1948 Chrysler Cars Described
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1948 CHRYSLER CARS DESCRIBED 1948 CHRYSLER - GENERAL: Minimal physical changes marked the Chrysler models built in the final production run of 1948, although significant price increases were recorded. Additional colors became available during the model year. The larger, low-pressure tires. adopted in 1947, became standard fare in 1948. Stainless steel trim rings were a more common option fitted once white wall tires were made optional. Chrysler continued the policy of making minor upgrades and running changes as in 1946 and 1947 so 1948 models were almost indistinguishable from 1947 models, and serial numbers merely stayed in sequence with no year designation. "Safe Guard" hydraulic brakes, and a permanent "Oilite" fuel tank filter were once again standard as did the rust-proofing that protected the interior body structure. 1948 ROYAL SERIES C38S - 6-CYLINDER: As in 1947, the Royal was the least expensive car of the Chrysler family, Royal series identification was provided by "Royal" nameplates found on the hood sides. Standard equipment included arm rests on both front doors, directional signals, entrance light, brake warning light, cigar lighter with illuminated ash tray, rubber floor covering in front compartment (except club coupe and 8-passenger sedans which are carpeted), dual outside front door locks, glove box light and lock, pile fabric or broadcloth upholstery, luggage compartment light, assist straps and robe cords on sedans and broughams, dual two-speed electric wipers, plastic steering wheel, automatic dome light, white wall wheel covers and interior door lock. Royal 4-door sedan/limousine models were once again available on a "long" 139.5" wheelbase chassis. 1948 WINDSOR SERIES C38W 6-CYLINDER: The Windsor, an upgraded version of the Royal had virtually no changes. There was little to distinguish 1946-1947 Chrysler Windsor models from their 1948 counterparts. Low pressure tires were now standard for short wheelbase cars. The Windsor included all Royal features plus two-tone wool broadcloth upholstery. carpeted front compartment, electric clock, rear seat folding arm rest on sedans and exterior "goose neck" mirror on convertibles only. The Windsor offered luxury on par with the more upscale New Yorker line, but was powered by the more modest L-head six- cylinder engine. Windsors were identified by "Windsor" nameplates on both sides of the hood. The optional "Highlander" interior was available on both open and closed models. Windsor 4-door sedan/limousine models were available on a "long" 139.5" wheelbase chassis As in 1947, the 4-door wood-bodied Town and Country was only available on the Windsor series. Thus. all Town and Country sedans were powered by the six-cylinder L-head engine offered on all Windsors. This policy lasted until the end of production of the 1946-48 series of the 1949 models. 1948 SARATOGA SERIES C39K - 8-CYLINDER: There were no changes in the 1948 Saratoga. Prices were up again from the 1947 models. Whitewall tires were an option. Standard equipment remained unchanged. "Saratoga" nameplates were located on hood to identify the model. The Saratoga was an eight-cylinder equivalent to the six-cylinder Royal in interior appointments. The wheelbase was six inches longer forward of the cowl to accommodate the longer 8-cylinder engine. Fluid drive was standard, as well as hydraulic rear sway strut, electric clock, rear fold down arm rests in sedan and two-door sedan (Brougham), wax-impregnated springs, and gray pile fabric or broadcloth upholstery. Four choices of optional color leather upholstery were available at extra cost. Only the Club Coupe was offered with a carpeted front compartment - the three-passenger coupe used a rubber rear mat instead of carpeting. 1948 NEW YORKER SERIES C39N - 8-CYLINDER: There were virtually no differences between the 1948 New Yorker and its 1947 counterpart. The change to larger, low-pressure tires and the resulting change in rear fender design were the only noticeable changes. Of special note were two Town and Country Hardtop Coupes built from T&C Convertible chassis. The high-line New Yorker models included all of the standard equipment found on the Saratoga and added such features as two- tone wool broadcloth upholstery. a carpeted front compartment and, on convertibles, a "goose neck'" style mirror. Model identification was found on nameplates mounted on the side of the hood near the cowl. Highlander plaid upholstery was an option available on the New Yorker. The cars so equipped wore a "Highlander" nameplate. Town and Country models were mounted on the New Yorkers chassis and are included in New Yorker series. Town & Country convertible models and 2-door Coupe were all built on the New Yorker chassis. There were no other 8-cylinder Town and Country models offered other than those two models. Continued – Copyright © Automotive History Preservation Society, All Rights Reserved. Contact: Librarian, PO Box 467, Perry MI or e-mail [email protected]. MODEL/ENGINE I.D. DATA: Royal serial numbers 70029674 and ended at 70037180. Effective December 1, 1948 Royals with serial number 70,037,181 to 70.038.791 were considered 1949 models for purposes of registration only. Royal motor numbers ran beginning in 1946 from in C38-1001 and were interspersed with Windsor numbers, sequentially as engines were built. Windsor serial numbers started at 70633017 and ended at 70,702,442. First-series 1949 models of Detroit manufacture serial numbers started at 70702443 and ended at 70717748; Los Angeles built cars started at 67001001 and ended at 67,001,920 and first series 1949 cars started at 67001921 and ended at 67003000. Motor numbers on all Windsors ran beginning in 1946 from C38-1001 and were interspersed with Royal numbers, sequentially as engines were built. Windsor Town & Country serial numbers started at 71002880 and ended at 71004055. Cars built after December 1. 1948 were deemed 1949 models for registration purposes only. Motor numbers on all Town and Country vehicles ran beginning in 1946 from C38-1001 and were interspersed with Royal numbers, sequentially as engines were built. Saratoga serial numbers started at 6768486 and ended at 6770180 for 1948 For first-series 1949s numbers ran from 6770181 to 6770612. Saratoga motor numbers ran beginning in 1946 from C39-1001 and were interspersed with New Yorker numbers, sequentially as engines were built. New Yorker serial numbers started at 7062598 and ended at 7.085.469. First-series 1949 numbers started at 7085470 and ended at 7092068. New Yorker motor numbers ran beginning in 1946 from C39-1001 and were interspersed with Saratoga numbers, sequentially as engines were built. New Yorker Town & Country serial numbers started at 7405174 and ended at 7408109. Town and Country first-series 1949 numbers started at 7408110 and ended at 7408483. All serial numbers were located on the left front door hinge post. Motor numbers were found on the left side of the engine block below the cylinder head between the first and second cylinders. BODY PAINT CODE/COLORS: 1 Military Blue 2 Saint Clair Blue 3 Newport Blue 4 Heather Green 5 Polo Green 6 Meadow Green 7 Dove Gray 8 Gunmetal 9 Catalina Tan 15 Black 16 Regal Maroon 17 Sumac Red 20 Palace Brick Brown 44 Catalina Tan 46 Palomino Cream CHRYSLER ENGINES: Royal and Windsor Series Engine. L-head six-cylinder. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.438" x 4.5". Compression ratio: 6.6:1. Horsepower: 114 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 212 foot-pounds @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid lifters. Carburetor: Fluid Drive and "Vacumatic" transmissions - Ball and Ball EV1- EV2 or E7L4, Standard transmission - B-and Ball EX1, EX2, EX. Saratoga and Windsor Series Engine. L-head eight-cylinder. Cast iron block. Displacement: 323.5 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.25" x 4.875" Compression ratio: 6.70:1. Horsepower 135 @ 3400 RPM. Torque: 225 foot-pounds at 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid lifters. Carburetor: Ball and Ball E7A1. CHASSIS: Wheelbase: Royal and Windsor long wheelbase models - 139.5" Others - 121.5". Saratoga and New Yorker - 127.5". Tires: Royal and Windsor long wheelbase cars - 7.00 x 16, short wheelbase cars - 6.50 x 15. Saratoga and New Yorker Tires: 7.10 x 15. White walls were available in 1948. POWERTRAIN OPTIONS: Royal and Windsor. Three-speed manual transmission standard with Fluid Drive hydraulically operated M-5 transmission optional. Saratoga and New Yorker. Fluid Drive hydraulically operated M-5 transmission standard. Continued – Copyright © Automotive History Preservation Society, All Rights Reserved. Contact: Librarian, PO Box 467, Perry MI or e-mail [email protected]. SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS: All-Weather Air control system. Central bumper guard. Comfort Master Heater. DeLuxe heater mounted on dash with fan and defroster controls. Electric clock (optional Royal, standard all others). Exhaust pipe extension. Highlander upholstery. Lifeguard tire tubes. Mopar Auto Compass. Mopar brand locking gas cap. Radio antennas; three types, including a concealed cowl mounted unit. Radio: Model 602 with six tubes and automatic tuning. Radio: Model 802 with eight tubes and automatic tuning Refrigeration unit. Right-hand unit for All-Weather Air control system (fresh air intake optional). Six-ply tires. Spare tire valve extension. Spot lamp. Sun visor Top luggage rack on eight-passenger models. Twin heaters with heat, defroster and fan control. Under hood light. Weatherproof ignition. White wall tires Windshield washer HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Cars built after December 1, 1948 were officially considered as 1949 models, although the only difference was the serial numbers used. Standard equipment remained as before. Seven Town and Country 2-door hardtops were built to test the concept. They were distributed to executives in the Company. PRODUCTION: 1948 Chrysler Cars Production totaled 106,543 Continued – Copyright © Automotive History Preservation Society, All Rights Reserved. Contact: Librarian, PO Box 467, Perry MI or e-mail [email protected].