nice-to-have', on a vehicle.

After World War II, the automotive market saw a large increase in the number of manufacturers offering wood-bodied cars. Most were offered on station wagons however it was not uncommon to see them on convertibles, sedans, coupes, brougham, or roadsters. For Chrysler, they introduced the Town & Country line of vehicles adorned in wood. For 1946, Chrysler advertised five different Town & Country models all outfitted with wood bodies. Their goal had been to become the first manufacturer to offer a complete line of 'woodie' bodies to the public. The idea was a concept, and the goal was rather ambitious. In the end, the gamble proved to be well-timed for the Chrysler marque, though, only two of the five body styles were produced in significant numbers. Only one Brougham was produced but it is unclear if it has survived. The sedan and convertible were the most popular. Though the Roadster and Club Coupe had been advertised, no plans, documentation, or models were ever created.

Though Chrysler never produced a Town & Country Roadster, one was produced. It was a project undertaken by enthusiasts and began with a donor car, the Chrysler Windsor Sedan. Since there had never been any molds or plans created, an extensive amount of time and research was undertaken before the project began to get every possible detail correct. The biggest roadmap for creating the designs was an oil painting. Help was sought from all areas such as documentation, personnel, letters, photos, and more. Experts in the Town & Country were utilized in creating the designs as they would have been.

The project was completed during the late 1990s. It is finished in Sumac red and embodies the spirit of what the Town & Country Roadster may have been if it had been produced and come to fruition in 1946.

The 1946 Chrysler Town & Country Roadster was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA where it was expected to sell between $125,000-$150,000. At the conclusion of the auction, the lot had been sold for $90,750.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 7400604

This 1946 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It is powered by an eight-cylinder engine that displaces 323.5 cubic inches and is capable of producing 135 horsepower. There is a Fluid Drive automatic gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. There was no reserve placed on the vehicle and it was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. It has been treated to a Concours quality restoration and is in very excellent condition. It has won a recent Platinum Award in the Late Classic 1935-1948 category of the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance.

The interior is finished in burgundy leather and its iconic wood-body exterior is indicative of pure American culture. At the auction, the car was sold for $187,000 including the buyer's premium. A similar car was sold at RM Auctions in Monterey, CA in 2006 where its selling price was $90,750, almost $100,000 less than the selling price of this car. This is a true testament to this car's restoration and well-maintained condition.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: C392903

The original owner of this Chrysler Town & Country kept the car until 2014. It is finished in deep maroon with a matching interior and tan top. It was given a recent mechanical freshening and retains the original metal, wood, and a 323 cubic-inch Straight-8 engine offering 135 horsepower. It is an original California black plate car that features amber fog lights, wide whitewall tires, a Continental kit, chrome hubcaps, and trim rings.

by Dan Vaughan