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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@trespire]

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

[@jeremythompson9122]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@orange70383]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@gerardpritchard657]

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

[@FIGHTSEEN]

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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@Squirrel4361]

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

[@farnthboy]

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

[@brucecarney4416]

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

[@robfrye4664]

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

[@robertphillips6296]

Simply beautiful, thanks for posting. Keep safe everybody!

[@shirleyhudson5754]

When I was a youngster' 1962ish, my Dad worked at the United Service Co. and Machine Shop at the corner of High St. and Harrison Ave. in Lexington, Ky. Across the street was the Dodge/Chrysler dealer. In their showroom was a pristine '48 Chrysler Town and Country convertible in dark blue with tan top and interior. I fell deeply in love with that car because it was the most beautiful car I'd ever seen. In the mid '50s we'd had a stodgy '48 Chrysler Windsor 4-door, with the mohair interior. I always wondered how many moles it took to cover the inside of a Windsor. It was a nice car but not a T&C. That car stayed on display in the showroom until the late '60s, when the dealership moved to the car sales strip out on the by-pass. I don't know what happened to that car. Probably best. One more story associated to that Dodge dealership. In the '80s, I became friends with a senior security guard at my workplace, Joe. Joe told me that he came to Lexington. ky., from Pikeville, as a 19 year-old, to attend the Ky State College, (now University of Ky), at Lexington. He arrived by train at Union Station, on Main St. To get to the College, he had to walk over the Harrison St. viaduct, which was right next to the train station. He walked past the Dodge dealership, on the corner. They had a new 1934 Dodge 4-door sedan suspended by chains to its fenders, from the ceiling, 6' in the air. Joe was so impressed by the strength of the metal in that car, he went in and inquired it's price. $745.00! Joe was carrying $2000, given to him by his family, to pay for his tuition, room and board, etc., for the next year. He told me he ate a lot less, that year, and lived in very austere housing, but got many dates, 'cause he had the nicest car on campus. Good ol' Joe Kilgore.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Wonderful comment/memories Shirley. Have a great day.

[@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.

[@rare6499]

Blown away by this car. Simply outstanding.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@whyshywank]

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

[@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. :)

[@NickDe39]

Adopted dad neighbor was a Chrysler Plymouth dealer, learned a lot about cars starting a ten years old. That Chrysler fake wood, was and still is a beauty. It had what was called a tip-toe shift. Had a clutch you needed to put the car into gear, reverse was like any other car, but after putting it in gear, could take your foot off the clutch and use that left foot on the brake. Right foot on the gas. With a none fluid drive vehicle, needed three feet. Normal second gear same way, only use the clutch to put it in gear. But it had two speeds, first and second, step on the gas, speed up, foot off the gas, wait until it shifted, then would be in second gear, but needed the clutch to get into normal third gear, but the same as second gear, would start off in 3rd, release gas, then forth. This took some time and we called it turtle torque. But what a lot of people did not know, hit the clutch, jam it in 2nd, hit the clutch again, jam it in neutral and right back into 2nd, this will instantly put you in 2nd gear. Hit the clutch again, jam it in 3rd gear, release it, jam the gas, hit the clutch again, gear into neutral, back into normal 3rd, put in 4th gear. In shorter words, this transmission could be speed shifted just as fast as any manual transmission. Plus you had a fluid coupling for further increased starting torque. Could leave Ford's and Chevy's in the dust in particular with a straight 8 cylinder. When you are young, things like this were important.

[@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 ???

[@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.

[@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.

[@PLxFTW]

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

[@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"

[@mauriceclemens3286]

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

[@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.

[@pauloake6107]

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

[@TheDoosh79]

Glorious machine. Love this period of automotive styling.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Duececoupe]

What a beauty....outstanding work there!

[@AB-80X]

Except for that ugly and loud actuator in the back.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@KingCarlofcarlWorld]

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

[@Thunderchicken1997]

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

[@sueraiders]

My father bought in 1956 to ambassadors I took one to school and everybody made fun of that car they called it a upside down bathtub I was so hurt. I love that car I wish I would’ve found another one I would of put it in my car shows that I have I did car shows for 20 years downtown Pittsburg California. That Nash is beautiful that you have brought. My dad paid $400 for each one they were brand new looking same year is the one you showed yellow and brown on top one stick shift car and one automatic. I have collected a lot of cars when I sold them all I did all right I’m older now and I just watch other people enjoy their cars. Thanks Jay

[@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.

[@ElationProductions]

Good to see a well done resto-mod like this. Seems to me there are too many people who take the time to do a frame off restoration of a car and fail to put a little extra effort in the small details. Things that help blend new parts with old parts as seamlessly as possible. To me, it also has something to do with wanting to show respect for the people who originally designed and built this stuff.

[@TheXL2013]

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

[@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

[@peterwilson2080]

I can't believe how gorgeous this car is both inside and out. Easily one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Wow. And yes, I would drive this car from L.A. cross country to Columbus, Ohio in a heartbeat.

[@boson2916]

This 1948 styling and the wooden panel body simply Perfect, World-class.

[@mikevanhoff]

My first boss, in 1952, had one of these. It was even the same color and I loved it, even though I was only 12 years old at the time.

[@jamesholz1151]

Definitely my favorite restomod. Outstanding

[@DOORHANGING]

Love the wood, just love everything about this car, creating 17” wheels and the look of them are perfect, it’s heavy but it goes smoothly when you put your foot down.

[@Minus42Zero]

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

[@stevenwestern8199]

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

[@DIYDanCars]

Wow! That is one helluva nice job! Beautiful!

[@tracer740]

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

[@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

[@cuttingedgeentertainmentan9097]

Growing up , this was my favorite car . Still right up there .

[@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 😸

[@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)!

[@dimetime35c]

Thats a true American classic! Its got the look and then the horsepower to match it!

[@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.

[@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!

[@ugaais]

Got a woody looking at a woody…lol I’m 50 so this was way before my time but I love these old woody cars and trucks…just so unique and hard to believe these were built originally as production cars

[@TheSkylinefan]

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

[@cgpyper7536]

Stunningly beautiful in every way ... beginning with the original design/automotive art of the car. Thank you.

[@tomboice929]

Jay is a first class car guy.

[@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

[@brentfairlie]

What a stupendous, amazing retro mod. The most impressive one I have ever seen. I could ride forever all across America, in the back seat with a Kentucky bourbon

[@RTLichable]

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

[@tracer740]

It's definitely up there in the offings.

[@ryan9570]

My neighbor had a 47 Chrysler 4-dr. Windsor with the rear seating area seemingly as big as most modern apartment living rooms. Yes I remember those radio buttons. Where I lived, the commonly found station buttons were for WBZ, WNAC, and WCSH out of Portland Maine.

[@marilaucher9989]

OMG The cars are fabulous. I have no interest in cars pee se but these classics are works of art Jay has a beautiful collection that reflects ingenuity and creativity on the part of the designers.

[@jamesh1369]

Breathtakingly beautiful car. I can only imagine what it looks like in person.

[@Tshasta4449]

A wonderful classic, beautiful wood and I work. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@stevecook8941]

Fabulous and truly beautiful automobile from the days when cars were not all looking the same like most of today's junk............big WAS beautiful back then

[@johnroddy8756]

A piece of Art ,like so many classic models

[@noyfub]

What a magnificent piece of craftsmanship!

[@barryervin8536]

When I was a kid in a small PA town in the 50s-60s my uncle owned the local Chrysler-Plymouth dealership and had one of these cars. It was stock, of course, no Viper engine. He drove it daily up into the 70s as I recall. At one point he briefly became a Goggomobile dealer too. He got 2 Goggomobiles, sold one of them and the second one rusted away in the woods behind the shop for decades until the building was torn down.

[@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.

[@timothyhanson2864]

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

[@randypurtteman1183]

Absolutely beautiful machine.

[@saveriosalemme5366]

With out a doubt one of the nicest of the cars showcased on his show 🤙

[@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.

[@deweydodo6691]

so cool to see old rods with modern touch ups

[@Alekpowah]

This is how i like retro cars, Retro "sleeper" with the engineering renewed and safe!

[@Helloverlord]

A true gem.

[@legmaker50]

I love this car!

[@frankeastman8684]

My dad bought a 49 DeSoto limo in 52. Very similar. All 7 kids, hence the limo learned to drive on that car. Was famous in our little town. The cruise control was a brick on the gas pedal.

[@SecsSells]

A friend of my dads had one of these... not sure of the year. He also owned a Cord and my favorite car he had... an early 60's Amphi-Car. We would go down to the local boat ramp and drive right off into the Potomac River. Crazy!

[@oliverrojas7117]

Thanks for lowering the top, it looks sensational with it down.