1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible - Jay Leno's Garage

[@2bigmovies]

Late 60's I bought a lovely, running 1948 Chrysler Windsor for $35. It did indeed have printed station call letters on the radio buttons under removable chrome caps with plastic windows. The speedo lighting did change colors at night: green, yellow, red (at what speeds I do not remember). The clunk-o-matic transmission was a little annoying but the car, the purple mohair interior, and the ride felt like a living room sofa. The back seat was like sitting in a giant fur glove. $35, those were the days.

[@johnbockelie3899]

I have always liked the Woody cars.

[@edbo10]

35 bucks...roughly 261 bucks in 2020 dollars, not bad

[@NoosaHeads]

Ordinarily, I much prefer 100% original over "modernised" - but this car is very, very endearing.

[@SoBe80s.]

I completely agree with you and I too love this modified car. Given that it was in such horrible conidition to start with, I appreicate him investing hugely to make this gorgeous car beyond road worthy! As Jay said, it's so very tastefully done.

[@plumbandsquare1]

If I were an old rich guy, I would take this over a modern luxury car in a heart beat. VERY well done.

[@gordonstroup1741]

Ha! If I were a rich young guy, I would do the same. I love older and Old cars and trucks almost as much as anyone. My problem is that I don't have 2 nickels to throw at my old pickup right now to even get it running. Oh well, just like a lot of guys, I can sit and look at it and dream about how I would fix it to make the wife and I both happy.

[@isaakwelch3451]

I like older cars so much more than newer cars, that would be a no-brainer

[@TheBikemaster94]

These were kings of the roads before the imports

[@wicked8139]

@@gordonstroup1741 well said 🙌

[@NickDe39]

Was a very poor guy in 1956, drafted and after basic was given a check for $60.00 to find my next assigned base. Lived near Lake Forest, IL and went to Knaus Motors, they knew me. Said I need a car, how much to you have? 65 dollars. We got just the car for you a 1948 Chrysler you can have for $65.00. Where are you going? Down to Gulf of Mexico. That's a thousand miles, we better put on new tires for you. Those were the nicest people in the world. I actually had $80.00, needed $15.00 for gas. Pick up a buddy for another ten bucks for gas, and his mom gave us food. We got there on time, very important when in the military.

[@CletisVanDam1]

The way it's lowered and the stance of the car is outstanding. This is a car worthy of being called a Dream Car. Every aspect of the car is top notch.

[@dedelabinouze5110]

i was worried about seeing an LS under the hood, but a Viper V10, i'm good !

[@merlemorrison482]

Dédé LABINOUZE if it's out of a truck it's not a Viper!

[@murmelman45]

+Merle Morrison, actually the Ram SRT-10 used the aluminum v-10 from the Viper of that period. 505 hp and 505 lb/ft.

[@murmelman45]

525 ft/lb.

[@LoneWolf-wp9dn]

+Dédé LABINOUZE i was worried it would just be the old chevy v8

[@buckshotgaming1760]

LS engines aren't bad, that car would be alright with an LS. But I would have to agree i also like to see the Viper engine in there. Just depends on how much a Cash a car owner has to put a engine in a car.

[@saveriosalemme5366]

A couple times a year I get into a “Jay Leno Garage” binge watching craze and I get hooked for at least 50 episodes. All I can say this show is fantastic and addicting. I was never a big fan of his with the “Tonight Show” but he is fantastic doing this show. His love for cars is infectious and that’s because he is himself and there is no acting where on the “ Tonight Show” it was easily perceived that he was putting on an act and sometimes he seemed spiteful and insufferable. I really like this Jay Leno and I hope to continue watching his podcast long into the future.

[@gak2173]

I always found Letterman to have a mean spirited attitude. Never caught that vibe from Jay. JMO.

[@wildbill7081]

@@gak2173 same here i never liked Letterman

[@JessYoutubeAccount]

"Same"

[@AB-kg6rk]

agreed, well stated.

[@Aaronaitor]

Too bad the town and country died a minivan

[@clarkeshivers7036]

It's funny how the 2017 Pacifica is exactly a Chrysler 200 wagon

[@bigredc222]

I hate to admit it, but some of those T&C minivans were pretty nice, nothing on the level of this car, but as a family hauler they were ok.

[@cytrynowy_melon6604]

@@bigredc222 Thats why they got popular. I will never understand this Chrysler minivan hate. When I was small in the 90s, without the knowledge what cars are cool and which are uncool, town & country seemed pretty nice and modern with those big windows and sleek front end. Hating them because 'they do not handle good' and 'you can't show off in it' is quite stupid, do you also hate pickups and delivery trucks? But I'm from Europe, maybe that's why I do not get that. You Americans may not realize that, but cult of money is really present in your culture, to the extent not present in most of Europeans countries. I guess its the source of minivan hate - in US even a student should have a nice car to show off wealth. When you drive to school using the older minivan your parents gave you, its obvious that you are less wealthy than guy who showed up in bmw or dodge demon, because old minivan is not worth much (as almost any everyday, non sports car that's >10 years old). There might be also a guy in old crappy sedan, but small sedan is way less noticeable than large Chrysler minivan, so everyone laughs from guy in a minivan. There is also a teen independence factor - teens do not want vehicles associated with their parents (but its quite childish if you are older). That's how a stigma on minivans was created. This doesn't mean they are bad as everyday cars from that era (and most chrysler minivans are definitely NOT as unreliable as most people say, saying from experience of my family owning them). In Europe you can use such minivan without fuss, because amongst more educated people showing off with car is actually recognized as primitive trait of newly-rich. So you don't have to impress everyone with a car that was not intended to impress. You need a minivan, or there was one in a family - you use it. While in US even if you just need to have something to drive to school (because public transport of course sucks), you need to think about show off factor. This is toxic.

[@bigredc222]

@@cytrynowy_melon6604 It seems like it gets worse with every generation, but I bet most of the people that watch Jay's video's would rather have a cool old car than a new expensive one, I know I would, although the cool old cars are pretty expensive these days too.

[@trespire]

Got road presence in spades, a rolling work of art.

[@gerardpritchard657]

This thing is stunning...and it's got a V10!

[@orange70383]

Jay is a great guy, it's good to see these guys getting the recognition for the work that they do.

[@aaronhill3943]

What a breathtakingly beautiful car, they truly don't make them like they used to!

[@theman9907]

Aaron Hill it’s a resto mod :(

[@nunyabizness199]

@@theman9907 Are you saying they never made them like that...😁

[@LostShipMate]

@@nunyabizness199 Thats what Jay said in the video. It's better fit and finnish than the factory.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Nobody ever did it like that !

[@BrewPub]

Jay sure likes the phrase "good day Mr Bond".

[@bensandy1764]

BrewPub sure does

[@bipolatelly9806]

BrewPub it's code.... (for something!)

[@hugochavez4382]

BrewPub "back in the day"

[@otto16121970]

a dozen phrases made Jay millionare...

[@logik4264]

"nicely done"

[@pauloake6107]

Love the show Jay, I have been a car and motorcycle guy my whole life, pls don't stop. :)

[@stevenpdxedu]

Finally, the car is what it always deserved to be, sensual and powerful. I like that Jay commented on split windshields. I too am old enough that I have driven cars and trucks (in their day) with flat glass up front and/or split windshields. I suspect that the reason they appeal to him, even if he doesn't know it, is that curved glass tends to be mentally fatiguing, especially on long trips. The more upright and flat the glass is the more "natural" or closer to normal vision it is and therefore less tiring. Just an observation from one car guy to another. Not to mention they're so old school they're cool. Jay has such a great appreciation for automotive history and I thank him for sharing his thoughts and his cars. Oh yeah, he's funny too.

[@neilgibbons2532]

Steven Mccullough also u dont have 2pay 4a whole windshield if damage

[@EricH928]

I was thinking, he's an entertainment guy, he should know how framing a shot works.

[@777jones]

VERY interesting comment.

[@sclogse1]

My parents purchased one of these in the late 40's and I remember being in it when I was four years old..and we were in Austria. (Military). I have pics of me wearing lederhosen while standing beside it. Of course it made me look just puny. Wonderful to see this. Yes, the wood must be treated carefully. Even knowing he's driving it to Ohio makes me think it's too much sun. Then Jay mentions...don't get it wet. Well, a car that can't deal with a rainstorm..hmmm... you tell me.

[@robertphillips6296]

I agree with Jay that if it’s too far gone to be kept original and saved, then resto mod is the way to go.

[@Thunderchicken1997]

Absolutely fantastic automobile, in every aspect. Coming from a Ford guy.

[@robfrye4664]

That is the nicest restomod I've ever seen! Absolutely fabulous!

[@robertphillips6296]

Simply beautiful, thanks for posting. Keep safe everybody!

[@was91355]

LOL... Jay, we can tell by the grin on your face from ear to ear, you really enjoyed this car, and so did we, thanx for sharing. :)

[@Duececoupe]

What a beauty....outstanding work there!

[@AB-80X]

Except for that ugly and loud actuator in the back.

[@KingCarlofcarlWorld]

This car is gorgeous!!! Stunning! Very nice job.!

[@toddhall7416]

What a beauty. I love the color combinations also. That viper engine is the way to go. Taking that out on a Sunday when the weather is beautiful is a dream.

[@Squirrel4361]

A magnificent show-stopper with poise and style. . .

[@balajiiyengar4]

Pretty amazing car !! I should have guessed the viper thing when you took the start off. lol. I love the combo of old and new technology and the best of both. Pretty amazing nostalgic looking car outside with all the comforts of the new tech, hats off to the guys worked on it and also Gary for having a such a nice car. Greetings from India.

[@paulc5333]

Those Town and Country cars and the woody wagons were the best. Love the look of them. If only they still built them like that.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

I had to look again. Just one of the nicest drivers friendly cars ever built. Comfort and performance ! Beautiful !

[@M_773]

How could they make a town and country this beautiful and then end up with a leathery grand caravan 60 years later

[@varshaskax5]

Im working on watching every one of his videos. I dont normally make comments on any youtube videos. I must say what I love about Jay, is his knowledge about all cars. The fact he knew about the stereo channel stickers, and the owner who is very knowledgeable didn't even know. Love the Show Jay!! I look forward to every Monday morning.

[@jeffpuha8187]

Wow. This may be the most beautiful car I've ever seen. Incredible.

[@willsco76]

It's about $200,000 to build. An all stock example would run about $100,000-$150,000.

[@tomlangley8852]

+Jeff Puha I agree! This is a work of art!

[@rjwalker6677]

I like it too. Just beautiful.

[@marc639]

I am 78. I remember this car. Grew up in detroit. My entire family worked for big three auto co. As a kid, remember when a car like thus showed up at oakland hills country club. Wow. This by far is my favorite show.

[@ChrisHenniker]

This car should be brought back into production, exactly to this specification and at your dealership now. This is almost a factory prototype of what it could have been then, and could be a production model now.

[@CallMeMrX]

Repair costs would be astronomical

[@farnthboy]

This has to be the Mona Lisa of motor cars - what a classic piece of artwork, I'm bloody envious.

[@tomboice929]

Jay is a first class car guy.

[@theswaff699]

HEY AN ENGINE SWAP THAY ISN'T A LS

[@DIYDanCars]

Wow! That is one helluva nice job! Beautiful!

[@brucecarney4416]

the car was amazingly well done mechanically- but the wood work was to die for. Chris Craft quality and breathtakingly fit.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

What a piece of art! Beautiful car.❤️❤️❤️

[@jeremythompson9122]

As a Mopar guy this is maybe the best restomod I've ever seen in my life. That is one AWESOME ride

[@steinwaygrande3971]

My parent had a 1948 Chrysler New Yorker and a wonderful car for its day. Have find memories of the places we went to on holiday every year. This "woodie" Is brilliant

[@FIGHTSEEN]

Gorgeous..glad to know there are craftsmen out there who can get it done at this level.

[@DKV-be7dq]

Too bad the newer ones are mini-vans

[@terrythomas1690]

Jay from an outsiders point of view the wheels look stock !

[@peediggy8140]

Terry Thomas on a car that big 15s must of looked ridiculous

[@TheRyancamaro]

Gary Meadors will be missed....

[@Bangabalunga]

He died?

[@riverwildcat1]

Bravo Gary and Scott. Your work is an inspiration, giving Resto Mod a whole new dimension, and you've achieved a level of art. I know how hard it is to do. The Viper motor and trannie is perfect, and purrs like a tiger. Thanks, Jay, for featuring these men and that great car!

[@truettneathery4358]

What was thr diffie ???

[@jakespeed63]

Had not seen this episode in quite awhile. Popped up on my youtube home page, this morning. Coincidentally, was just dreaming about a '47 Plymouth Woody, on Ebay.As soon as I saw the obvious resto-Mod stance, was hoping it may have a V-10 powerplant. Super cool cruiser. May not be the best car to have in Orlando. Nice job Scott and the others involved in the build. I think Jonathon Ward would approve!!JTPres:Misfires CCOrlando, Fl

[@fleetwoodray]

Probably the nicest woody save I have ever seen. What makes it so nice is that its a daily driver. Just think how cool it would be for someone to recreate a production woody like this Town and Country as a cross country cruiser having around 350 rear wheel hp while getting around 27-32mpg on the hwy. It would be worth a house mortgage.

[@Lord_KillerBee]

RIP Gary Meadors, a prominent member of the car community who is gone (1939-2015). A real cool car that was done extremely and was certainly better than new.

[@jeffpuha8187]

I had to watch this video again. If I had the money I would have these guys build me a duplicate of this car. I wouldn't change a thing. A seriously beautiful machine.

[@artstarzz7883]

what a great car . i have 2012 town and country . i think i'll put spme fat boy tires and spoke rims if my wife lets me.

[@richardmcleod5967]

Jay, You are right about the AM labels for the car radio. I collect old radios and restore them and the one's with push-buttons do have the AM labels that were generally given to the owner. The labels went into the slots which could be pre-set for the local AM Stations.

[@jamesholz1151]

Definitely my favorite restomod. Outstanding

[@PLxFTW]

This is definitely my favorite car ever shown on Jay Leno's Garage.

[@emjayay]

Beautiful job. Probably cost way over $50K+ for the work done on it. I have no problem with putting any kind of modern mechanicals in period cars - AC, disc brakes, power steering, modern drive train, etc. But lowering it and putting obviously not period wheels on it is a big mistake. It should look correct or close to it. For example, to put radial tires on my 1962 Continental I had to go to 15" wheels (originally 14") to get up to the proper tire circumference and so I had to use different wheel covers. The 1964-65 models had 15" wheels but with a completely different wheel cover that would have looked wrong. I got some Lincoln wheel covers from around 1972 which were similar to the 1962 ones and removed the black plastic behind the Lincoln logo. I found some radial tires that were the highest profile and came with a fairly wide version of a narrow whitewall. The speedometer stayed exactly correct, and only a serious Lincoln freak would even notice the bigger wheels and incorrect wheel covers. The car maintained its original height. This is how to preserve as much as possible the original look of a car while modernizing it.

[@FatManDoubleZero]

The cost was more like 200 grand turnkey. 50 k would barely cover the cost of the custom woodwork for the doors, trunk, and rear quarter panels.

[@fishhuntadventure]

neither of you guys know what stuff costs

[@TheSkylinefan]

Oh my god that is a beautiful beautiful car. I love the old town and countries

[@stevenwestern8199]

Incredible, I can see Frederick March opening the passenger door for Myrna Loy, and driving off

[@TheDoosh79]

Glorious machine. Love this period of automotive styling.

[@gtx-808]

Beauty with a beast under the Hood even the shift knob & stereo is a masterpiece I don't like convertibles but there's always that one car that change my mind 😸

[@leesherman100]

Garys cars are all 1st class. RIP Gary.

[@777jones]

This guy died? RIP. Obviously a class act gentleman.

[@darrenbrisson4336]

the guy who owned it is dead no way poor guy well atleast he had fun til it was time to go

[@craigquinby6162]

Nice guy RIP brother

[@yorgle11]

Wood on a car's exterior might not be practical, but it's certainly beautiful.

[@TheXL2013]

Damn. Even the muted exhaust note matches the character of the car. Brilliant work.

[@cdc740]

Great car!!!- I have a 1995 Chrysler new yorker with 066854 original miles. This is the newest car I have ever owned. It had some issues most worked out except ball joints. I love this car!!!-it still smells new. This is my first Chrysler ;But won't be my last-rethinking the ford only thing.

[@spacetrucker2952]

I like the translucent shifter, I would like to have one like it on my chevy caprice.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Make one. A chunk of Lexan, a woodworker guy with a lathe, a donor shift lever, and bob’s your uncle.

[@legmaker50]

I love this car!

[@dougmartin8664]

What a gorgeous car. If the Chrysler engineers would've had access to the technology back in the day, I'm sure they would have built something similar.

[@mrdanforth3744]

They did. By 1958 you could buy a Chrysler 300 full size, 5 passenger hardtop with a 400HP hemi V8 that would do 145MPH. All invented, designed and built by Chrysler.

[@johnww9316]

If you want to see this car in its original stock model, look at the movie "The Secret Heart" with Claudette Colbert. Its used in several scenes.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Hey Jay. Awesome looking Chrysler Town and Country. This has always been my favourite look for the Chrysler, whether it's a convertible, a wagon, or a 4 door sedan. I love the front end appearance of the car. Very elegant.

[@irredeemabledeplorable5227]

Hilarious comment about the Toyota Corolla....appreciated by an old cabover driver....LMAO

[@tangobango9653]

So nice to see that Ol’ Jay has decided to use his MILLION$ to chase vintage cars instead of young women in his old age! 😀

[@goslonomo]

That's the car I drove to college, except original. Yeah -- a woody convertible, 325 straight 8, Fluid Drive, twin spotlights, tube radio -- the works. My dad got it in an estate sale with 14, yes, fourteen -- miles on it. I ran it over 100 a few times (on the original tires)!

[@philipmarlowe5035]

I owned 8 T&C's all bought between 70 &72...paid between $50 & $750...Two of them,(sedans) I drove back to NJ from Colorado . That's when the hobby was fun and affordable !The $50 was a 49 convertible..sold it fo$ 200 very restorable, but they guy who bought was lacadasical about picking it up and I think the family on whose property it was stored on junked it! Actually also bought a convertible 47 in Brooklyn(no radiator) for 25 and sold it to a friend for 65 ! It got put in storage and the adjacent wooden garage caught fire and scorched the wood on one side of the car. He sold it for 450 in about 1976/7 . Yes,those were the days. All btw,had the original drive trains which bothered me not at all. The car in this video is a stunner. Would have liked to have seen some of the before pictures. Whoever did the wood did a great job. Btw,Jay,I am acquainted with your old friend from Andover via associations with Riley's

[@jasoncarpp7742]

This is my idea of what a restomod should be. Everything should look stock and like it came from the showroom. But it also has more modern equipment, such as disc brakes, maybe ABS brakes, a more integrated air conditioning unit, safety belts.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Absolutely Beautiful, at my age I like it much better than a Mustang ect. That to be compared to Rolls and Bentley . Wonderful, that would be my last car. It would be Wonderful to drive it every day, not just shows. Great Build !

[@mrfish1991]

This brings back a lot of memories. My grandfather had a '47 that he restored back to stock. It was a beautiful car and that straight 8 that originally filled up thaht monster engine bay was something else.

[@johnpeacock7303]

I had a 1948 Chrysler New Yorker Highlander coupe. The front bumper on the resto-mod is missing the center upright.

[@mr.maxnorway4665]

This is just to good to be true...!! What a fantastic car! If I ever should win the BIG Lottery- this sure is one of the top 5 on my list.... Love this "Handle Like a Modern Car" thing. Thx so much for sharing!! c;`) brgds

[@whyshywank]

I love woodies! Can't get anymore retro than this.

[@NOVASportster]

Love it when he's in a car that makes his head look small.

[@mitchdavis264]

my dad would love this... or maybe not.. he had 1948 New Yorker Convertible Woody... it was red.. he saw it several years after he sold it at a local car show... probably the late 80's or early 90's.. and the guy painted it a candy apple red.. my dad wasn't happy.. forget the fact the guy took care of the car and kept it in good condition for 40 plus years and restored it.. he painted it candy apple red!!

[@rainerspeckardt2085]

It takes a great deal of ignorance to equip an original vehicle with a vile V10 engine. Old vehicles should embody and preserve the state of the art of the time, instead of destroying the history of technology for a personal show off. in Europe this car would now only be worth half as much.Shame on you!

[@alanrogers7090]

Jay, in reference to your remarks about Pebble Beach, why not start your own event for the appreciation of restomods? Classic on the outside, newly integrated on the inside. It looks stock, BUT . . .

[@shannonwittman950]

If Scott Bonowski and his shop on Signal Hill were not players in the restomod business before ... no doubt they are now. Beautiful workmanship! I'll bet that after this episode aired, his shop got an avalanche of orders!

[@wavoconqueso]

I was a high school senior looking for something I could afford for not much money and something I could drive with one good leg due to polio. I saw one of these in someone’s backyard by way of the alley. I also saw that it had fluid drive which meant I could put it in gear and stop with one foot on the brake. I knocked on the owner’s door and asked if he would consider selling it. Somehow we agreed on $20 and I had me a car. One remarkable thing about it was the back seat. You could stretch out your legs straight and it was like a theater seat it was so comfortable. Gas was 27 cents and tires were about $12/15 used. It had 4 doors, was beige and had an oil bath air cleaner. That was back in the day Jay. Now I can’t buy a headlight bulb for less than what I paid for that car. Now my car has butt warmers and an engine that you have to half way dismantle to adjust the valves IF you’re not intimidated to actually work on your own car.

[@rare6499]

Blown away by this car. Simply outstanding.

[@daryllect6659]

Originally, this baby could go from zero to sixty in just minutes... Nice upgrade!

[@RTLichable]

That's got to be about the most beautiful car I've ever seen!

[@tracer740]

It's definitely up there in the offings.

[@kacyrufenacht2018]

Wow, I’ve seen this exact car at the Goodguys West Coast Nationals in 2021, beautiful, my favorite from the show, had no idea it had a V10 under the hood.

[@billyb7119]

Stunning car, but I was bummed to learn that Gary passed away about 3 years after this video was posted. Seems like he had a pretty fun ride, though!

[@coffeepot3123]

Beautiful wood work.

[@fatjeezussouthtexasoutdoor5244]

I was thinking maybe a HEMI but a Viper V10!!! Super cool car!!!

[@Minus42Zero]

WOW is the only word that came to my mind, what an amazing looking car. Wish they still made cars look like this.

[@prestonlard7687]

Jay you are driving me crazy you are the worse driver in the world you couldn't keep a car in its lane if you're life depended on it quit driving before you kill someone

[@davidgarris2513]

I love what Jay does with cars. I only wish someone did this with old international harvester, Jeeps, Willy's, old vans, farm trucks, delivery trucks and vans, etc. I really love the 1960s and 1970s SUVs pickups and vans.

[@timothyhanson2864]

The scale of Jays head to that door really shows just how big that door and car is.....

[@tracer740]

I am so impressed by this car that ... I am speechless! I love it!

[@brandonobaza8610]

My Christmas present one year was a Danbury Mint die cast model of this car. Loved that thing and play-drove it into the ground.

[@franklinwalker4021]

now yeah that's a nice car Viper v10 motor and transmission wow that's nice

[@bonkersbeast]

That's a truly stunning car. I can't believe the Yankees were making such amazing cars 70 years ago. Just love that dash, and the aerial....too much!

[@hedylamarr1637]

film Desert Fury Lizabeth Scott ,she's cruises round in one of these through the entire movie.

[@UpStreamDolphin]

my father was the one of the guys working on this at bob bauders and i saw this car when i first showed up to the shop but it looks beautiful and my father and i always see this car at good guys looks beautiful!