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323.5 Cubic Inch L-Head Eight-Cylinder
Engine
135 Horsepower
Fluid Drive Automatic
Transimmion
Independent Front
Suspension
Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4 Wheel Drum Brakes
Wheelbase - 127.5"
The end of World War II brought with it an
unprecedented demand for automobiles from the American buying public.
As auto manufacturers struggled to simultaneously meet this demand and
revert from wartime production, complete model changes were delayed by
several years and current models were largely based on early 1940s
designs.
Chrysler's Town & Country, however, was one
notable exception. Originally conceived in 1941 by Chrysler employee
Dave Wallace, the Town & Country was only available in four-door
form and featured a beautifully crafted wooden body. Although the
"woodie" was born of a practical need for relatively inexpensive estate
wagons, its ash and mahogany-framed body was considered quite
fashionable and, due to its association with country life, became a
favorite vehicle of the wealthy. After the war, Chrysler capitalized on
this interest by introducing Convertible Coupe and four-door Sedan
variants of the Town & Country, replacing the previous four-door
station wagon. Spurred on by an enticing advertisement campaign and a
two-page spread in the Saturday Evening Post, anxious public interest
in the new Chryslers prevented the firm from making any clay models or
prototypes. Instead, the Town & Country was reportedly built from
sketches to meet looming time constraints. Although performance was by
no means groundbreaking, the 135 horsepower eight-cylinder engine
provided more than enough power for leisurely and enjoyable drives.
Cosmetically, little changed in the first three years, as the new
Convertibles and Sedans were based on the upscale New Yorker series and
offered a variety of luxurious appointments in addition to the
Saratoga's standard features. At a factory price of over $3,400,
Chrysler's elegant convertible was the most expensive model available,
exceeding any other model in the New Yorker series and eclipsing the
more moderately priced Royal, Windsor, and Saratoga.
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