Vehicle Description
Serial No. 7402328
Engine No. C39 19205
Body No. 3296
Chrysler's wood-bodied Town and Country was one of the most elite
American cars of the early postwar years, purpose-built as an
expensive, hand-made "halo car" which would draw customers into the
company's showrooms. While the Town and Country sedan was suitable
for, and often wound up in use at, one's country home or hunting
cabin, the convertible was a car of the stars, beloved by the
Hollywood figures and socialites of the day for its
limited-production appeal.
The Gateway Automobile Museum's Town and Country convertible is one
of the very finest to be found. It was the subject of a body-off
restoration from what was obviously a solid and proper example, in
Catalina Tan with the iconic Highlander interior, featuring a
combination of maroon leather and tartan wool cloth, and a maroon
cloth top. The body color is testified to by the trim tag which,
like the serial number tag, is original. That the example was an
excellent basis for the work is testified to by the interior, which
retains its original hogshair carpeting and heel pad, as well as
the correct modeled plastic dashboard, steering wheel, and door
trim that is almost always in poor deteriorated condition - on this
car, it is immaculate.
The bodywork retains much of the original chrome trim and,
significantly, all its original wood, including the mahogany inner
inserts. In magnificent condition, the wood has been refinished but
properly so, and has the rich quality of fine furniture. Only minor
"pinprick" repairs have been made on the doors, where apparently
incorrect mirrors were at one point fitted. Today all is proper,
including the dual spotlights, Mopar driving lights, radio, clock,
and single heater. At the time of cataloging, it had recorded 9,452
miles.
While part of the late Town and Country aficionado John White's
respected Ramshead Collection in Sacramento, California, this
special convertible was exhibited at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance, where it was awarded First in Class. That is further
testament to its excellence and authenticity; it is surely one of
the very few Town and Countries to ever receive such a prestigious
honor. Acquired for the Gateway Automobile Museum from Mr. White in
2006, the car would be well-suited to further concours competition,
and would also be welcomed at AACA and CCCA events. It is among the
best of its kind, a worthy car to stand among the likes of a
Duesenberg and Packard Darrin in the Gateway stable. It deserves a
great new home.
