The majesty of cars from the late 1920s and early 1930s is impressive even today. Every car maker was on the bandwagon, showcasing big sedans, big tourers, big phaetons. We forget now – as we look at our nearly homogenous modern car choices – but Chrysler, alongside Ford and many of its brethren, weren’t just making big cars back then – they were innovating rapidly. This 1930 Chrysler 77 sedan, now in need of a new, caring home, brought several advancements to the market. Advertised on craigslist (for $9, which must be a teaser), it is located in Puyallup, Washington. Thanks to Barney for spotting her and sending the tip our way!
In 1924, Chrysler had branded its own line of cars after purchasing Maxwell a few years before. The first of these was known as the B-70, which was followed in quick succession by the G-70 and then the Series 70 cars. Bodied by Fisher and powered by an inline six-cylinder, Chrysler’s cars offered hydraulic brakes, rubber engine mounts for improved ride, full-pressure lubrication, and more horsepower than competitors. In fact, to market the improved performance, Chrysler shifted its nomenclature so it related to the top speed of each model: the Series 77 made a consistent top speed of 77 mph from its 93 hp, 4.4-liter L-head six. The seller notes that this engine does turn, but it has not been started in a couple of decades. The gearbox is a four-speed floor-shift manual.
The cabin might as well be your Aunt Evelyn’s parlor. The Art Deco gauge set, the embellished wood dash, and plush seating – and all of this in what was at the time a mid-priced car. The rear seats look like a loveseat from the Victorian era. The seller notes that the upholstery and paint are original; the tires are new.
The new Chrysler-branded models propelled the company to fourth in sales in the US by 1927, and thanks to a strategic acquisition shortly after, it grew to become one of America’s Big Three just two years later. The B-70 and its successors were crucial to growth, though as the years passed, Chrysler widened its range to cover nearly every niche that buyers could want. By the time 1930 rolled around, the Great Depression was underway, and sales had slowed. Fewer than 10,000 Series 77s were made that year, out of total production of about 78,000 units. This sedan cost almost $1800 new back then. What do you think it’s worth today?
9 Bucks and 999,999 miles? I’m in!!! But seriously, this is a very beautiful car. That interior definitely looks like its from “Aunt Evelyn’s” parlor, the Art Deco touches, not just on the dash, but even little things like the lights in the back seat are very elegant. I’m wondering whats going to happen to this 95 year old car? It would be nice to see it restored. Thank you Michelle!!! I enjoyed it.
I wonder how many zeros are missing and on which side of the 9? Another great pre-war survivor and miles ahead of Ford at the time. Hydraulic brakes, full pressure oiling, “floating power” rubber engine mounts, open drive shaft. Unfortunately interest in these vehicles is waning and a full restoration would put you upside down in a heartbeat. Best to get out the wash bucket and the shop-vac and clean clean clean ‘er up, get it running, check the brakes, change the fluids and drive it every chance you get.
I’d be caught dead in that!
The ‘floating power’ engine mounts were a subject in kid’s cartoons of the time, with the running engine floating in water with perhaps fish jumping about in the engine ‘bay’.
What a great car unfortunately their time has (sadly) come and gone. Interest in these vehicles has past the point on “waning” and should this vehicle find a new home it probably wouldn’t do much more than sit for another 10-20 years which truly is a shame. Still a nice find of a once prominent vehicle.
This is about 40 miles from me. And Christmas is coming!