1946 Chrysler Town & Country one-off

I wanted to share a recent and unique addition to the collection: a 1946 Chrysler Town & Country – a one-off custom model.

This piece began life as a 1946 Chrysler Windsor Solido diecast, originally finished in dark blue with a red interior. From there, the original builder transformed it into a Town & Country–style woody. This is not simply a veneer conversion. The wood body was entirely scratch-built and replaces the original diecast sides, with hand-shaped framing and individual wood panels fitted throughout.

The rear fenders were shaved off and reattached, and the model was converted into a convertible, significantly altering the profile. The wood framing flows cleanly around the door openings and rear quarters, and the grain varies from panel to panel, underscoring the amount of hands-on shaping involved. Viewed from the rear, the reworked deck and wood treatment show just how much effort went into getting the overall proportions to look right.

In addition to the structural work, the builder also refined the factory detailing. Chrome foiling was added to brighten up the trim, the grille received a blackwash to bring out depth and definition, and the taillights were carefully picked out in red, all subtle touches that elevate the finished piece beyond its original out-of-the-box appearance. The original red interior and dashboard were retained, providing a strong contrast against the woodwork and black body sections.

It’s not a factory-perfect execution. There are small inconsistencies and finish variations, but that’s part of the appeal. This clearly wasn’t a quick modification. Someone invested many hours shaping, fitting, sanding, and finishing these components, resulting in a model that feels more like a craftsman’s interpretation than a standard custom.

A bit of background on the real car:
The Chrysler Town & Country debuted in 1941 as Chrysler’s upscale entry into the wood-bodied market. Unlike most woodies of the era, which were typically station wagons, the Town & Country was offered as a sedan, coupe, and convertible, aimed at luxury buyers rather than utility use. These cars featured structural ash framing with mahogany panels and sat at the top of Chrysler’s lineup.

For 1946, production resumed after World War II using largely prewar designs. Town & Country convertibles were produced in relatively small numbers, making them among the most desirable postwar Chryslers today.