Few postwar American automobiles capture the romance of open-air motoring quite like the Town & Country Convertible from Chrysler. Originally introduced in 1941 as a distinctive "woodie" model blending fine hardwood paneling with luxury-car engineering, the Town & Country quickly became Chrysler's halo automobile. Following World War II, production resumed with updated styling, and by 1948 the model represented the final and most refined expression of the immediate postwar design.
For 1948, Town & Country production remained limited, with approximately 8,368 convertibles built for the model year, each crafted with extensive ash framing and mahogany veneer body panels that required significant hand labor. As one of Chrysler's most prestigious offerings, the Town & Country Convertible stood at the very top of the brand's lineup in both price and exclusivity.
Presented here is a beautifully restored 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible finished in elegant, factory correct Polo Green over a Green Cord and White Vinyl interior, complemented by a beige Stayfast cloth power convertible top. The restoration was performed with an exceptional level of detail, including factory-style inspection markings under the hood and reproduction presentation decals placed exactly as delivered, an effort clearly aimed at authenticity and concours-level presentation.
Under the hood resides its original 324ci L-Head Straight 8, bearing stamp code C39-69220, paired with Chrysler's innovative Fluid-Drive semi-automatic transmission. This smooth and torquey inline eight delivers the refined, near-silent operation that made Chrysler's engineering famous in the late 1940s, while Fluid Drive provides effortless clutch-assisted shifting for relaxed touring.
Well-equipped as expected of Chrysler's flagship convertible, this example includes:
Front and rear bumper guards
Windshield-mounted spotlight
Comfort Master heater/defroster system
Dash clock
Interior courtesy lamps
Cowl ventilation system
Power-folding convertible top
Pushbutton AM radio with dash speaker
Accessory reverse lamp
Dual outside rearview mirrors
Firestone Deluxe Champion 8.20-15 wide whitewall tires
Full chrome wheel disc covers
Upon arrival at St. Louis Car Museum, the car received a comprehensive mechanical service to ensure it performs as beautifully as it presents:
Complete brake system service including new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, shoes/liners, wheel seals, and turned drums
Rebuilt Carter carburetor
New spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor
New accessory drive belt and radiator cap
Fresh hydraulic fluid for the power convertible top
New rear pinion seal
Replacement muffler and tailpipe
Prior to coming to St. Louis, the car resided in Alabama during the 1990s before joining a respected private collection from 2005 through 2024. Throughout its life, it has clearly benefited from attentive ownership, careful storage, and preservation-minded stewardship.
Today, this Town & Country Convertible starts easily, idles smoothly, and drives with the confident, substantial feel expected of Chrysler's top-tier postwar luxury automobile. The woodwork is beautifully presented, the paint retains a deep and elegant luster, and the interior reflects the craftsmanship that made these cars so special when new. With limited 1948 production, authentic restoration details, original straight-eight power, and elegant Polo Green presentation, this Chrysler Town & Country Convertible stands as both a rolling work of art and a refined touring automobile, ready to grace concours lawns or boulevard drives with equal distinction.
