250.6 CID L-Head "Spitfire" 6 - 2BBL - FD Semi-Automatic - 1 of 4,049 Produced

This 1948 Chrysler Town and County is an absolutely stunning post-war, wood-bodied luxury automobile and is deemed a "Full Classic" by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). As World War II ended, American automakers began to restart automobile production after the onset of the War brought the automotive industry to a halt. Although Chrysler (along with its contemporaries) were permitted to begin producing cars again, they were not able to retool their lines and therefore many of the American cars from 1946 through 1948 largely resembled their pre-war counterparts. Further adding to Chrysler's early post-war production issues was a nationwide materials shortage that further delayed the company's ability to build cars after the War. One way that Chrysler was able to differentiate its post-war offerings from the 1942 models was the addition of a new Town & Country model that featured steel bodies adorned by white ash and mahogany paneling, an idea that was said to have originated from the mind of Chrysler's President at the time, David A. Wallace. Unlike the pre-war Town & Country models which were station wagons, the new post-war versions came in a variety of body styles including 4 door sedans, and convertibles. These Chrysler woodies were gorgeous to look at, which was especially impressive considering the production challenges that Chrysler faced when restarting automobile production. The interiors on the Town & Country were also quite elevated with buyers having the option of Leather with Bedford Cord inserts or fully leather bench seats. In total, Chrysler produced a mere 3,994 Town and Country 4 door sedans between 1946 through 1948, of which 1,119 built in 1948, making this particular example quite a rare piece of Mopar history. Powering this '48 Chrysler is a 250.6 Cubic Inch "Spitfire" L-Head Inline 6 fed by a single 2 barrel carburetor that together were said to have created 114 horsepower when new. The 250 Spitfire Straight 6 is mated to a Gyrol Fluid-Drive Semi-Automatic Transmission which was quite the technological innovation and a novelty back in 1948. The addition of an electric fuel pump is also a welcome addition on a vehicle of this age due to the improved start-up reliability it provides. Braking is supplied by hydraulic drum brakes in all four corners, which makes bringing this nearly 4,000 pound Chrysler to a full stop much easier. A pair chrome side mirrors and a pair of chrome spotlights add to the period feel of this '48 Town & Country and improve the utility of this luxury automobile. The original bias-ply tires have been replaced with a set of radials mounted on steel rims and accented by chrome Chrysler hubcaps and chrome beauty rings that together give this 4 door sedan a gorgeous look and even better ride. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this 1948 Chrysler is in wonderful condition and adds to the car's highly appointed exterior appearance. The exterior has been refinished correctly in Dove Gray paint which is set off by Ash wood framing and Mahogany veneer paneling. A wooden roof-mounted luggage rack is in wonderful condition and completes the exterior look of the car. The interior of this 1948 Chrysler is exquisite! The front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in Oxblood Burgundy leather accented by Taupe Bedford Cord cloth inserts. The burgundy carpeting, wood door panels with burgundy upholstered door handles, steering wheel and dash are in beautiful condition and all appear to be in their stock configuration. The instrument cluster is outfitted with a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, amp gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is equipped with a clock, push-button AM radio, speaker and controls for the heater and lights. Whether you're adding to your collection of CCCA Full Classics or you're buying your very first classic car, this 1948 Chrysler Town and Country would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call at 763-428-7337!