Lot details
Registration No: PF 1384
Chassis No: HHH360CCC
Mot Expiry: June 2012

Having rescued Willys from their financial woes but failed in his attempt to wrest control of the firm from John Willys, Walter Chrysler obtained a controlling stake in the ailing Maxwell Motor Company. By 1925 he had dropped the Maxwell name, rebranded the business as the Chrysler Corporation and launched the Chrysler Series 70; elements of which could reportedly be traced back to a prototype that was under construction during his days at Willys. It was a 3.5-litre six cylinder-engined model aimed at providing his customers with a well-engineered car at an affordable price. In many ways it was ahead of its time, featuring a high compression engine with full pressure lubrication and oil filter, carburetter air filter and hydraulic braking on all four wheels - items still unseen on many cars of the period.

The Chrysler being sold is a Series 70 Phaeton. The right-hand drive chassis was shipped to Adelaide, Australia, where the Chrysler-designed body was built by Spencer Coy. The car was imported to the UK in 1973, where it was restored to original specification by the current keeper's father. Over the ensuing twenty-five years it is said to have transported its owner thousands of miles to every corner of Europe, during which the Chrysler apparently proved both rugged and reliable. `PF 1384' comes with full weather equipment including sidescreens, hood bag and both front and rear tonneau covers, plus a selection of spares. It is finished in Maroon over Black complemented by a Black hood and Beige leather interior and rides on typical American wood spoked wheels with detachable rims (plus spare). The vendor describes the car's present condition as "good throughout, but not concours". With its powerful six cylinder engine and hydraulic four wheel brakes, this handsome vintage Chrysler would appear to be a thoroughly usable proposition for its next keeper.