Beautiful older restoration still in excellent condition. Numerous upgrades for touring including dual master cylinder, electric cooling fan, turn signals, and seat belts. Runs and drives very well. A beautiful and seldom-seen Chrysler convertible ready to enjoy!

Chryslers were redesigned for 1940 with a sleeker, more integrated look that was unlike anything else on the road. The Windsor was the mid-level model, offering upscale interior appointments and typical Chrysler quality. Wearing a restoration that was finished in the 1990s, this very pretty 1940 Chrysler Windsor convertible still stops people in their tracks when they see it today. The color is called Ensign Blue, and it’s a wonderful soft blue that might have a bit of green mixed in—it’s just gorgeous. The bodywork underneath is nicely done with no signs of filler abuse or substandard work. Panel fit is quite good and the doors swing open and closed on well-oiled hinges. All the chrome was restored at the same time, including the pot metal trim on the sides of the hood and the headlight rings, pieces that must have been insanely expensive to refinish. There’s also a lot of stainless steel brightwork, and it was all straightened and buffed to match the chrome. Options include running boards, fender skirts, wind wings, and a pair of fog lamps up front, which give the Windsor a well-dressed, upscale look. From any angle, this is a very pretty car.

The red leather interior is the ideal complement to the soft blue bodywork, and was likewise professionally restored with the rest of the car. Seating surfaces are in excellent condition with only light evidence of use on the driver’s side with some scuffing on the outer seat back. Plush carpets were tailor-made to fit and the fairly ornate door panels feature armrests and chrome hardware. The dash is beautifully finished with a faux burled woodgrain, which accentuates the Ensign Blue surround. A big steering wheel makes the Windsor easy to handle and all the gauges are easy to see and fully operational. Blue block-off plates for the radio and heater add a bit of contrast, and switches for auxiliary systems are underneath. Of note, the car has aftermarket seat belts, turn signals, and an electric pusher fan for touring and parades. Other details include chrome garnish moldings in excellent condition and a tan convertible top that is vacuum-actuated but needs a bit of help to go up and down. The top stows easily behind the back seat and includes a matching tan canvas boot for a finished look. And there’s a positively massive trunk that features a full-sized spare tire and correct rubber mats.

Chrysler’s bulletproof 241 cubic inch inline-6 is a legendary over-achiever, putting the Windsor on equal footing with competition like the 8-cylinder Buick Super. With 108 horsepower, it was just as powerful and the durability of these Chrysler sixes is well documented. This one was rebuilt to stock specs and runs great, starting easily thanks to an electric fuel pump. It idles with a nice 6-cylinder grumble from the tailpipe and the fat torque curve makes it feel energetic around town. Of note, the original ignition coil has been supplanted by a modern unit on the inner fender, although the original is still in its factory spot in the firewall should you wish to take it back to 100% stock condition. Backed by a 3-speed manual transmission, the engine always feels ready to go and with 4.10 gears in the rear axle, you can just leave it in high gear most of the time. It is great for around-town driving and will cruise happily at 55 MPH without seeming to work very hard. The suspension is typical of the era, although someone has thoughtfully added air shocks in back, and the 4-wheel drum brakes have been augmented with a modern dual reservoir master cylinder for safety on the road. The undercarriage is beautifully detailed with only minor signs of use and there’s no evidence this car was ever rusty or patched up. Factory steel wheels wear handsome original hubcaps and a set of 7.00-16 Firestone wide whites of indeterminate age.

If this car were simply pretty, that would be enough. But when you add in the fantastic road manners of these Chryslers, you get a 1940s cruiser that’s as much a delight to drive as it is to look at. The restoration is mellowing nicely, making a car that is equally at home on the show field or on tours, and with a few thoughtful upgrades, you shouldn’t have any second thoughts about putting it on the road. It’s unusual to find a car that does everything well, but this Chrysler has won us over with its can-do attitude. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.