Diehard automotive historians will, in spite of themselves, always be fascinated by cars of the 1942 model year. The circumstances behind their rarity casts a pall over their study, but they also engender some patriotic pride, because industrial cities such as Flint, Toledo, and Detroit quickly adapted to their new mandate, becoming “The Arsenal of Democracy.” The cars themselves are overshadowed by the circumstances, but their rarity and historical interest makes even the most mundane of them worthy of interest. This 1942 Chrysler Royal, which is for sale on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a paper trail leading back to its purchase in October 1941, and the seller claims that it has a documented 16,000 miles on the odometer since new. That’s a lofty claim, but regardless of the mileage, the big Chrysler will need some work. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Terry T. Brinson for sending us the link to this historic Mopar.
Because of its home in the southwest and 83 years of relative inactivity, the most daunting task may be cleaning and refurbishing the interior, which has clearly been treated as a hostel for wayward vermin. This may be the most expensive part of the Chrysler’s rehabilitation, because finding automotive upholsterers who are able to sew new seat covers is getting more difficult by the day. I know this because I recently had my ’53 Buick’s seats redone, and the one-man shop was backed up for several months. Do-it-yourselfers will find that original material is difficult if not impossible to find, so improvisation may be the key for a happy and successful marriage between new owner and Chrysler.
According to the seller, the 250.6-cubic-inch “Spitfire” six runs on a shot of gasoline, but it will need a fuel system cleaning before you’re ready to hit the road. It also needs brakes, but every car in human history that’s been sitting for more than a couple years needs brakes, so you knew that already. A quick trip over to Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts shows that wheel cylinders and a master cylinder are available, but not inexpensively. Rock Auto does have wheel cylinder kits, so if the cylinders themselves aren’t terribly pitted, that may be a cheaper alternative. But don’t hold out too much hope of that.
There’s also the possibility of stuck valves in that flathead six, and the radiator and block certainly need flushing…and so on, and so on. You know the drill if you’ve resuscitated a long-dormant old car.
Even with all the work that needs to be done, there’s something magical about prewar Chryslers. Their bold, futuristic grilles, the “lines of speed” on the quarter panels, and the inherent quality of their design and build all make this a car worth saving. The seller may have to make some compromises before that becomes reality; nobody has yet bitten at the $5,500 opening bid. I love projects like this one because there’s very little in life that’s more satisfying than getting an old car back on the road. I hope someone in the New Mexico area feels the same way.
There was a ’42 Chrysler New Yorker featured on BF back in December, looks like the same seller (same green fence in the background of the photos). That one had a completely toasted interior. It’s a shame these cars weren’t stored more carefully but at least they were saved, both rare as hen’s teeth!
I hope I’m not boring folks with my Dubja, Dubja 2, der, stories, but this could easily be another. We simply can’t forget what our parents went through during that time. Not on my watch, anyway. Someone may have bought this car, and got their “shipping” papers soon after. I bet everybody in the family knew full well about “Uncle Georges” Chrysler, but no one dared touch it,,until now. Doesn’t have a snowballs chance in Hades today.
A tinkerers special, nothing a backyarder can’t handle. You want a show winner or do you want to throw $1500 at it and drive it around and have fun?
Considering how rare new cars were during and immediately after WWII, I don’t think there’s any chance that the alleged 16,000 miles is true, and anyway, we all know that cars deteriorate just as badly from non-use as well as use, so in most cases, I’d prefer an old car with 116,000 over a mere 16,000. All these outrageous mileage claims do is impeach the seller’s credibility, which is actually the most important factor in the sale of any used car.
Hey, check out the eBay page! What a difference a little (or in this case a lot) of water makes. Those first couple of photos just sparkle! This one may not be too bad though. I would keep the original paint and work to shine it up some. The seats might be repaired if the mice are evicted first. Fuel tank and brakes are just tedious work, not so expensive. What metal! What a fine car from a dry climate! Let’s all be positive! Yea!! (really)
This car is beautiful. I love the way the grill wraps around the fenders, and is echoed on the rear fenders too. What a piece of history, that has survived for so long. I already have several cars, and New Mexico is very far from me, but if I could get it, I would polish and wax the original paint and drive it proudly. If the mileage is correct, that could easily be determined by turning the steering wheel. If 16,000 is actual, the front wheels will respond immediately. I hope the car goes to someone who will feel as I do about it, and not “rat rod” it. Truly a rare beauty.
We had one in Fry’s wrecking yard along with another 1942 that I’m not sure of the make – pretty sure it was a Buick or Pontiac…..he was proud of those two. The Mopar was a pale yellow if I recall….not sure what happened to them when we had to crush it out after his passing.
IMHO, Chrysler Corporation made a few good-looking cars back in this era. This unfortunately isn’t one of them.