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 Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 70667885

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 Dan Vaughan