Production was 8,380 over the 1946 through first-series 1949 model years, 3,136 being 1947 models. Today's subject car is likely to be a '47, though it might have been a '48 or early '49 (apparently the only yearly differences were serial numbers).
I say 1947 because it's possibly this car auctioned by RM Sotheby's at Hershey, Pennsylvania in 2017 for $93,500 or this one, also auctioned by RM Sotheby's, but in 2022 at Monterey, California for $140,000.
The images below are photos I took in January 2023 at a fancy hotel on the Hawaii Big Island's Kona Coast. The occasion was a golf tournament, and the car was parked near the hotel entrance where all could view and admire it.
Town & Country convertibles were based on long-wheelbase basic convertibles and powered by inline-eight cylinder motors. The difference was mostly in their fancy interiors and, especially, "woody" exterior trim pieces. The wood parts were varnished, and were high-maintenance if owners wished to have a T&C continuing to look good. For that reason and normal wastage, few examples remain.
In the images, the wood parts are blonde color. There also are areas appearing to be darker wood, but are decals applied to steel body panels.
I have no commentary regarding styling, the photos being strictly for viewing enjoyment.
1 comment:
I always assumed it was all wood, not Country Squire type look of real wood for the panels. That explains how they managed the front door fender bulge. Di-Noc (which is like a wrap) or something similar? Car makers had a lot of experience with fake wood metal parts like dashboards and interior window trims. How did they manage the shapes of those?
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