World’s Only 1952 Chrysler Windsor Saloon-Hearse-Pick-Up-Truck at Kilgarvan Motor Museum | Season 5 – Episode 26
Wheels Apr 01, 2025
Among the more unusual exhibits at the Kilgarvan Motor Museum in County Kerry, on Ireland’s southwest coast, is a 1952 Chrysler Windsor Saloon—converted into what may be the only Chrysler Windsor pick-up truck in existence. As museum owner Trevor Mitchell says, “you won’t have seen a vehicle like this before”.
CONVERTING THE WINDSOR
Although the exact story of how a right-hand drive Chrysler Windsor found its way to County Kerry in the 1950s has been lost to time, we do know that by the 1960s, the car had been converted into a hearse and served in the funeral trade for many years. Eventually, it reached the end of its working life. By the time the Mitchells acquired it, the car had been cut in half—leaving Trevor with only the front end of the bodywork and chassis to work with.
Unsure at first what to do with the remains of the Windsor, the Mitchells decided to reimagine it as a pick-up. Trevor and his father, John, fabricated new bodywork behind the cab and coach-built a custom pick-up bed. They raised the suspension, fitted a new engine, and ran the vehicle in this form for several years. In more recent times, the car underwent yet another transformation—this time into a military-style vehicle, finished in matte green paint and equipped with an army-style canvas canopy over the rear.
KILGARVAN MOTOR MUSEUM
The museum features over 35 beautifully maintained cars, most of which are original Irish-registered and Irish-assembled models—each with its own story to tell. Many arrived in poor condition and were painstakingly restored to full working order by John Mitchell and his sons, showcasing a lifetime of passion and craftsmanship.
Among the earliest treasures are two Cork-built Ford Model Ts, dating back to 1923 and 1926, proudly celebrating Ireland’s automotive heritage. The very first car in the collection—a 1946 Armstrong Siddeley Lancaster—remains a centrepiece, still running smoothly and marking the beginning of a journey that started in 1984, just outside the village of Kilgarvan, County Kerry.
John Mitchell’s love of cars began much earlier. In 1968, he opened a car repair garage in Kilgarvan, and in his spare time began restoring the Armstrong. Curious customers often shared tips about forgotten post-war cars tucked away in local sheds—leading John to build a remarkable collection when such vehicles held little value.
But the Kilgarvan Motor Museum offers more than just cars. Visitors can explore a large collection of automotive memorabilia, classic motorcycles, and motorised bicycles. Outside, you’ll find forest walks, vibrant gardens filled with exotic blooms, tranquil picnic areas, and a charming café—perfect for a relaxing break during your visit.
Whether you’re an automobile enthusiast, a history lover, or simply looking for a memorable day out in County Kerry, the Kilgarvan Motor Museum promises a warm welcome and a journey through time you won’t forget.
Check out our previous video stories from Kilgarvan Motor Museum:
1926 Ford Model T restored at Kilgarvan Motor Museum | Season 1 – Episode 34 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AS2J2GDKn/
Unusual barn finds at Kilgarvan Motor Museum | Season 3 – Episode 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16J5vbCNwd/
Cork Built 1963 DKW Junior Lost for 54 Years | Season 3 – Episode 37 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EFLcNUK2Q/
Irish Original Registration & Assembled Cars – Kilgarvan Motor Museum | Season 3 – Episode 39 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/198ADD8WnK/
Come and see for yourself the world’s only Chrysler Windsor Pick Up truck at Kilgarvan Motor Museum, County Kerry.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Closed for lunch: 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Sunday and Monday: Visits by appointment only
Closed for the winter season from November to March
For appointments or inquiries, please call: 064 6685346
Each week we bring you two unique stories celebrating transport heritage from the island of Ireland. If you have been enjoying our twice-weekly stories (425 stories to date) and want to support our work in preserving Ireland’s rich transport heritage, please subscribe via our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/IrlMade/subscribe/
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Sources of Information and Photo Credits:
Sources of Information and Photo Credits:
Chrysler Windsor (Incl Deluxe) Saloon Coupe Convertible Original 1952 Sales Brochure
Northern Bangers Facebook page
Standard Catalog of 1950s Chrysler by Jon G. Robinson
If you have an idea for a story, please email Kevin Reid [email protected]
