Explore the elegance and history of the rare 1942 Chrysler Town and Country "Barrelback," a pre-war luxury icon.
The 1942 Chrysler Town and Country "Barrelback" represents a pinnacle of pre-war automotive artistry, blending luxury, innovative design, and historical significance. One of only 800 nine-passenger models produced before World War II halted civilian production, this car is an extraordinary example of Chrysler’s craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Conceived by Chrysler’s Buzz Grisinger and General Manager Dave Wallace, the Town and Country "Barrelback" was designed to captivate showroom audiences. Built on the Chrysler Windsor chassis, it featured a striking fastback sedan design with a distinctive curved rear deck and clamshell doors, earning its "Barrelback" nickname. Its White Ash frame and Honduran Mahogany panels, crafted by the Pekin Wood Products Company, were paired with luxurious leather interiors, elegant wood door panels, and a sophisticated Bakelite dash.
This particular example is steeped in a rich provenance, having been owned by renowned Town and Country specialists Lloyd Mayes, Bob Brelsford, and Harold Mermel. It underwent a meticulous restoration in the 1990s, including a body-off overhaul and refinished woodwork in period-correct St. Clair Blue with a red leather interior. Additional refinements, such as the marbleized cellulose acetate dash and restored mechanical systems, brought this "Barrelback" to concours-level quality.
This vehicle has graced prestigious events, including the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the 2014 Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours during Pebble Beach Car Week. Part of the Academy of Art University Collection since 2014, it remains a beautifully preserved artifact of automotive history.
As one of fewer than two dozen surviving examples, this nine-passenger Town and Country "Barrelback" is a rare opportunity to own a true pre-war classic, blending elegance, functionality, and a storied past into an unparalleled collector’s item.
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