Ever wonder what it was like to cruise the open road in the late 1940s? Well, today, we’re taking a closer look at a fantastic example: a 1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible Coupe. This charming classic received a refurbishment before its previous owner acquired it in 2003. The current owner recently inherited this beauty in 2024. It combines elegant design with some truly unique engineering.
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A Journey Through Time and Paint
The car’s exterior, finished in a lovely beige, tells a story. The seller believes the body was disassembled and refinished at some point in its past. It features a power-operated brown canvas convertible top, perfect for open-air drives. A matching brown vinyl boot cover keeps the top tidy when lowered. You’ll notice classic chrome bumpers with overriders. There are also stylish waistline body-side spears. Fender trim and rocker-panel moldings complete its vintage look. Looking closely, you can see some paint bubbles on the front fenders. There’s also minor corrosion on the undersides of the rear fenders. A small chip and scratch are present on the left-rear fender. Rust bubbles are also noted on the lower edges of both doors.
Wheels, Suspension, and Stopping
This 1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible rides on body-color 15″ steel wheels. They feature attractive chrome covers and trim rings. BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial wide-whitewall tires were installed in 2009. The suspension setup is typical for the era. It uses control arms with coil springs up front. Semi-elliptical leaf springs and a Panhard bar are in the rear. Tube shocks are found at all four corners, ensuring a smooth ride. Braking power comes from hydraulic drums, offering reliable stopping.
Step Inside a Classic Cabin
The interior of this Windsor Convertible Coupe is a delightful step back in time. The bench seats are upholstered in brown vinyl. They feature charming tan corduroy inserts. Coordinating door panels match the seats perfectly. A two-tone painted dashboard adds to the classic aesthetic. Practical black rubber floor mats cover the floor. A Comfort Master heater is mounted discreetly under the dashboard. The centrally mounted speaker has a chrome bezel. This bezel incorporates a vertically mounted push-button AM radio. Lighting and ventilation controls are also part of this bezel. A charming clock is also integrated, though it is currently inoperative. The driver’s-side under-dash map light is also not working. Additionally, the left-rear window currently cannot be rolled down.
Gauges and Mileage
A three-spoke steering wheel anchors the driver’s view. It includes a full-circle chrome horn ring. The dashboard houses a 110-mph speedometer. It is flanked by essential gauges. These include an ammeter, coolant-temperature, oil-pressure, and fuel-level gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 79,000 miles. Only about 100 of those miles were added by the current owner.
Under the Hood: The L-head Six
Powering this 1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible is a 250.6ci L-head inline-six engine. This robust engine is equipped with a single-barrel Carter Ball & Ball carburetor. From the factory, it was rated at 114 horsepower. It also produced 204 lb-ft of torque. These figures were quite respectable for its time. The water and fuel pumps were both replaced in 2004, ensuring reliability.
The Unique Presto-Matic Transmission
One of the most fascinating features of this car is its M6 Presto-Matic semi-automatic transmission. This unit is connected to a Fluid Drive system. The single-plate dry clutch was replaced in 2012. This unique transmission offers high and low ranges, each with two speeds. You shift between high range, low range, and reverse using the shifter. This also involves the Safety Clutch. Shifting between the two speeds within each range is done by simply increasing or decreasing pressure on the accelerator pedal. It’s a truly interesting piece of automotive history.
This 1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible Coupe is more than just a car; it’s a testament to post-war American automotive design and engineering. Its classic lines, charming interior, and unique semi-automatic transmission make it a special find. It comes with service records and an owner’s manual, offering a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of motoring heritage.
Disclaimer: Vehicle modifications and aftermarket components may affect vehicle performance and handling characteristics. Always drive responsibly and be aware of local regulations.
