1969 Chrysler Town and Country 9 Passenger Station Wagon

1969 Chrysler Town and Country Station Wagon

Up for auction is a well-documented low-mileage original 1969 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon. This car spent just about all of its life in central Iowa.It also spent most of its life sitting in garages. It’s a lovely wagon, that generates smiles at every traffic light I stop at. There were 14,408 Nine-passenger models built…yet, when have you seen one last? This wagon looks very similar to the one used in the film “The Out of Towners” with Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis.

THIS IS A NO-RESERVE AUCTION.

This wagon will sell. Will you be the one to give this Chrysler a loving home?

Itis equipped as follows (codes are shown on the Data Plate):

L31– Fender Mounted Turn Signals

B41– Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10” RR Drum

G11– Tinted Glass - All

M91– Luggage Rack

J26– Tailgate Window Wiper/Washer

P21– Power Front Bench Seat

H53– Heater / Air Conditioning with ATC (Automatic Temperature Control)

R37– AM/FM Multiplex Stereo with 8-track

P33– Power Vent Windows

B3– Top Color – Bahama Blue

B3– Bottom Color – Bahama Blue

E4D– Interior Trim

B3– Interior Color - Blue

A08– Wagon Easy Entry Convenience Group

715033– Production Use

E85– 440 cid 4bbl V-8 Wagon Special H.P. 375

(dual snorkel air cleaner / dual exhaust)

D32– Heavy Duty Automatic Transmission

CP45– Chrysler Town & Country 4-door Station Wagon 9-passenger

K9C- Unknown

145324– Serial number

Options included, but not shown on Data Plate:

C31– Left and Right Head Restraints (standard after January 1969)

G31– OS RH Manual Standard Mirror (this was added by second owner in 1971)

J21– Electric Clock

M05– Door Edge Moldings

M81– Front Bumper Guard

P31– Power Windows

R48– Power Antenna

Section A (History)(You can skip to Section B for current condition.)

On March 17, 1969, Belmont Stock Farms took delivery of this highly optioned Chrysler station wagon, at Friday’s Chrysler Plymouth, in Conrad, Iowa. It was driven aggressively, often, and on gravel roads. It was traded-in for a new Mercury station wagon, at Dick Gray Lincoln Mercury, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in late September of 1971. Mileage was 43,347.

On October 2, 1971, John Klosterboer, of Grundy Center, Iowa, traded-in his 1966 Imperial Crown hardtop for this wagon. In addition to the trade allowance ($1,098)for the Imperial, Mr. Klosterboer wrote a check for $2,167, for a total purchase price of $$3,198, plus tax and license. He also wanted the dealership to fix several items, and added a couple of items of his own to be repaired. Dick Gray Lincoln-Mercury took the Chrysler to nearby Bartine Motors (A Chrysler dealer) to complete the work. The total invoice was $195.64. The Lincoln-Mercury dealer paid $150, and Mr. Klosterboer paid $45.64.

Sadly,Mr. Klosterboer fell ill shortly after purchasing this Chrysler, and eventually passed away. The estate later placed a newspaper ad to sell the wagon, after installing new tires, in 1982. Mileage was 43,500.

A collector (still within 100 miles from the original dealer) purchased the wagon from the estate, took the wagon on a trip, and later gave the wagon to his daughter, who is a collector also. Mileage at that transfer was 45,448.It was used for small errands around town.But, not much else. This owner also installed new tires (due to age), a power brake master cylinder, an aftermarket Holley carburetor, and a pair of mufflers.

After I purchased the wagon recently (Mileage 48,198), it sat in my garage for months. After having the aftermarket carburetor repaired,and the power steering pump rebuilt, this Chrysler is now roadworthy. The battery is new.

Section B (Current Condition and Description)

EXTERIOR: All paint and wood appliques are original. The paint is in good condition.I polished it by hand. If you were to have the paint professionally detailed, the results would be remarkable. Because it is original, you will find several scratches and small dings in the paint.There is also a large amount of gravel rash on the front fasciabelow the front bumper, on the front of the luggage rack crossbar, and the rocker panels. There is no structural damage.

The wood appliques still hold their shine, and have not weathered or become chalky. There are several thin expansion cracks on each panel. I considered using either touch-up paint or Magic Marker Wood Markers to fill the cracks. You may even have a better idea.

The windshield has two small cracks at the base of the windshield. They haven’t grown all the while that I’ve owned the wagon. All other glass is in good condition.

The undercarriage was undercoated in 1969, so there is no rust on any of the floor pans.

There is a small depression of what seems to be a parking lot bump on the left rear quarter panel. This is quite minor, but it is there.

There are small areas, here and there, that have a small amount of surface rust. I was able to test a few areas with rubbing compound to remove some of it. There is some surface rust at the base of the driver’s side cargo area window. A good rubbing out, and sealer should resolve this.

INTERIOR: The original interior vinyl, although it looks good, is becoming brittle.However, the padding is in great condition. The driver’s bottom cushion has separated at the seams. I have added a sewing patch to prevent further damage. A trip to the upholstery shop will yield great results. As this is all one color,a competent upholstery shop should be able to duplicate this pattern for little money. The front right-side carpet has some water damage due to the heater core going out in 1971. The heater core was resolved at that time, so there is no new damage, since.

The third-row seat was rarely used (see history), and is in good condition. The cargo compartment still has all of its stowage compartment lids. You will find on other wagons, that they have broken off, due to cheap plastic hinges. The spare tire was used, prior to 1971. Oddly, it was never replaced, as the tire in the compartment is still damaged and flat.

The headliner is in very good condition.

All carpet has a variety of stains. Likely, from the original owner (pre-1971).

MECHANICAL:

ENGINE: The 440 V-8 starts quickly, and idles smoothly. There is effortless power.There are no leaks.

TRANSMISSION: Upshifts and downshifts are all smooth, and operates like a low mileage unit should.There are no leaks.

SUSPENSION: The suspension is tight, and drives in a straight line. There are no noticeable rattles. As previously mentioned, the brakes have been serviced and the tires have less than 200 miles on them.

FUEL DELIVERY: The original carburetor failed. Although I had it rebuilt, there is a problem with the core. The previous owner installed an aftermarket Holley carburetor. It, too, has issues. But the wagon is drivable, now that my mechanic has made some repairs to it. The secondary units are inoperative, so essentially this is a two-barrel carburetor.The choke is inoperable, so warm-ups are a little groggy. Also, this carburetor does not have the proper linkage to support the cruise control unit. The resolution is simple. Find a new Holley unit (or appropriate Carter unit) that matches the original specs and linkages. I’ve included the original carburetor, so you can have it matched. Once this is complete,the wagon will have even more power, and the cruise control will become operational.

My mechanic has found a moderate amount of sludge/rust in the gas tank. Eventually,it would be good to boil out/replace the tank.

INSTRUMENTATION:

All dash controls operate fine. The radio, 8-trackplayer, and antenna all work. All gauges and idiot lights work as designed. All interior lighting works.

POWER OPTIONS:

The driver’s power vent window does not operate.

The passenger’s power vent window operates well.

The power side windows all operate well.

The power rear window does not roll down.This is due to the tailgate not being closed completely, when last used. Once all latches (I believe there are three) are closed completely, it will operate. I am including a NOS tailgate limit switch, in the event that this relay may be the culprit. I understand that this was a common problem with the Fuselage Era wagons.

Cruise Control is inoperable, due to aftermarket carburetor (see Fuel Delivery Section). Once a correct carburetor is installed with proper linkage, it will become operational.

Air Conditioning / Heater / Defroster – Operational, yet the A/C needs to be charged.

Although this beautiful 1969 Chrysler Town and Country has some minor issues, it is a gorgeous example of Chrysler’s heyday. It will take very little to prepare this wagon for car show season. It’s also a very practical car to have around the house, and station wagons are great for doing chores, as well as spending quality time at the grocery store.

Included with the sale, are clear title, a Bill of Sale, all service invoices and supporting documentation, a Chrysler Shop Manual, related keys, and Owner’s Manual. Please note, I am NOT a dealer. I am a fellow hobbyist.

Inspections are welcome, and encouraged. I am available to all inspectors. I want you to be happy with your purchase. Please note. Once the auction ends, so does your right to inspect. So, be sure that you do all research before you bid. Once the auction ends, the winning bidder is committed to buy, whether or not they have inspected the vehicle.

I have included lots of photos, and have described this vehicle thoroughly, and to the best of my ability. Please review all information provided. This vehicle is sold AS-IS WHERE-IS, with no warranty,expressed, written, or implied.

Shipping is NOT included. I will work with your shipping company to provide a smooth transfer.

At close of auction, a $1000 non-refundable deposit is due within 48 hours, and can be paid by PayPal only. The balance must be paid within 10 days. The balance may be paid by Cash, Money Order, or Cashier’s Check. Wire, upon verification of Bank.