Lot details
- Very rare "woodie" cabriolet bodywork
- Owned within the same family of enthusiasts for 50 years
- Appeared on the cover of Fanatique de l'Automobile and in the film Arrêt d'urgence
- The ideal car for lunch on the beaches of Ramatuelle
Jorge Bartholin Cuevas bought this splendid Chrysler 'Town & Country' cabriolet brand new in New York; a car with a sophisticated wooden frame that, at the time, cost the price of a Cadillac. He had it brought to his home in Biarritz, where the sunny climate was particularly conducive to enjoying its open-top design. In 1952, he sold it to a Parisian enthusiast who owned a house in the same town and used it to transport his family and guests to the beach.
Equipped with a 5.3-litre V8 and partially restored in the 1960s, paying respect to its original features, it was purchased in 1972 by Patrick Van der Stricht, a founding member of the Historical Vehicle Club Belgium and, in June 1978, appeared on the cover of Fanatique de l'Automobile. Two years later, Patrick Van der Stricht sold it to his brother Marc, and it then remained in the family until October 2023. In 1994, it appeared in the film Arrêt d'urgence by Denys Granier-Deferre and starring Marie Trintignant, as evidenced by a set of photos, and it also featured at Autoworld, Brussels, as part of the "American Dream Car" exhibition.
Sold with its owner's manual, a Belgian Chrysler certificate dated May 1977 and a large collection of photos, it represents the height of luxury aimed at the 'gentleman farmer', while its four comfortable seats mean that enthusiasts can enjoy good company as they travel to sun-drenched beaches. Imagine driving your friends from your Tropezian villa to Club 55 this summer. And you'll do so in a car like no other - one that exudes style, elegance, originality and fun, and just a touch of Americana!
