• One of the last Town & Country models with structural wooden elements
• One of the few post-war cars recognized as a Classic Car Club of America Full Classic
• Powered by a 323-cu.-in. straight-eight engine rated at 135 hp
• Presented in black over custom red leather with highlander tartan inserts
• Wears white ash and mahogany wood trim panels reportedly refurbished by Tom and David Henderson of Classic Woodworks
• Rides on 15-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps wrapped in Coker Classic whitewall tires

Nearly all cars to earn the vaunted status of Classic Car Club of America Full Classic date from the years prior to World War II, when flamboyant styling and exceptional craftsmanship combined to create exclusive rolling sculptures. Chrysler’s beautiful Town & Country models, produced in limited numbers from 1946 through 1948, are notable exceptions. Rare when new and rarer today, these artfully designed wood-bodied offerings rightly stand among the pre-war greats as Full Classics.

Offered in a range of body styles, the Town & Country’s many attributes are on full display in this 1947 Convertible. Combined with unique finishes, the car also shared the Chrysler New Yorker’s 127.5-inch wheelbase and 323.5-cubic-inch straight-eight engine. One of about 4,300 examples believed to have been produced in 1947, this Town & Country Convertible is among the few fortunate survivors.

Delivered new to Glenn Austin Motor Company of Los Angeles, California, this example was reportedly refurbished under the ownership of noted Town & Country collector, the late Lloyd Mayes, in the 1990s.
Said to have been originally delivered in Noel Green, Mr. Mayes had the car refinished in black. He is also believed to have had the white ash and mahogany wood panels refurbished by Tom and David Henderson of Classic Woodworks.

Other period equipment includes dual spotlights, rearview mirrors, driving lights, chrome bumpers with overriders, and a power-operated, black fabric convertible soft-top with red piping. The cabin is comfortably equipped with dual heaters, AM radio, and custom, rear windscreens. An electric fuel-pump has been added for increased reliability.

The interior has been refinished in a custom red leather with highlander tartan wool inserts, said to have been sourced directly from Scotland. The pattern carries over to the door panels and convertible top boot. A dark red dash insert and steering wheel compliment the unique trim. The inoperable five-digit odometer is stopped at 1,000 miles. Total mileage accrued since the restoration is unknown.

Powered by what is believed to be its factory straight-eight engine, this example is offered with a copy of its build ticket and FCA Historical Services documentation. Maintenance performed under recent ownership reportedly includes servicing the radiator and water pump in 2015, servicing the valves and intake manifold in 2016, and rebuilding the carburetor in 2022.

This 1947 Chrysler Town & Country convertible evokes the laid-back luxury of a bygone era and would make for picture-perfect transportation to one’s summer home or country estate.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az23.