323.5 cid inline eight-cylinder engine rated at 135 HP, four-speed Chrysler Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission, independent coil-spring front suspension, solid axle rear suspension with hydraulic shocks and leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 121.5”


The beauty of real wood has always had a place in the automotive world. Whether on the dashboard of an exotic Packard town car or on the skiff body of a coachbuilt Rolls-Royce, the various patterns and grains of real wood always adds a certain charm to a motorcar that brings it to a different level. When Chrysler offered their line of Town & Country cars during the 1940s, they were as glamorous as any Cadillac or Packard of the day. Except during a brief hiatus during World War II, the beauty of real wood was the main feature of these elegant cars, a fact not lost on many affluent members of society. Television star Jackie Gleason was known to drive an elegant Town & Country, which didn’t harm the image of Chrysler’s superstar of cars.

Offered here is a wonderful example of this most iconic car finished in Catalina Tan with a burgundy convertible top all brought together in a symphony of sophistication with real Mahogany and Birch wood. The beauty of Chrysler’s elegant design starts at the front with a massive bumper in front of an egg-crate styled grille that’s flanked by the head lamps on top and turn signals at the sides. This Town & Country is equipped with optional yellow glass fog lamps and twin search lights that add a nice touch. Chrysler’s postwar styling of sweeping the front fenders into the doors made for a streamlined look that was showing the way into the future. This design cue would be used on all of Chrysler’s products except Plymouth. At the rear a gorgeous sea of Mahogany and Birch is nicely finished with a high-gloss shine. Large tail lamps and a huge center mounted stop light features lenses made of real glass. The Town & Country name is also embossed in the rear bumper. Subtle styling cues such as three trim spears off the front grille and a single trim spear over the rear wheel give it the classic look for which the late 1940s were known. The interior is finished in a two-tone red and tan upholstery that gives it a deep and luxurious look. The two-tone appearance is also carried onto the dashboard where Chrysler’s vertical styled radio and an Art Deco-inspired clock give a stylish look in the center. Driving is easy thanks to Chrysler’s Fluid Drive transmission that allows for shift-free driving. This large car easily fits six passengers and touring on a fine summer day only gets better with the top down. Under the hood is one of the most dependable engines ever built with Chrysler’s inline eight that was smooth and quiet with more than enough power to maintain modern highway speeds. The entire package is nicely pulled together with a set of wide whitewall tires with Chrysler logo hubcaps and beauty rings in chrome. All paint and brightwork present well on this Town & Country and it’s also a car that runs as well as it looks.

The use of real wood in the present day is all but gone with the exception of the most exotic and expensive bespoke cars, but this 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible takes us back to a time when real wood was available on a production-based car. Of course, that beauty was not cheap, as the Town & Country was Chrysler’s most expensive car, but what the buyer got was a car that was one of the best on the road. With its gorgeous wood and fine Chrysler engineering, this is a car that is right at home in any enthusiast's garage.