Frame Up Restored Windsor Highlander Spitfire 250 Flathead Fluid Drive 2 Speed

1948 Chrysler Other Highlander

SUMMARY

Frame-up restoration
Highlander Scottish Plaid upholstery
Correct 250 cubic inch Spitfire 6-cylinder
Correct Fluid Drive 2-speed semi-automatic transmission
Color-keyed cloth top / Glass rear window
Motorola AM radio
Sumac Red paint

While the phrase "pre-war classic" often conjures images of tired museum pieces that hang out with clueless volunteers it can also stand for something great. Pre-war designs like this cool Windsor which was put back into production after WWII ended often feature an impressive mix of style and reliability. And with that in mind this exclusive Chrysler is a living example of why decades after their introduction these cars still enjoy a dedicated fanbase. Featuring a correct flathead 6-cylinder and semi-automatic 2-speed this Highlander drop-top probably spent the better part of its 67 years as a stylish cruiser used for family fun. And today decked in correct Scottish Plaid upholstery it's poised for the spotlight and destined for the show field. If you're ready to step up to the charm and class that made America great take a closer look at this streamlined MoPar!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Approaching this convertible it's difficult not to be taken with its sleek profile. To achieve those striking good looks the car had to be a solid starting point that benefitted from top-notch metalwork. And once that metalwork was complete it had to be shot with some of the best Sumac Red pigment on the market. In the name of authenticity traditional offerings often feature questionable paintwork. But this Windsor's enduring shine is a first rate testament to its high quality restoration. Reflections are straight and unbroken. There are no major imperfections visible anywhere. And overall the car literally defines the term 'front row cruiser'.

Streamlined design at its very finest this Chrysler is a stunning example of how modern aerodynamics began shaping the transportation industry. At the front of the car a bold stainless-trimmed grille hangs AACA and Old Dominion award plaques between a guarded bumper MoPar driving lamps and a classy Chrysler hood crest. At the sides of that grille sculpted fenders hang bright headlights and straight trim spears around stylish door handles and stainless rocker guards. At the top of those fenders a capped and Windsor-branded hood anchors stainless-framed glass under a cool MoPar spotlight elegant mirrors and a color-keyed cloth roof. And opposite that hood an ornate trunk rides between vertical taillights a second guarded bumper and a stainless Chrysler-branded exhaust tip.

ENGINE

In the '40s Auburn Hills used flathead 6-cylinders as their main form of motivation. Given that Chrysler was the corporation's ultimate offering our coupe moves thanks to an original Spitfire 6 which carries a correct "C38" assembly stamp. In factory-fresh form this proven mill twisted healthy compression into a reasonable 116 horsepower. And clocking in at 250 cubic inches it was a relatively easy way for a prestigious brand to trump more pedestrian competitors. The antique mill was likely rebuilt during the car's frame-up restoration presenting just as nice today as when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically the block which perches a familiar oiled air cleaner and small Carter carburetor above a correct head and correct exhaust manifold has been coated in familiar Aluminum paint. There are many correct pieces like big horns a Solar Spark coil and an old school Chrysler starter. A Sumac Red firewall combines with broad fenders to frame those pieces in a sea of glossy bliss. And overall the car's detailed engine bay is a charming and 100% functional step back to a much simpler and according to some better chapter of American automotive history.

DRIVETRAIN

Speaking of simpler times take one look under this reliable ride and you'll see just how much the automotive world has changed when it comes to comfort handling and structural integrity. The car's clean floors heavy duty frame and factory-accurate suspension are veiled in a subdued coat of Satin Black paint. A correct semi-automatic 2-speed still lives behind the rock-solid engine proving 'simple is good' by doing an excellent job of twisting an authentic Chrysler rear end. In front of that transmission traditional control arms and coil springs utilize a manual steering rack to keep everything pointed in the right direction. Behind that transmission stout leaf springs maintain ride height while providing ample grip. At the corners of the car 4-wheel manual drum brakes ensure solid stops. At the center of the car a low maintenance single-pipe exhaust system gives the flathead a soft voice. And everything rolls on pliable 8.20-15 Denman Classic whitewalls which spin around red steelies and chrome Chrysler hubcaps.

INTERIOR

The convertible's Highlander-exclusive Scottish Plaid interior is both unique and cool. That cockpit centers on bolstered bench seats which provide good comfort and great visibility. At the sides of those seats pick-free door panels hang chrome handles below stainless-trimmed window frames. At the bottom of those doors traditional foot pedals front stain-free carpet and color-keyed kick panels. Above those pedals a stylish dash hangs a vintage Motorola radio between factory telemetry and an era-correct clock. In front of the driver a chrome-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel spins a flashy "Fluid Drive" emblem around old school Lucite shift and stalk knobs. And behind the cockpit a cavernous trunk features a small fire extinguisher and full-size spare tire.

With its elegant looks and proven running gear this finely-tuned classic deserves a future in the limelight. If you're ready to start taking home trophies and making tons of car show friends it's time to park this neat Windsor Highlander in your garage!