My 1947 Chrysler Windsor Coupe

The second world was over and four years of pent-up consumer desire was unleashed across America. Detroit had only pre-war designs to sell in 1947, but that did not matter to car buyers. 

They wanted new cars, even if the designs were almost ten years old. John Slater's 1947 Chrysler Windsor two door coupe is a fabulous example of what a “middle class” family would have bought. John explains the heritage of this two owner Newport Blue Chrysler.

“It was purchased by a doctor in Cheyenne Wyoming on 29th December 1947 and owned by his family until 2012,” he says.

“It was ordered with the rare and very desirable Highlander tartan cloth interior and a number of other options including a push button radio and heater,” he adds.

The radio and heater are in perfect working condition. They were high dollar options in 1947 being almost 10% of the car's purchase price of $2306.45, according to the original sales invoice which came with the car.

The good doctor ticked many more of the option boxes on the order form. The big car also sports wheel trims, a pair of swan neck mirrors and fog lights. John explains that the car has never been restored.

“It has been lovingly maintained in original form. Some of its paint is original, the bumpers have been re-chromed, the front seat trim, carpet and headlining have been replaced. The car shows no signs of rust repairs.”

John bought it sight unseen off the internet, and was surprised at its pristine condition when it arrived in Australia. “I always expected something not to be as described”, he admits. “But it was near perfect.”

The speedo says 106,000 miles and the 4.1 litre six cylinder engine has been rebuilt. On the road the big car tracks straight. The dashboard is a mixture maroon plastic and Bakelite, and the clear knobs and buttons have a beautiful art deco feel to them.

The transmission is a device call Fluid Drive, which was Chrysler's early attempt at a semi automatic transmission. The fluid drive system allowed the driver to stop at a traffic light or in traffic and remain in gear without depressing the clutch. The original owner's manual and a mint condition workshop manual all came with the car.

David Burrell is the editor of retroautos.com.au