LOT 73 *

1948 Chrysler New Yorker 'Town & Country' Convertible Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. 7410581

Estimate: £100,000 - £130,000

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Lot 73^*

1948 Chrysler New Yorker 'Town & Country' Convertible
Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. 7410581

Goodwood Members' Meeting|7 April 2019, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1948 Chrysler New Yorker 'Town & Country' Convertible
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 7410581

*One of only 993 built
*An older restoration, carefully maintained
*Former concours class winner
*Purchased for the Key Collection in 2010

Footnotes

Such was the demand for vehicles in the immediate aftermath of WW2, that the 1946 Chryslers - like most other American makes - reappeared looking much the same as in 1942, though the wood-embellished Town & Country model, previously available only as a station wagon, was now made either as a sedan or two-door convertible on both the New Yorker (eight-cylinder) and Windsor (six-cylinder) chassis. With their contrasting ash framing, mahogany veneer and steel panels, and boasting a level if finish that would be the envy of the finest yachts, these Town & Country models were certainly very striking. They were also the best-equipped and most expensive models in the Chrysler range, and today are among the most highly prized American automobiles of their era.

First introduced in 1938 as the 'New York Special', the stylish New Yorker was based on Chrysler's up-market Imperial and used the latter's sidevalve straight-eight engine. In Chrysler nomenclature 'New Yorker' signified luxury, these models being distinguished by high quality interior trim and an occasionally adventurous choice of upholstery materials including Scottish tartan (on the New Yorker Highlander). The 1947 and '48 Chryslers exhibited only minor detail changes from the '46 line-up, though now the Town & Country Sedan was available on the six-cylinder Windsor chassis only, while all the T&C Convertibles were built on the eight-cylinder New Yorker chassis.

For 1949, the final year of the Town & Country Convertible, production was delayed until March and only 993 were completed by the season's end. Costing $3,765, the T&C Convertible was the most expensive model in the Chrysler range and even more costly than the equivalent Cadillac. Built on the longer (131.5") wheelbase, these later cars remain highly regarded for their superior ride quality and driving dynamics.

This final-year Town & Country Convertible was purchased new by one James Miller of Greensboro, North Carolina, though its subsequent history in unknown. In 1994, while still complete, original, and in good shape, the car was treated to a complete body-off restoration at a total cost of $120,470 (see receipts and photographic record on file). Following its completion, the T&C was shown just once: at the Forest Grove Concours where it was received a 'Best in Class' award. Always treated as a prized show car, this Chrysler had covered only a few hundred miles post restoration when it was purchased by the Key Collection at a US auction in 2010. One of the most glamorous and iconic of post-war American automobiles, this beautiful Town & Country Convertible is the perfect companion with which to enjoy the forthcoming summer.

Should the vehicle remain in the UK, local import taxes of 5% will be added to the hammer price.

Saleroom notices

Please note the correct date of manufacture is 1949.

Additional information

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