1940 Chrysler Windsor Convertible
The Chrysler Windsor automobile, named after the Royal House of the UK, first came out in 1939. It was a junior model to the larger Chrysler New Yorker. In 1940, the Windsor came in either long or short wheelbase versions, depending on the type of car. Chrysler, always the innovator, and for this year were sealed beam head lights, independent front suspension, 11" brakes, and a X girder truss type frame.
All Chrysler cars were redesigned for 1940. A horizontal, thin-bar grille gave a new look, and re-contoured fenders had sealed-beam headlights, a new industry feature, integrated into their leading-edge design and use of the latest technology. Six-cylinder cars were designated C-25 and came in two series: Royal, the entry-level line, and Windsor, which had better appointments. The convertible coupe, reintroduced after a one-year absence, was available only in the Windsor line.
Exterior
The condition of this 1940 Windsor Convertible Coupe belies the age of its restoration. Completed in 1996, it went on to Antique Automobile Club of America National First and Senior honors. It won Best of Show at a national Chrysler club event, and it remains concours-worthy today. The car is finished in burgundy with a contrasting tan Haartz cloth top. The top is power-operated, the first year this feature was available. The Windsor has Chrysler's other noteworthy 1940 features...front-door wind wings, unique to convertibles, and the optional hidden running boards. It has authentic bumper over-riders, a Chrysler windshield post spotlight, dual fog lights, and accessory directional signals, the latter integrated into front and rear lights. Wide whitewall tires nicely complement body-color steel wheels with correct red-line hubcaps and bright beauty rings, and the bumpers have accessory over-riders. The rear fenders have attractive skirts, an authentic Chrysler accessory.
Interior
Seen inside is a matching burgundy leather bench, as well as plenty of gleaming chrome. Unusually, there is no radio, and in its place is a correct radio-delete plate in the dashboard. Nor is there a heater, implying it was originally sold in California or a similar warm climate. Beautiful carpet covers the floors, and a hidden rear bench seat is crammed into the back of this car. Art Deco styling is pulled off with contrasting cream color paint, and chrome on the dash. A perfectly restored steering wheel is fronting the dash.
Drivetrain
Model C-25W 108 bhp, 241.5ci inline L-head six-cylinder Gold Seal engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, coil-spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Chrysler built just 2,275 Windsor Convertible Coupes for 1940, the lowest production of any body style except the long-wheelbase sedans and limousines. With its unusual array of equipment, this superb survivor is certainly a member of a very small constituency. One would be hard-pressed to find another, let alone one in this condition.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.