The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country, a name synonymous with spaciousness and family-oriented design, arrived at a pivotal moment in the automotive landscape. While the “Town & Country” moniker had graced Chrysler’s wood-paneled station wagons since the 1940s, this iteration marked a departure from the traditional station wagon format, ushering in a new era of practicality and comfort.
This model was designed to appeal to a growing segment of consumers seeking vehicles that could accommodate families and their belongings without sacrificing comfort or style. The 1979 Town & Country offered a unique blend of features, including a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a level of luxury that was uncommon in vehicles of its class.
It wasn’t just a car; it was a statement of family life in a time of economic and social change.
Introduction to the 1979 Chrysler Town & Country
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country marked a pivotal moment in the history of Chrysler’s iconic station wagon line. It was the last year of production for the third-generation Town & Country, which had been introduced in 1971. This generation, built on the Chrysler B-body platform, was known for its spacious interior, luxurious amenities, and distinctive wood-grain paneling.
The “Town & Country” name itself had a rich history within Chrysler’s lineup. It first appeared in 1946, signifying a commitment to luxurious, upscale vehicles that were designed for both urban and suburban lifestyles. The name evoked images of sophisticated travelers and families enjoying comfortable journeys.
The 1979 Town & Country’s Target Audience and Appeal
The 1979 Town & Country was aimed at a discerning audience who valued comfort, practicality, and a touch of luxury. It was designed for families, professionals, and anyone who desired a spacious and well-appointed vehicle. The model’s appeal lay in its ability to seamlessly transition between urban commutes and weekend getaways.
Its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and ample cargo space made it ideal for long road trips or hauling passengers and luggage.
Design and Styling: 1979 Chrysler Town & Country
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country, a station wagon designed for comfort and practicality, embodied the automotive design trends of the late 1970s. While its exterior styling leaned towards a more boxy and utilitarian aesthetic, its interior featured plush materials and a spacious layout.
Exterior Design
The 1979 Town & Country featured a distinctive exterior design that was both functional and stylish. Its boxy shape maximized interior space, while its large windows provided excellent visibility. The front grille was a prominent feature, featuring a chrome-plated horizontal bar that stretched across the entire width of the vehicle.
The headlights were rectangular and positioned high on the front fenders, while the taillights were vertically stacked on each side of the rear. The overall design was characterized by its sharp lines and angular shapes, a common aesthetic for vehicles of the era.
Interior Design
The 1979 Town & Country’s interior was designed for comfort and convenience. The dashboard featured a simple and functional layout, with large, easy-to-read gauges. The seats were upholstered in plush fabrics, and the interior was generously appointed with woodgrain accents.
The spacious interior could accommodate up to eight passengers, making it an ideal vehicle for families. The wagon’s cargo area was also very spacious, offering ample room for luggage and other cargo.
Comparison to Other Vehicles
The 1979 Town & Country’s design was comparable to other station wagons of the era, such as the Chevrolet Caprice Wagon and the Ford LTD Country Squire. These vehicles all shared similar boxy shapes, large windows, and spacious interiors.
However, the Town & Country’s interior was considered to be particularly luxurious and comfortable, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a more upscale driving experience.
Engine and Performance
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country, a vehicle known for its spaciousness and comfort, offered a range of engine options catering to various driving needs. The performance characteristics of these engines, along with the vehicle’s overall handling and braking capabilities, played a significant role in shaping its appeal to consumers.
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country, a station wagon that embodied the spirit of the era, offered practicality and style in equal measure. While the Town & Country was known for its spacious interior and wood-paneled sides, Chrysler also offered a more stylish alternative in the form of the 1979 Chrysler Lebaron , a sleek coupe that appealed to a different demographic.
Both vehicles, however, shared the same underlying platform and a commitment to American automotive engineering.
Engine Options
The 1979 Town & Country was available with two engine options:
- A 360 cubic inch (5.9L) V8 engine producing 145 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. This engine was standard equipment and offered a balance of power and fuel economy.
- A 400 cubic inch (6.6L) V8 engine producing 180 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. This engine was optional and provided more power for towing or hauling heavy loads.
Both engines were mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, which contributed to the vehicle’s smooth and comfortable ride.
Performance Characteristics
The 1979 Town & Country, while not known for its sporty handling, offered a comfortable and capable driving experience.
- Acceleration was adequate, with the 360 cubic inch engine providing sufficient power for everyday driving. The 400 cubic inch engine offered a noticeable improvement in acceleration, especially when loaded or towing.
- Handling was predictable and stable, thanks to the vehicle’s solid construction and suspension. However, the Town & Country’s large size and high center of gravity meant that it was not as agile as some of its competitors.
- Braking was reliable and effective, although the vehicle’s weight required a longer stopping distance than smaller cars.
Performance Comparison
The 1979 Town & Country faced competition from other full-size station wagons, including the Chevrolet Caprice Wagon, Ford LTD Wagon, and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. While the Town & Country’s performance was comparable to its competitors, it was generally considered to be more comfortable and spacious.
The 1979 Town & Country offered a balance of power, comfort, and practicality, making it a popular choice for families and those who needed a spacious and capable vehicle.
Features and Technology
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country was a luxurious and well-equipped vehicle that offered a wide range of features and technologies for its time. These features were designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety for passengers.
Standard and Optional Features
The 1979 Town & Country came standard with a variety of features that were designed to enhance the driving experience and provide comfort for passengers.
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country, a station wagon known for its wood-paneled sides and spacious interior, represented a shift in American automotive tastes. By 1989, Chrysler had moved away from the station wagon format with the launch of the 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue , a luxurious sedan aimed at a more refined clientele.
While the Fifth Avenue was a departure from the Town & Country’s practicality, both vehicles shared a commitment to providing comfortable and well-equipped transportation, albeit for different segments of the market.
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- Vinyl roof
- AM/FM radio
- Rear window defroster
- Full carpeting
- Power windows
- Tilt steering wheel
Optional features included:
- Leather upholstery
- Cruise control
- Rear window wiper
- Electric door locks
- Power seats
- Roof rack
- Tinted glass
- AM/FM stereo with cassette player
- Intermittent wipers
Safety Features
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country was equipped with several safety features that were designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident.
- Front disc brakes
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Safety belts
- Head restraints
- Side marker lights
Legacy and Impact
While the 1979 Town & Country wasn’t a groundbreaking success story, it did mark a significant moment in Chrysler’s history. This model represented a transition period for the company, as it navigated the changing automotive landscape of the late 1970s.
The Town & Country served as a stepping stone towards Chrysler’s eventual dominance in the minivan market, laying the groundwork for future generations of popular and innovative vehicles.
The 1979 Town & Country’s Influence on the Minivan Market, 1979 Chrysler Town & Country
The 1979 Town & Country, despite its relatively modest sales figures, paved the way for Chrysler’s minivan revolution. This model showcased the company’s early exploration into the burgeoning minivan segment, a market that would ultimately define Chrysler’s success in the 1980s and beyond.
The Town & Country’s design, while not groundbreaking in its own right, demonstrated Chrysler’s understanding of the potential of this new vehicle category. The model’s practicality, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency, though not exceptional by today’s standards, were early indicators of the features that would make minivans so popular in the years to come.
Final Summary
The 1979 Chrysler Town & Country, though a product of its time, remains a testament to Chrysler’s ingenuity and its ability to anticipate the needs of a changing market. Its impact on the automotive industry is undeniable, paving the way for the modern minivan segment and leaving a lasting legacy as a vehicle that redefined family transportation.
The 1979 Town & Country wasn’t just a car; it was a cultural icon, a symbol of a bygone era when families took to the open road in search of adventure and memories.
