1940 Chrysler Windsor

For 1940, all Chrysler cars received a redesign and the Chrysler Six Series 25 was available as the entry-level Royal or the Windsor series, both with standard and long wheelbase versions. The six-cylinder L-head Gold Seal engine displaced 241.5 cubic inches and developed 108 horsepower. It was carried over from 1939, but it received a modest increase in horsepower. A three-speed synchromesh manual transmission and four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic brakes were standard equipment. Chrysler's Fluid Drive, which debuted in 1939, was available on eight-cylinder cars. All C-25 sixes had a conventional dry clutch and three-speed manual gearbox, but overdrive was optional, though rarely ordered.

For 1940, the Chrysler Six was given a larger fender with recessed headlamps, sealed beam headlights, model name on either side of the hood at the front, and a longer hood. Inside, there were 'Airfoam' seat cushions and dual sun visors. Other standard features included dual taillights, dual windshield wipers, and Solar Spark ignition. They had a Safety Signal Speedometer, which changed color with increasing speed.

The Windsor could be purchased with the Highlander package which had authentic Scotch plaid and moleskin leather upholstery.

For 1940, Chrysler re-introduced the Convertible after a one-year absence, and was only available in the Windsor line. Front-door wind wings were unique to the convertible.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 6984844

This 1940 Chrysler Windsor is finished in burgundy with a tan Haartz cloth top and matching burgundy leather interior. It was given a restoration which was completed in 1996 and was then awarded Antique Automobile Club of America National First and Senior honors. It won Best of Show at a national Chrysler club event.

This convertible has front-door wind wings, Safety Signal Speedometer, and optional hidden running boards. There are authentic bumper over-riders, a Chrysler windshield post spotlight, dual fog lights, and accessory directional signals, the latter integrated into the front and rear lights. This car also has a rare overdrive transmission.

In 1940, Chrysler built just 2,275 Windsor Convertible Coupes, the lowest production of any body style except the long-wheelbase sedans and limousines.

by Dan Vaughan

Known for developing high-quality vehicles, the Chrysler Corporation was established by Walter Percy Chrysler on June 6, 1925. Existing as an independent company from 1925 until 1998, it was then purchased by Daimler-Benz.

Labeled as the Chrysler group, the full-size Chrysler Windsor was introduced in the 1940's. Larger than a mid-size and sitting on a wheelbase of more than 2.79 meters, the full-size Windsor was sold from the 1940's through the 1960's.

Releasing a fairly new design for the time, the 1940 Chrysler Windsor was a convertible type that was very attractive to consumers. The option of an adjustable top was a very pleasant feature for buyers. The convertible type was fairly new at the time and extremely popular.

Equipped with the newly developed Fluid Drive transmission system that allowed the driver to shift without using the clutch, the Windsor was a rear-wheel-drive car that had an S6 configuration. The 1940's Windsor was capable of producing 108 bhp at 3600 rpm.

A new batch of Windsor models was released by the Chrysler Corporation in 1953. Continuing in rear-wheel-drive form, the engine was situated in the front. This time around a V8 engine powered the Chrysler Windsor. Capable of a very secure ride, the new Windsor featured a 230 bhp and torque of 310 ft-lbs. A 3-speed automatic transmission was now offered. Able to seat up to five passengers, the new Windsor was both roomy and comfortable.

The final Chrysler Windsor known to Americans was introduced in 1961 for only two years, 1965 and 1966. In Canada, the Chrysler Corporation released a Windsor model basically equivalent to the Newport in the U.S. for those years.

Until the 1961 model year, Windsor was the Chrysler price leader until the Chrysler Newport took the spot. The Windsor name was replaced in 1962 by the non-lettered series Chrysler 300.

Today the Chrysler Windsor is considered to be a vintage car though at one time it truly did make its mark in the automobile world.

by Jessican Donaldson

Formerly a U.S.-based automobile manufacturer, the Chrysler Corporation and all of its subsidiaries are now part of the American and German-based DaimlerChrysler AG after being acquired by Daimler-Benz in 1998.

All previous production records were shattered during the Second World War when Chrysler Canada plants produced 180,816 military trucks and other vital war materials. In 1945, peacetime vehicle production resumed and expansion continued at the Chrysler plants. In 1949 the company moved into a new administration building on Chrysler Centre. In 1955 the Chrysler Company produced its first V8 passenger car engine, while further expansions were undertaken through the mid-1950s.

Built from 1940 until 1967, the Chrysler Windsor was a full-sized vehicle produced by the Chrysler Corporation of Highland Park, Michigan. In 1949 the Chrysler Windsor was priced at $3,206.

The last Chrysler Windsor was produced in 1961 for two years only, 1965 and 1966. In Canada, the Chrysler Corporation produced a Windsor model equivalent to the Newport in the U.S. for those years. Chrysler's price leader until the 1961 model year, the Newport replaced the Windsor as the marques price leader. The non-lettered series Chrysler 300 replaced the Windsor name in 1962.

A significant step away from the boxy, woody model, the 1941-1942 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country was the new modern station wagon. Featuring a streamlined steel roof and tailgate doors that opened like a clam shell via outboard hinges, the new Chrysler was somewhat sedan-like in appearance. The performance of the Windsor was leisurely with Chrysler's L-head six and semi-automatic Fluid Drive.

The Chrysler Windsor Highlander was introduced in 1940 and shared the same distinctive trim package as the larger New Yorker Highlander – Scottish plaid cloth and leatherette upholstery. The six-cylinder vehicle had an eye-catching interior and was a smooth ride.

by Jessican Donaldson