1946 Chrysler Windsor Convertible

Description

The 1946 Chrysler Windsor Convertible was one of the first vehicles produced after World War II. With civilian car production halted during the war, the '46 models were eagerly anticipated by a public that was hungry for new automobiles. Chrysler, like most manufacturers, resumed production using prewar designs, but the Windsor stood out for its blend of elegance, comfort, and engineering.  

Popular Science magazine called the Windsor "a car that brings back the joy of motoring after years of wartime sacrifice,” and Mechanix Illustrated added, “Chrysler’s Fluid Drive makes city driving a breeze — no more clutch fatigue in traffic.” 

The Windsor was positioned as a mid-range model in Chrysler’s lineup, offering more refinement than the entry-level Royal but below the upscale New Yorker. The 1946 convertible featured a robust 250.6 cubic-inch inline-six engine, paired with Chrysler’s innovative Fluid Drive transmission — a semi-automatic system that provided smoother shifting and easier driving. Stylistically, the Windsor retained the rounded, Art Deco-inspired lines of the early 1940s, with a wide grille, flowing fenders, and tasteful chrome accents.  

This 1946 Chrysler Windsor Convertible has received a more powerful 350 cubic-inch V8 engine, replacing its original inline-six. The car has some electrical issues that need to be addressed. 

Highlights 

• Finished in black paint over burgundy leather upholstery 

• Black electric Hartz Cloth top (disconnected from hydraulics) 

• Highlander trim package includes plaid wool inserts on doors 

• Powered by a 350 cu-in V8 engine (swapped for original inline-six) 

• Three-speed Fluid Drive

Features 

• Hand-operated spotlights on each side of the vehicle  

• Power steering, disc brakes, and antenna 

• Air conditioning 

• Cruise control 

• Tilt steering wheel 

• Under-dash aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo with Kenwood speakers 

• VDO fuel, voltage, water temperature, and oil pressure gauges 

• Original vertical-mounted pushbutton AM radio 

• Front seat belts 

• New battery 

• Coker Classic wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Headlights do not work 

• Brake lights on left side do not work 

• Turn signals on left side do not work 

• Driver's and passenger side spotlights do not work 

• Horn does not work 

• Windshield wipers do not work 

• Odometer does not work 

• Clock does not work 

• Original radio does not work (but aftermarket CD player does) 

• Marks on fold-down center armrest 

• Wear/discoloration on steering column 

• Multiple paint imperfections, particularly above passenger rear wheel well 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Car cover 

Ownership History

The Washington consignor of this 1946 Chrysler Windsor Convertible has owned it since June 2024. The seller says, “Extremely rare and extremely cool! This is the best of both worlds: All the class and style of a ’46 Chrysler Highlander with all modern running gear. I was gifted this beauty by a close friend due to health reasons. I’ve enjoyed riding in the car with my friend several times, and during those times everything worked great, and it rode like a living room recliner. It was later in storage for several years prior to him gifting it to me, and it now has electrical issues [listed above].”