Specifications: 190bhp, 400 cu. in. ohv V8 engine, Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission, independent coil spring front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, 4-wheel hydraulic brakes, disk front and drum rear. Wheelbase: 122"
For a decade, the Town & Country name described a wood-bodied Chrysler, initially a novel barrel-back sedan-wagon. From 1946, the T&C was available either as a utility sedan or a luxury convertible. Actually, an extensive series had been planned, but manufacture of a two-door brougham, three-passenger roadster and novel hardtop coupe never materialized.
When the new postwar Chrysler cars finally debuted early in 1949, the T&C line was reduced to a single convertible model. It made a final appearance in 1950 as a hardtop, and then was gone. Actually, it was reinvented for 1951 as a conventional steel-bodied station wagon, somewhat unusual for the time in having a rear window that lowered into the tailgate. It was available in the Windsor, Saratoga and New Yorker series, the latter two with Chrysler’s new hemi-head V8. The last real station wagon to bear the name was the 1988 LeBaron T&C, a wood-appliqué version of the K-car wagon. In 1990 the name was transferred to a Chrysler version of the popular minivan.
This 1972 Chrysler Town & Country is the nine-passenger version, with rear-facing third seat. The body is straight and solid, although there is some pitting in the paint and surface rust on the floor. The cast pieces of trim likewise show some pits. The brown vinyl interior is in good condition, with the exception of some splits on the driver’s seat cushion. The chassis has moderate surface rust, but seems solid.
It is equipped with power steering and brakes, air conditioning and tinted glass, but manual side windows. The glass is all in good condition. The doors close well; the operability of the two-way tailgate/fifth door and its electrically controlled window is unknown. The car comes with factory fender skirts, ignition key and an owner’s manual. There are wheel covers and some NOS trim inside the car. The odometer reads 67,826 miles, and the car was last inspected in 1980 in Virginia.
Once common, Chrysler Town & Country wagons have become a rare sight, particularly since the name has become attached to a minivan. They were, in their time, prestige land yachts; this one deserves preservation.
|
