1942 Chrysler Windsor Coupe
- Commonly referred to as the business man's coupe
- Correct 250 cubic inch Spitfire 6-cylinder
- 16-inch wheels
-120 horsepower
-Correct Fluid drive 4-speed transmission
- Former member of the Michael Leith collection
- No back seat
- Exceptionally large trunk compartment
- Remarkable condition in all respects
- Exterior sun visor
- Factory radio and clock
- Fluid drive transmission
- Wide whitewall tires
In 1942, the USA joined its mates across the pond in fighting the silly moustache brigade. Consequently, car production ceased, making 1942 production numbers very low. This, coupled with the very esoteric 3-window coupe kept production numbers to a minuscule 250 cars making this one of the rarest cars on the road even in 1942. Today, nobody is quite sure how many of these cars actually exist, but even optimists wouldn't estimate more than 5.
In 2014, this car reached $80,000 at a Mecum auction, but this was not enough for the seller to part with it. In 2016, I imported this car to the UK.
The correct original factory option package included the desirable 250 c.i. flat head Chrysler Spitfire 6 cylinder 120 hp engine. The engine is reported to have been rebuilt, and the gaskets etc would seem to suggest that the engine was recently stripped.
Some of the text below has been taken from previous ads stateside, and to be frank is better written that I would manage.
This car moves effortlessly at highway speeds and shifts like butter. Comes with accessory fender skirts. Transmission: Fluid Drive. Correct 2 barrel carburettor. It sports it original factory Dove gray with maroon and tan leather interior. The interior and headliner are in excellent restored condition. Original dealer installed Fulton sun-visor. Factory original rubber step plates and behind the seat and trunk factory mats. Body panels are laser straight with a 23 year old paint job which still shows remarkably well. the trunk fits 10 people comfortably.
The car comes with all the dealer brochures, tags, instructions and service manuals from the day it was purchased. You can eat off the undercarriage of this car, highly detailed. Comes with four original factory wheel trim rings and fender skirts.
It's very important not to confuse this car with the more popular and less interesting 5 window coupe. This is a 3 window coupe, giving it a much more sporty look than the typical 5 window coupe that you often see with these 40's Chrysler products. Just try to find another one, you won't. This is a remarkable car. No disappointments here. You will own the best there is, and probably the only one there is.
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. The pre-war market is full of amazing design, impressive reliability and style in huge quantities. 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 Fluid Drive 4-speed transmission, this coupe probably spent the better part of its 72 years as a stylish cruiser used for family fun. And today, as 1 of only 250 ’42 Windsor 3-windows produced, 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!
Approaching this coupe, 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 Dove Gray pigment on the market. Now, I know paintwork is often questionable on traditional pre-war metal, but this Windsor’s enduring shine is a first rate testament to its 22 year old 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 flows past a curved bumper, elegant headlamps and a classy Chrysler hood crest. Behind that grille, sculpted fenders hang small “Windsor” emblems and straight trim spears behind stylish door handles and stainless rocker guards. At the top of those fenders, a chrome-capped hood anchors stainless-framed glass under an optional sun visor. And, opposite that hood, an ornate trunk rides between small tail lights, a second curved bumper and a polished stainless exhaust tip.
In the early ‘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 “C34” assembly stamp. In factory-fresh form, this proven mill twisted healthy compression into a reasonable 120 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 fully rebuilt in 2006 and thoroughly detailed in 2007, presenting much better today than when it growled off the assembly line. Aesthetically, the block, which perches a familiar oiled air cleaner and rare Ball & Ball carburettor above a correct head and correct exhaust manifold, has been coated in familiar Aluminium paint. There are many correct pieces like big horns, a MoPar red cap battery and an old school Chrysler distributor. A Dove Gray firewall combines with broad fenders to frame those pieces in a sea of old school bliss. And overall, the car’s clean engine bay is a charming and 100% functional step back to a much simpler and, according to some, better chapter of American automotive history.
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 'Vacamatic' 3-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 utilise 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 centre of the car, a low maintenance, single-pipe exhaust system gives the flathead a soft voice. And everything rolls on fresh 6.50-16 Allstate Super Safety Tread whitewalls which spin around red steelies, pinstriped trim rings and chrome hub caps.
The coupe’s warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of pre-war America complete with vintage hides, tasteful colours and awesome marble accents. That cockpit centres on a heavily bolstered seat which provides good comfort and great visibility. At the sides of that seat, two-tone door panels hang chrome handles below painted window frames. At the bottom of those doors, traditional foot pedals front stain-free carpet, a clean cargo mat and colour-keyed kick panels. Above those pedals, a stylish dash hangs a vintage radio and continuous-motion clock behind polished accessory buttons. Above that dash, a tight headliner flows to a small rear window. In front of the driver, a marbled, 2-spoke steering wheel spins a vintage horn ring around a flashy “Fluid Drive” script. And behind the cockpit, a cavernous trunk hides a full-size spare tire.
Formerly part of the Michael Leith Collection, this MoPar’s provenance includes vintage documents, vintage photos, vintage parts, and a small stack of maintenance and restoration receipts.
With its elegant looks and proven running gear, this finely-tuned classic deserves to be driven, especially when it's such a joy to drive. I have driven and owned all sorts of pre-war cars, and this is by far the most civilised to drive, and own for that matter. The mechanics are simple and the parts easily available. If you are used to driving pre-war British cars you are in for a bit of a shock not only does this car happily start and stop, it doesn't rattle and you won't need to keep a watchful eye in the rear-view mirror when you drive over a speed bump to see what's dropped off this time. The fluid-drive is an absolute joy, particularly if you drive a lot in traffic, which let's face it we all do that more and more. Who ever said 'three's a crowd' has never sat on the bench seat of this car with or without the promise of a Ménage à trois. Three people can't but help giggle the entire journey sat alongside - it's only marginally less sociable and fun than the other type of less hygienic threesome.
In summary, this is a car you can use every day, it's robust and reliable with very simple mechanics that almost anyone could keep on the road with rudimentary spanner skills. Putting aside the rarity aspect, which of course adds to the value of this car, just look at the bloody thing - it's a thing of absolute beauty. OK, let's face it I have more cars than anyone deserves, but putting that to one side, this car is adored by everyone from the young fashionable set (the circle I of course mix in) to bearded petrol heads, and in a growing style conscious world how can anyone not appreciate this car.
Above is a video of the actual car from a previous dealer who once owned the car.
Below is a video made by some guy who had no connections with the car, but made this film after the Mecum auction in 2014.
Below is a video made by some guy who had no connections with the car, but made this film after the Mecum auction in 2014.
The video below explains the 'Fluid drive'.
The video below has a great explanation of how to practically drive with Fluid Drive.
Above, you see the car sporting it's fender skirts, which can be removed if you prefer the look without.
Brakes
Clutch
Fuel System
Electrical
Lubrication
Weeping cylinder replaced July2019 including axle outer oil seal. Shoes all-round are excellent as shown. New spare wheel cylinders for other 3 wheels available.
