This 5,200 pound beast represents the era of “they don’t build them like that anymore,” or does it? This 1977 Chrysler Town & Country hits the scales 100 lbs. lighter than a modern Chevrolet Tahoe, seats two more people (9 vs. 7), and gets similar real-world fuel mileage. Listed here on eBay out of Waldorf, Maryland, this family truckster could be yours.
The base-coat, clear-coat respray has got to go. Check out the likely original color in this Hemmings article. Body panels, trim, and bumpers appear decent. Wood grain and fender skirts were standard on the T&C for ’77. This was the last of the dinosaurs; the 1978 Chrysler Town & Country hit the streets over 1,000 pounds lighter.
Caution: dash pads usually conceal cracks, and replacements may be difficult to obtain. This specimen of Chrysler corporation’s top wagon brought all the bells and whistles including Cruise, A/C, Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel, and Power Locks and Windows.
Like all 1977 Chrysler V8s, this big block 440 came with the miserable Lean Burn system, universally reviled by owners and mechanics alike. The seller states this one’s Lean Burn has been “removed” probably via aftermarket conversion. Darker green paint on the radiator support suggests the original color probably matched the interior. Purists will demand that this 1 of 5,345 wagon be completely restored, and maybe it should. However, with a mild rebuild and an aftermarket EFI system, this big-block wagon would hold its own against today’s SUVs in every environment except off-road, where most SUVs never visit anyways. After it’s restored or refurbished, any valet worth his or her salt will park this behemoth “up front,” while your buddy’s 2017 Escalade will be on aisle 42. What’s your vision for Chrysler’s last of the titans?
“Hey, lets sell the old wagon.”
“OK, I’ll take the worst pictures possible so we get top dollar!”
I heard that back in the day, a trick to restoring the woodgrain was to use brown shoe polish. Would be worth trying here.
A friend had a 70 Clown & Country and he used to use oily furniture polish on it, like Scott’s Liquid Gold. It looked pretty good! Today, I would try some of that As Seen On TV stuff for faded plastic trim. As long as the decal was all there but faded, it should work fine.
Tranny fluid on a clean cloth diaper works for me.
Try “Wet Paint” spray wax. You’ll be pleased.
You can clearly see the original dark green in the door jamb. Maybe whoever repainted it wanted Metallic Pea (or pee?) like the Family Truckster.
I got me a Chrysler it’s as big as a whale. It’s about set sail
But I predict that it won’t get sale.
When my dad bought his dream 1971 Country Squire wagon used in 1977…..he used silicon spray on the wood grain in 82′ that made it look new again.
You got to love it if its a station wagon.Bruce.
This vehicle has been on my local CL for quite a while. Owner wants way too much for this heap.
IIRC he wanted 5500 for it.
Will Smith delivered an alien baby from this car in MIB.
Hi Grumpyboy, you’re sharp. One of my favorite movies. That was a hilarious scene. Will Smith is great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCg6Mm3APeQ
My Dad had the Lean Burn 318-2v in his 4-dr 78 LeBaron Medallion edition (EXACTLY like the cover of the brochure) and that wasn’t a bad car to drive. With lock-up torque convertor it got really decent mileage too though I don’t recall exactly what after all these years. First real problem with it was a leaky main seal around 10 years old, probably close to 100K miles.
We did have to repair the cruise control a couple of times. The diaphragm in the servo kept failing (too thin and lots of use) and I’d have to replace it every couple of years.
These wagons are going up in value..
I know a collector/dealer that sold a similar one in excellent condition for $22,000
My 1st thought, and many others, I’m sure, was demo derby. But looking beyond it’s faded sides, it’s a neat car. Where you going to find something like this today? ( I know, here) If you could afford to feed it, it would be a grand cruiser. I don’t see a big call for this these days, sadly.
We had a Dr. that went to our Church, and bought one of these, fully loaded (minus roof). I rode in it several times. Wonderful car. If you would like to see the holy grail of these, check out this site:
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yset_ff_syc_hp-s&p=1972+plymouth+suburban+sport+wagon#id=2&vid=753be5a564089a1fcf3494000cdda4b1&action=click
And yes, that would be a “rim blow” steering wheel. What surprises me, despite of every available luxury item, it has roll down windows. I would sell a kidney to buy this car.
One of one with the factory sun roof. Must have come from a very affluent city to spring for this as a Fire Chief’s car.
Hi Dubja9, believe it or not, rollup windows were still the norm in the 70’s. I know my old man didn’t trust them ( like power brakes) I think people thought, if the power goes out, and can’t open the door, we’re screwed, and in a way, the old man was right.
I wonder what the original owner was towing that they needed a 9.25 rear?
it make a great liberace wagon clone!
Seems pretty well bought at $2488. Not as an investment, maybe, but as a neat old dino-wagon. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Chrysler-300-Series-/253095398210?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=qzLI0XYDJwC4j0hAJCNNPCITCco%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc