1950 Chrysler Royal Town and Country Station Wagon
A remarkable piece of automotive history, the 1950 Chrysler Royal Town and Country Station Wagon stands as one of the last true wood-bodied cars produced by a major American manufacturer.
This vehicle combined the practicality of a station wagon with the luxurious touches expected from Chrysler’s upscale offerings.
The exterior of the Royal Town and Country was a striking blend of metal and wood. This particular example featured Pagoda Cream paintwork, complemented by expertly crafted wooden panels.
These wooden elements weren’t mere decoration; they were integral structural components of the car’s body. The wood required regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and structural integrity, making ownership of these vehicles a labor of love.
Under the hood, the Royal Town and Country housed a 250.6 cubic inch (4.1-liter) Spitfire inline six-cylinder engine. This powerplant generated 116 horsepower and was paired with a two-speed M6 Presto-Matic semi-automatic transmission, which included an electric overdrive feature.
This drivetrain combination provided a balance of performance and ease of use that suited the car’s upscale positioning.
The interior of the Royal Town and Country showcased Chrysler’s attention to detail and luxury. The seats were upholstered in an eye-catching alligator-patterned material, adding a touch of exotic flair to the cabin.
Wood trim continued inside, complementing the exterior aesthetic and reinforcing the vehicle’s premium status. The dashboard featured Chrysler’s distinctive steering wheel design and a full array of instruments and controls, all presented in a layout that emphasized both functionality and style.
In terms of suspension, the Royal Town and Country utilized independent front suspension with coil springs, while the rear employed a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.
This setup was designed to provide a comfortable ride while managing the additional weight of the wood body. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power.
The Royal Town and Country competed in a relatively small market segment. Its main rivals included other wood-bodied wagons like the Buick Super Estate Wagon and the Packard Station Sedan.
However, by 1950, the trend of wood-bodied cars was waning, with manufacturers moving towards all-steel construction for improved durability and easier maintenance.
One of the most notable aspects of the 1950 Royal Town and Country is its rarity. Chrysler produced only 599 units in this final year of wood-bodied production. This limited run, combined with the challenges of maintaining wood-bodied vehicles over the decades, means that surviving examples are quite scarce today.
The 1950 model year marked the end of an era for Chrysler. After this, the company shifted its focus to all-steel construction for its entire lineup, including the Town and Country name, which would continue on other models. This transition reflected broader industry trends towards more durable, lower-maintenance vehicle designs.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
