Big Block Wagon: 1973 Chrysler Town And Country

A 440 V8 under the hood and woodgrain down the sides make the Chrysler Town & Country a pretty special family wagon. Back in 1973, you could haul the family, luggage, and just about anything else in a full-size Chrysler without giving up big-block power. This burgundy example has the look of a classic American wagon, right down to its whitewall tires and bright chrome trim.

The Town & Country was based on Chrysler’s luxurious New Yorker platform, and the 1973 model marked the final year of this generation. That year also brought larger bumpers with rubber impact strips to meet the new federal impact requirements. The result was a wagon with plenty of presence, stretching nearly 230 inches from bumper to bumper. This burgundy Town & Country is for sale in Hemmings in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Under the hood sits Chrysler’s 440-cubic-inch V8, paired with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The 440 was rated at 215 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque for 1973, using the era’s net horsepower ratings. Those figures might not sound especially impressive today, but torque was the big-block’s calling card. In a wagon this size, it was well suited to cruising down the highway with a full load of passengers.

There was plenty of room for them, too. This Town & Country has a split front bench, a third-row jump seat, and two-tone gray-and-cream upholstery. The seller reports that the seats have been reupholstered and the carpet replaced. The interior photos show a wide dashboard, an analog clock, and the sort of spacious cabin that made these wagons popular family haulers.

Outside, the burgundy paint works nicely with the simulated woodgrain panels and extensive brightwork. The wheel covers and whitewalls complete the period look, and the car presents well in the supplied photos. A small blemish is visible near the front corner, but it doesn’t take away from the wagon’s overall appearance. The seller describes it as well maintained.

Chrysler built roughly 20,000 Town & Country wagons for 1973, but half a century later, these big woodgrain cruisers don’t seem to show up nearly as often as their Ford and Chevrolet rivals. With its 440 V8, three-row seating, and classic styling, this one has plenty to offer a wagon enthusiast. Would a 440-powered Town & Country have a place in your garage?