NOT MINE 1950 Chrysler Town & Country - $30,000 (Monrovia)

[67newport]

not mine
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/monrovia-1950-chrysler-town-country/7252093216.html

This Town & Country Newport features a 324/135hp Inline 8-cylinder engine with a 3-speed fluid-drive transmission with synchromesh gears, independent coil-spring front suspension, solid axle rear suspension with hydraulic shocks and leaf springs, and 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. It has a 127.5" wheelbase and a one-year-only design, this is one of 698 built. Semi-restored, it has 76,000 original miles, and is, except for a few quality refinishes, exactly the same car built by the factory in 1950. This fine example features original wood panels and original engine, rebuilt. The paint shows very well, the interior is new and period correct, it drives smooth and the engine purrs like a kitten. The car remains in excellent condition. Made only in 1950.

 

[1970cat]

beautiful but

 

[saforwardlook]

Listing states "4 wheel hydraulic disc brakes" and then says "exactly the same car built by the factory in 1950". I thought at first it had to be a mistake but in looking it up, I found:

"Because of the expense, the brakes were only standard on the Chrysler Crown and the Town and Country Newport in 1950. ... This four-wheel disc brake system was built by Auto Specialties Manufacturing Company (Ausco) of St. Joseph, Michigan, under patents of inventor H.L. Lambert, and was first tested on a 1939 Plymouth.

I have to wonder why Chrysler didn't see the light back then rather than put the public through the "total contact" brake system of the later 50s through the early 60s - they were a pain in the neck to say the least.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

IIRC, that disc brake system was and is a servicing challenge to put it mildly. I don't recall what it is that makes it so, but the Imp or WPC Clubs had some writeups I remember reading.

I believe the dics are "enclosed" in housings somehow...

 

[67newport]

Chrysler's Pioneering Disc-Brake System Explained
disc brakes 1950 chrysler

 

[BigblueC]

That Hot Rod article is the only reason I've even heard of these brakes. Pretty interesting set up.

That's a good looking car for sale, but I've always wondered how much maintenance the wood requires.