1947 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible
The 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible stands as a monument to the American automobile industry in its heyday. As a limited-production convertible in Chrysler’s elite New Yorker range, the Town & Country encapsulated American optimism and prosperity in the years following World War II.
Its swooping lines and trademark wood paneling symbolized the creative energy pent up during years of rationing and reconstruction.
Fewer than 5,000 Town & Country models were believed to have rolled off the assembly lines for 1947, making this example a rare survivor today. The convertible roof allowed open-air enjoyment of the large 127.5-inch wheelbase chassis, which delivered serene ride quality expected of Chrysler’s luxury models.
Motivation came from Chrysler’s storied 135 horsepower “Spitfire” straight-eight engine, displacing 323.5 generous cubic inches – an increment chosen specifically to edge out rival Cadillac’s V8 in size, according to period marketing. Power flowed through a Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission touted for exceptionally smooth gear changes, with a manually-shifted low range for engine braking downhill.
As a proud flagship model, only the finest materials graced the Town & Country’s cabin, like wool tartan upholstery imported directly from Scotland to trim the seats. Reportedly restored by renowned collector Lloyd Mayes, this example dazzles from stem to stern thanks to a mirror-black respray and refurbished ash and mahogany woodwork by the experts at Classic Woodworks.
Recent mechanical work has comprehensively refreshed the legendary straight-eight underhood, ensuring it meets the high bar set by Chrysler’s engineering department in the late 1940s.
With its unique blend of handcrafted luxury, advanced engineering for the era and timeless style, this late-production Town & Country encapsulates Chrysler’s brief but magnificent woodie range. For discerning collectors of the American automotive golden era, examples such as this 1947 convertible represent the apex expressions from this fertile period that birthed so many icons of style and performance.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
