﹒Low mileage ﹒One of only 500 made ﹒Utterly stunning convertible ﹒4.4 Spitfire straight 6
The Background
The Chrysler Windsor Deluxe was in production from 1939 to 1961. Over the years it received a number of facelifts and a number of optional additions to keep up with the times.
One thing that didn’t change though was that it was considered to be a class act from Chrysler that paved the way for a number of their other models.
They were made in a 4-door sedan , 2-door coupe, 2-door hardtop (Newport), 2-door convertible and a 4-door station wagon. Of the models made in 1954 only 500 were made as 2 door convertible making todays model pretty rare, especially this side of the pond.
The car was imported and sold new in Switzerland hence a lot of the cars early history is in French. The car spent most of its life in Switzerland before being imported to the UK by a garage in 2011 and then sold to the current owner.
The car is largely original and clearly all of its owners have taken care to keep on top of it, whilst it isn’t in concourse condition it fires on the button and could be used regularly with no issue.
There is a large file of paperwork history with the car , as mentioned the paperwork covering the majority of its early life is in French. There is paperwork supporting the engine work and servicing throughout the years and also the current MOT which it does not require due to age but the owner has had carried out for peace of mind.
There are a number of original manuals and even two copies of the original shop manual.
The interior is classic of big American cruisers from the 50s, lots of lovely detailed dials and switches and large sofa like seats to cruise around on. The seats themselves are in great condition and the carpets are also very tidy. All of the dials work, the radio however is not currently functioning.
The column shift and power steering on this model make it really easy to drive.
There is a small kickplate panel on the drivers side lower footwell that is currently missing.
The exterior of the vehicle is in useable condition with some signs of its 68 years. A few panels have clearly been resprayed at various points in its life and the colour match isn’t 100% on those panels.
There are a few scuffs and marks particularly to the front left fender and a few small dents on the chrome work, all of which are pictured. Overall the chrome-work is in great used condition , for it to be a concourse vehicle it would need re-chroming and a full respray to the bodywork however it is more than useable as is.
The condition of the paintwork is good considering its age even though it is a little flat in some places, it has clearly been well looked after. Incredibly there is only a small bubble of corrosion on the outside of the body just above the rear bumper and the floorpans etc are solid. The seller describes the car as "98% solid", and tells us it has never been welded and the body work is straight.
The convertible hood is in lovely condition and is operated electrically. There is a cover for the hood when it's down which will be supplied with the vehicle, however it will only fit in warm weather as it’s 68 year old vinyl and has shrunk a little. It could be used as a template for a new one with a little extra wriggle room added. The seller advises that the convertible hood has had one small tear repair in the past.
The wheels hubcaps are in lovely condition and the cross ply whitewall tyres have plenty of tread though it would benefit from updating to radial tyres. There is one emblem missing from the passenger side rear fender and the headlights are fitted with yellow inserts as this car was sold new in Switzerland and as you can see from the photos they look the part.
The car is in great mechanical condition and has an MOT until August 21. It drives really well and the 4.4 Spitfire straight 6 pulls very well through the 2 speed auto box. It’s a big heavy car but it cruises along really nicely and the ride is great. The engine has had headwork at some point with the valves being re-lapped and a general going over.
The brakes have been refreshed and updated in its recent history and there is only one noise to note which seems to be the exhaust knocking, this could do with replacement. The seller advises us that the temperature gauge has recently been replaced with a NOS one, with all gauges now working as they should.
American car manufacturers have always been rather good at creating big engined highway cruisers. In the case of the Chrysler Windsor Deluxe Convertible they also made it look great, ride well and handle remarkably for what is essentially a 2 tonne + automobile.
This car is an absolute joy to behold and is actually really rather rare. There is more than enough room inside for 4 or even 6 adults and the seats are incredibly comfortable. The engine pulls well and if you take the top down on a sunny day, you're opened up to world around you in a way that I’ve not felt in many other convertibles before.
To make this a concourse vehicle it would need some paint work and the chrome-work given some attention, however, it is more than useable as it is and it turns almost every head you pass in it. What a lovely machine.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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