All, I need help with the year. I know its a Highlander convertible, but what exact year. Couldn't find to many pics on the inner-web to narrow it down. I think its later than the 40-42 model? What you see is what I may be able to get, but not sure at this point if there is more. And only these three pictures during a fleeting moment. I did get a look at the motor, but no pic. I think I saw spitfire, and small like a flat head four, but assume its the six... And if we identify the year, are there other Chrysler cars that share the same fenders, etc.? Anyway, thanks, as always, cb1
I recently bought 1948 Chrysler Windsor Highlander convertible and what you have looks like a match. Mine was considerably updated in the center but the rest of it looks like yours. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Forgot to mention that the Highlander name is used only for cars getting the plaid seat upholstery as shown. Thanks for the kind words about the car. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I did a quick google image search for 1941, 42, 46, 47, 48, Chrysler interiors....the 41-42 have a different speaker grill design, the 46-48 all have the same design as your difficult picture. So it's probably a 46-48 model. If you can find the serial number (should be on the frame near a rear wheel? as well as a couple other places) you can narrow it down.
All of the MOPAR cars from 1940 to 1948 have very similar dashboards with that vertical. radio and speaker grille. I really like the dash in my '47 Plymouth but the Chrysler one is better looking Sent from my SM-T350 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
With the quarter panel body lines and the taillight mount, I would suggest that it is a 1941 DeSoto with 1946-early 1949 Chrysler dashboard.
All the Chrysler Corp. cars in era 1946-48 held the same style/model for that three years period. For example Plymouth P18, Dodge D24, DeSoto S11, Chrysler C38 & C39... each were the same starting from 1946...until end of 1948. For model year 1949 every & each Chrysler corp. brand received totally new body. Example: Dodge D24 1946...48 looked the same all three years: (only detail exception; wheel rim size 16" in 1946, was changed to 15" for 1947 & -48) ...then for 1949 the new body: D30 (the Mopar "shoebox"???) ...1950 only grille was facelifted ...1951 body sheet metal were restyled
Here you have the brief history of the post war era: https://www.allpar.com/history/chrysler-years/1945-1948.html The highlander was only a sub-code for interior style (Tartan cloth). I suppose your car would be C38 Windsor. That was powered by flathead six, 25" long block. (Dodge & Plymouth used 23" short block). The long block may sport "Spitfire" head. https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/chryslers-long-block-flathead-six/ Top of the line Saratoga & New Yorker (C39) had straight flathead eight. If you want to dive the deep end for post war Mopars be sure to sign up to P18/D24 web forum. That's one of the best web societies dedicated to specific car brand. https://p15-d24.com/
As far as I can see it could be 1946...-48 Windsor convertible... The front fenders & doors are missing, thus you cannot spot the difference from 1941 to post war era. Also the black tarp covers the rocker area thus you cannot see if it had open running board as 1940 desoto or curved side panel as 1946-48 (above)
@31Dodger ..., as usual, has it right. The ‘new’ ‘49 models were delayed until March/April 1949...similar to the 1955 Chevy/GMC truck situation...and really, several other examples since. Ray
Great car, worthy of a build, and it looks to have the top frame on it and quarter windows which would be a deal breaker for me, the fenders, front clip and trunk lid you can source from a coupe (or even a sedan with the exception of the trunk) but the doors are convertible specific, there are no hardtops to source doors off of like you could with a 50-up model. If the doors are there, that one would be worth pursuing for sure. Otherwise you're likely to be stuck modifying coupe or 2 door sedan doors which isn't impossible but it'd be tough.
I was talking of model years. Yes, it is a fact that 1949 model year started late for Chysler corp. My D24 rolled out in end of January 1949 - It is still D24 model year 1948, even if made early 1949. Hardly relevant in this case. We are trying to identify the wreck of a Chrysler convertible. I say it is C38, probably 1946-48 Windsor convertible.
Hey Al. Read on another thread that you bought this car...what a classy rag-top...I love it. It gives a new meaning to fat fendered...more like fat everything
^^^ Funny you should say that, Jack. When I showed a pal the picture of my three convertibles in the garage and talked about having a convertible for different moods; he called the one in the middle (the Chrysler) "Fatboy!" Here's the picture in case some of y'all missed it on the convertibles thread. Funny thing is I'm not sure 'ole Fatboy couldn't dust the other two!! The 32 probably has more power but I doubt it will hook up but so well. Fatboy has the traction issue covered with all that weight... and positraction. Fatboy also has the advantage of a 5 speed automatic! The 36 Ford is quick but only has a three speed automatic and I think the additional gearing, especially with the weight, will likely carry the day against the other two. I'm still looking for a posi unit for the 8" Ford in the 32... opportunities!
Gee Al, looks like you've gone from Mr36 to Mr. Convertible Perhaps it's time to whack the top off of your avatar too
^^Jack, I don't think I'll be taking the roof off the 36 Fordy just yet but I do have one last 40 pickup cab that nobody seems to want. BTW, I drove Fatboy yesterday and loved it. I heartily encourage the OP to hurry up on his car if he has one! They are a bit large to be considered a more normal hot rod but they are more roomy for sharing the sport with others... especially granddaughters!! The ride ain't bad either. And my Fatboy will fly!
Update, Got another look at it. Was unable to find anymore parts, except maybe a bumper and possible another frame. There is a building on the property that we can not enter at this time, that might have the fenders, doors etc., but highly doubtful. Anyway, looks to be a 1946 Chrylser (Windsor - 6), C38W, Highlander convertible, from what I can find on the innerweb. Have no reply as of yet to see if my offer makes the grade or not, LOL.. Thanks, cb1
Well I hope you end up with it, and I also hope the doors turn up. Everything else is no big deal. Well worth the effort in my opinion.
This is the closest I found on the internet: Waverly Upholstery Fabric 56" Tartan Terrain & Evening | JOANN Hope this helps. Al
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