1941 Chrysler Other for sale $495,000

Chrysleris famous for their wood-paneled Town and County models, with the well-known nameplate appearing on many different vehicles for decades. Most collectors are familiar with the wood-bodied Town and County sedan and convertible produced from 1946 to 1948, but many have never seen a 1941 or 1942 model. The rare and valuable Barrel Back Town and County Estate Wagon is one of the most coveted of all wood-bodied cars, and for good reason. The brainchild ofChryslerdesigner A. B. Buzz Grisinger, the 1941 Town and Country was a clear departure from conventional thought as to how a station wagon should look, was engineered, and presented. Station wagons offered by other manufacturers of the era had bodies made almost completely out of wood from the cowl back and were boxy in appearance. By comparison, the Town and Country was sleek and modern, more like a fastback sedan. The rear cargo doors opened like a clamshell, as opposed to the traditional and more utilitarian tailgate design. It was also the first woody to have an all steel roof, which added structural integrity and enhanced the streamlined look of the car. Priced at $1475, they were marketed to an upscale clientele looking for a vehicle that would be at home at the country club or in front of a luxury hotel, plus have the utility of carrying up to nine passengers and luggage. Both six-passenger and nine-passenger models were offered, and two different engines were available. One could choose either the standard straight six L-head engine, or the optional straight eight L-head, backed up byChryslerandrsquo;sfamous fluid-drive transmission. Less than 1,000 of these Barrel Back beauties were produced each year, with production totaling just 1996 units for the 1941 and 1942 model years.

This 1941 Barrel Back is a striking example of one of the most sought-after classic American woodies. The car offered here was previously owned by the late Dr. L. Wesley Wes Aplanalp, a renowned woody expert, best known as the owner of Woodies USA of Scottsdale, Arizona. Wes was a passionate collector and he dealt in the finest quality cars of the type. This particular car is believed to have been sold by Wes in the last 20 years. It has been comprehensively refurbished and restored, and presents in stunningly beautiful condition today. It is highly original and as such, the body appears never to have been off the chassis. Remarkably, the extensive wood work is highly original. The wood in these cars is not just decorative, it is integral to the structure of the body and as such, it can be subjected to stresses. Few have survived the elements and the rigors of regular use as exquisitely as this car has. Only the contrasting panels in the doors and body sides appear to have been replaced. The paint is attractive, the chrome has been restored to a high standard and it wears factory fog lamps and a fantastic wooden roof rack, a desirable and attractive option. Inside, this car is in 9-seat specification, showing extremely nicely in partially restored condition with fine maroon leather upholstery. The dash is an exquisite display of high-deco design with geometric chrome details amidst a striking marbled Bakelite dash panel and steering wheel. Itandrsquo;s quite unlike anything else of the period. Switches and instruments appear to be totally original, further evidence of this carandrsquo;s outstanding originality. It is well-equipped with an original clock, heater and radio. In the engine bay resides a nicely detailed Spitfire inline six mated to a fluid-drive Vacumatic transmission. For those collectors who appreciate touring, the Town andamp; Country has CCCA Full Classic status and is welcome at their events. 1941 Chrysler Windsor Town and Country Barrel Back