Chrysler Town & Country Nine-Passenger "Barrelback" Station Wagon, 1941
Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)
Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)•
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Chassis No.: 7700759
US$277,760 USD | Sold
- 241.5ci L-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
- 108bhp
- 4-Speed Vacamatic Semi-Automatic Fluid Drive
Independent Front-Suspension with Coil Springs, Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Beautifully preserved example
- Recent mechanical service by Steve Babinsky
- Part of the Wells Auto Museum for nearly five decades
- One of the biggest Woodies you can buy THE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY Today the 1942 Chrysler Town & Country is an icon, considered by many to be the finest American wood-bodied motorcar ever built. In an era where wartime production had virtually halted American automotive manufacture, and cars were increasingly being constructed with the use of high-powered steel presses, fabricating car bodies of wood was an expensive proposition. When new, this was an exclusive luxury motorcar designed for the elite, and the history of this particular example was no exception to that rule.
In 1941 the Chrysler Corporation introduced the Town & Country in an attractive six-passenger and nine-passenger wood-trimmed wagon. The result was not just another wood bodied box-like wagon on a truck chassis however; rather it was a highly styled "station wagon". All Town & Country Chryslers for 1942 were built on either the Windsor or New Yorker chassis, and they were available in six or nine passenger configurations. This particular Town & Country wagon seats nine and was built on the Windsor chassis, in that it used an L-head straight 'six' displacing 250.6 cid and producing 120 horsepower. The torquey 'six' relayed its power aft via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
Stylistically speaking, the '42 Chrysler Town & Country Station Wagon was a striking re-styling of the 1941 wagon. The entire front was wrapped in stainless steel bars that run from wheel opening to wheel opening, across the entire grille. This theme was carried to the rear fenders, for a stylish "art deco" treatment. The roof slopes gently back to the tailgate and the wood contrasts beautifully with modern styling. This model features 'barrel back', or 'clam shell' rear doors, that opened to a storage area behind the rear passenger seats. The rearmost seats could be stowed in a forward position, to enlarge the storage area, or in a rear position, to enhance passenger legroom.
Chrysler built approximately 2,000 cars by the time automobile production ceased for the Second World War early in 1942. In total, nine hundred ninety-nine barrel-back 1942 Chrysler Town & Country station wagons were constructed. Of these, 150 were 6-Passenger models, and 849 were 9-Passenger models.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This exceptionally original Town & Country spent nearly 50 years in the care of noted collector and Well Auto Museum founder Glen Gould. Initially it was kept for his personal family use at their Vermont vacation home and was eventually transferred to the Wells Museum Collection in Wells Maine where it was on view for decades.
This Chrysler has clearly been a pampered and cared for car from new. Always garaged when in use and obviously kept out of winter use. The woodwork is delightful and has the warm charm not present on a restored example. The interior is beautifully preserved with its rich dark red leather upholstery and beautifully simulated mother of pearl trim. The interior woodwork is finely preserved and gives the interior the feel of a luxurious hunting cabin. Displaying approximately 56,000 miles, there is little question this is accurate mileage. A lift of the hood reveals an engine compartment as honest and consistent with the original feel of the rest of the car.
In its current ownership, the Town & Country was fully sorted mechanically by renowned restorer Steve Babinsky, who is well known for his sympathetic work of preserving and maintaining unrestored cars. With the hydraulic brakes now looked after, the consignor reports that the Chrysler runs and drives as good as new. It handles well, starts instantly, and behaves as only a well-maintained original car can. It will be welcomed into the Preservation Class of most concours, and it would make an ideal car for the AACA's Historic Preservation of Original Features display. As it is now a CCCA Full Classic, it is also eligible for showing at Grand Classics all over the country.
A good percentage of the surviving barrel backs reside in the finest private collections and museums. The opportunity to acquire a pure, original survivor such as this one is a rare chance indeed.
Cost
1,020,074 AED
