Beautiful 1948 Woody Convertible, Solid CA/AZ Car! V8, MUST SEE! No Reserve! AZ.

Price: - Item location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Description:

1948 Chrysler Town & Country Woodie

Beautiful 1948 Chrysler Town and Country Woody Convertible being offered for sale with NO RESERVE! If you don't like attention, this is NOT the car for you! Few automobiles in the hobby of car collecting are as iconic and cherished as American Woodies from the 1940s. Due to their elaborate construction and strictly hand-made finish, resulting in exorbitant restoration costs, values of woodies have been steadily rising for many years. Leading the pack are the convertibles and wagons. The 1948 Chrysler Convertible presented here is a beautiful piece of running/driving history, and a blast to drive- constant smiles and thumbs-up wherever it goes. Featuring a mellow patina, it benefitted from some sensible upgrades to improve its handling and performance some years ago. Born as a Windsor, the car's anemic flathead six with the weight of a boat anchor and the equally heavy and sluggish semi-auto transmission were replaced with a 230hp Chrysler 318 V8 engine from 1970, coupled to a 3-speed Torqueflite automatic of the same vintage. Recently had the radiator gone through, installed a new battery, had the carburetor professionally rebuilt, rebuilt speed sensor and replaced rear wheel cylinders, etc. The engine starts on the button and runs as smoothly as you'd hope for -- light years ahead of its 1940s relatives! Always stored inside and has only a drip of oil on occasion. Having spent the last few decades garaged as part of a prominent Southern California collection, the car didn't see much use. It was rented out for movie productions a few times and has been enjoyed top down, around town, on special occasions. It's safe to assume that it hasn't seen a drop of rain in over 30 years. Apart from a few delaminating veneer pieces, all of the wood is in good condition for a driver. It's fair to assume that it has been refurbished at some point in time. There are definitely no wood rot or termite issues, and the varnish is intact, but could use re-coating in some areas, top of trunk mostly.
Tan canvas convertible top -- with black headlining and chrome-framed, glass rear window -- is in excellent condition, it opens and closes easily by hand. The body is solid, as you would expect from a Southern California and AZ car. The ancient burgundy paint holds a great shine, though you'll notice a myriad of imperfections upon close inspection. It's a fine patina . . . Chrome bumpers are in excellent condition, some pitting on tail lights and misc bezels, etc. but very presentable. The driver's door glass is being replaced as I write this, and all of the glass is in great condition. 1940s dashboard is simple but elegant, with lots of chrome plating. Note the huge original steering wheel with chromed horn ring. The column-mounted gear selector for the fluid drive transmission has been adapted to work with the Torqueflite. Has a magnetic pipe holder and what is arguably the best art-deco radio ever devised. Dark red leatherette interior remains in fine condition throughout. Red carpeting is older but still nice. This woody seats 6 adults comfortably. Cavernous trunk holds various spare parts that I have never gone through as well as a set of pillar-mounted spot lights. Super cool: center-mounted brake light.

There's not much to say about the undercarriage; it's unrestored, dusty, and has some peeling under-coating, but no visible rust or patch-work, (please email and I'll send you some pictures of the under-side) very dry/solid car. Fuel tank and exhaust are newer, front suspension -- with coil-springs -- has been completely rebuilt a few years back with low miles since. The electrical system has been converted to 12 Volts. The car starts, idles, shifts, handles and brakes as it should. Needless to say, the classic Woodie draws a crowd wherever I park it and lots of "thumbs up" from other motorists as well. You just don't see cars like this on the road anymore, especially if they have to make do with the drivetrains of the 1940s that are not quite up to the challenges of today's more demanding traffic. As a person who has been happily driving Tri-Five Chevy's with late-model running gear for more than 15 years, I know that a modern engine and transmission can make all the difference if you are planning on actually DRIVING your car, instead of just looking at it sitting in the garage. Like the license-plate frame says: "It's hard to walk when you have a Woody". So many details make this classic Chrysler convertible a fabulous conversation piece at every enthusiast's gathering. Best of all, you will be DRIVING this Woody to your local cruise-nights, shows and events, not trailering it!

Please call me any time if you have questions or want to set up a time to come see the Woody. I'm located in Tucson, AZ and easy to find, not far off of I-10, 520-404-1975 cell (Heather Anderson). Also, please look at my other 2 auctions if you need an Airstream or a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, also at auction now with No Reserve.

This is a "private party sale" because it is my personal vehicle, but I am a licensed/bonded AZ auto dealer... NOT by choice, but because here in the great state of AZ if you buy/sell more than 3 vehicles (of any kind) in any 12 month period, you have to get a license. I am in real estate, but also a classic car and Airstream nut, I have a ranch,horses, trailers, etc... let's just say I bought and sold a few too many for the state's liking, and due to the fact that they need revenue desperately- they decided to fine me when I sold a few more that what I'm "allowed", long story short- I jumped through all of their hoops and got my license several years ago; however, this a private-party sale, and not being sold through my dealership.

Full payment is due within 7 days of the auction's end, and the car must be picked up within 15 days of payment (unless other arrangements have been made). Certified funds, cash in person or bank wire-transfer only. Payments MUST clear before the car leaves my sight.

***This is a USED vehicle (OVER 70 years old) and is being sold as-is/where-is with no warranty expressed or implied. This car is inGREAT condition, but please be realistic- it isNOT a "brand new" vehicle, it is VINTAGE and a DRIVER -there WILL be imperfections and it will NOT drive like your Mom's Kia. If you need a specific picture of anything, please email, If you can't make it here to see it in person, please call me and I can walk around it and point out anything that I notice, or things that may bother someone. Again, please call me with any questions or to come see it:520-404-1975.I would welcome and recommend that you come see it or have a 3rd party inspection. I will make it available throughout the auction for any and all inspections, just call and we'll set up a time. Please understand that the description is only my opinion, yours may be different, I have done my best to take many pictures and describe the car to the best of my ability.Just remember, we all tend to look better in pictures than in person- that's just the way it is. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the Great State of Arizona as they apply to agreements entered into and to be performed entirely within Arizona between Arizona residents, without regard to conflict of law provisions. You agree that any claim or dispute you may have against the seller must be resolved exclusively by a state or federal court located inPima County, Arizona, you agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the courts located in Pima County, Arizona for the purpose of litigating all such claims or disputes. *** I reserve the right to end this listing at any time for any reason as the car will be listed for sale locally as well.*** Payment methods accepted must be in the form of Certified funds, bank wire-transfer, or cash in person. Due to concerns of fraud, if you're paying via cashier's check, it must clear my account before the car/title leaves my sight. I require a deposit of $500 via Paypal within 24 hours of winning thebid; Ialso require CONTACT with the buyer within 24 hours of winning the auction, just send me an email or give me a call so that I know who you are, etc.If there is no contact and no deposit, I reserve the right to sell the car to the next bidder. Email through Ebay or call my cell any time at520-404-1975.

Thanks for looking at my auction and good luck bidding!!