Chrysler Town & Country Barrel Back Station Wagon

The use of wooden panels instead of metal bodywork is a fad that began to emerge mainly in America in the 1930s.

The use of wooden panels instead of metal bodywork is a fashion trend that emerged mainly in America in the 1930s. The door panels of this Chrysler have an ash wood frame and the panels themselves are made of mahogany. Needless to say, these woodies, as the cars are called, require a great deal of maintenance, much like a boat. At least once a year the panels have to be varnished. The fact that this 1942 Chrysler station wagon has been preserved in such a beautiful, original condition is therefore remarkable. It is a barrel back, a car with a barrel shaped rear end. This nine seater (!) car was bought at the time by Sidney Ehrman from San Francisco to transport his family and guests on the family estate Pine Lodge on Lake Tahoe, one of the largest estates in that area. The car has never been restored, has always been perfectly maintained and was acquired by the Louwman Museum from the first owner. The design of the Chrysler Town & Country is by the then Chrysler president David Wallace. On the 1942 model the entire front end is fitted with stainless steel strips that run around the fenders to give an impression of speed. Up to 1942 around 2,000 Town & Countrys were built, 849 of which were this nine seater version. Production was halted because of the war.