Sold 1930 Chrysler Series 77 2146364099 Tweet

Chrysler Corporation was just six years old in 1930 yet the firm had already built a solid reputation for quality style and value. The ambitious Mr. Chrysler added Plymouth Dodge and DeSoto to his portfolio to fill the entry-level and mid-priced slots providing the financial stability to move the Chrysler marque steadily upward. In the late 1920s Chrysler was busy making a name for itself on the international motorsports stage. The quick and durable 70-series roadsters racked up tremendous sporting accolades including high finishes in the Mille Miglia and Le Mans against considerably more exotic purpose-built machinery.The new Chrysler Series 77 arrived for the 1930 model year featuring a host of improvements including a double drop chassis four-wheel hydraulic brakes and a four-speed gearbox. New styling features included a thin-edge chrome grille with body-color slats and on early cars unique pennon-shaped louvers on the hood sides giving the design a distinct Art Deco flair. Power came from the robust 268 cubic-inch L-head inline-six rated at 93 horsepower. Like its predecessors the Series 77 also proved to be a formidable competition car and the factory entered two 77 roadsters at Spa in 1930 eventually finishing 5th behind three Alfa Romeos and a Bugatti. Chrysler also repeated their superb 5-litre class win at the Mille Miglia the same year.For those customers not out to win the Mille Miglia Chrysler offered a wide variety of coachwork options to suit individual tastes and desires. Nine standard bodies were available including a roadster coupe phaeton tourer and others. As part of the strategy to move Chrysler up-market and compete with LaSalle and eventually Cadillac and Packard buyers were offered select semi-custom options from Locke and Brewster.This lovely Chrysler 77 is an exceptionally rare coachbuilt model wearing an elegant Town Car body by the prestigious Brewster & Co. of New York. Frank Kleptz acquired this extraordinary Chrysler in the late 1970s from another well-known and respected collector Roger Ritterbeck. In typical Brewster fashion the design is minimally adorned with elegant proportions exquisite detailing and superlative build quality. The pennon-shaped hood louvers identify this as an early production model as later cars switched to a more conventional though less attractive vertical design. It wears a well-preserved older restoration finished in a handsome color scheme of burgundy with subtle light accents matching wire wheels and a black upholstered roof. As with nearly all of Frank Kleptzs cars the restoration is expertly finished as evident by the AACA National First Prize award from 1980.The Brewster Town Car was aimed at the wealthy big-city dweller seeking a luxurious automobile with superior performance and maneuverability compared to larger machinery. Like most chauffeur-driven cars of the era this Chrysler features a businesslike drivers compartment trimmed in hard-wearing black leather. Rear passengers enjoy more opulent trimmings of maroon broadcloth and matching carpet. Appointments include a glass partition folding opera seats and braided grab handles. The soft trim remains in good order though some minor moth damage is apparent on the rear seat upholstery.Under the hood resides Chryslers legendary Red Head six. It is very well detailed with the proper dark green finish on the block bright red cylinder head and black enamel ancillaries. Likewise minor fittings and plumbing are period-correct with authentic tags and decals on the accessories. Some flaws and blemishes are noted in the painted surfaces primarily from this cars extended storage period. Following a basic service with new fluids and fuel it now runs quite well and the gearbox exhibits smooth effortless changes. Even the thermostatic radiator shutters still function as they should. Some additional attention is warranted to the braking system and elsewhere; however once sorted this will make a delightful tour car eligible for a wide variety of events.This extremely rare Series 77 is a fine example of Chryslers unique blend of quality luxury and performance. With the added cachet of the Brewster nameplate it is easy to see why Frank Kleptz was so taken by its charming character.Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6845-1930-chrysler-series-77-brewster-town-car/