1955 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible - 1 of 989 originally manufactured

Description for Chrysler New Yorker 1955

You are bidding on my 1955 Chrysler New Yorker Custom Convertible

(scroll down forvideos)

This car was completely restored several years ago. In fact, t was restored when I bought it in 2006. However, wasn’t happy with the paint amongst other items. While I tend not to over restore my cars (like them to look like they did when they left the factory) I felt strongly that the gaps were wrong and the paint was marginal. I alsodidn'tlike the hubcaps.

We leaded the does shut so that we could block the entire sides of the car (6’ pieces of wood covered in sandpaper) to give a finish and straightness that wasn’t inherent in 1955 Chrysler products. Looking at the pictures, ou can see that the body is dead straight. You wont find another mid 50’s Chrysler this perfect.

The interior has also been restored, ut not by our shop. It is tastefully done in vinyl, hich wears well, ut couldn’t be original. I may be wrong but I thought that New Yorkers had leather interiors.

The engine has been rebuilt, tarts right up, oesn’t smoke (no strange noises either) and idles at 500-600rpm. The Hemi motor is such a nice power plant. The engine is original to the car. We added an NOS wiper fluid bag.

She retains her original torque-flight transmission, hich shifts as it should. The car floats down the highway. The brakes are from 1955 – they work, ut aren’t as strong as a new car would be (of course). They are, fter all, rum brakes and this car is heavy. They are power brakes though. The convertible top works perfectly. She also retains her 6-volt electrical system.

As you can see by the pictures, he engine bay was detailed when the motor was out.

Lights, urn signals, nd all gauges work fine. The radio does not however – not sure why. The chrome was redone by me – and is in excellent condition – no pitting – show ready. The stainless has been polished and looksgreat.

I added Kelsey Hayes wire wheels – so they are new. Technically not original but, ow, hat a difference. See the pictures.

I would add that the windshield is also original and shows. No replacement is commercially available. There are scratches etc.

I added new rear leaf springs to the car – as she used to sag a bit, problem with many large convertibles. She sits correctly now.

The mileage is original and I have put less than 200 miles on her since I’ve owned her (mostly collected on/off a trailer at car shows)

Here is a colorful background on this wonderful car:

Although this car is too new to be considered a Great Gatsby era car, ne could argue that she is pretty enough to fill the gap.

In 1955 Chrysler separated its top of the line offering into a separate entity – The “Imperial” now had its own identity. If you wanted the top of the line convertible from Chrysler, n 1955, he New Yorker was it.

Designed by Virgil Exner, his car was touted in advertising as “The Million Dollar Look”, eferring to the cost of retooling to manufacture a new series. In the 1950’s the American public could expect to see an entirely new car design every two years or so. Times have certainly changed.

Multi-tone cars were all the rage then, o Chrysler added a stylish chrome spear down the entire length of the car, eaving room inside of the chrome for a contrasting color. Our car is stunning; black over red.
The venerable and legendary “Hemi” engine powers this classy convertible. Horsepower was a respectable 250 in this model. The “Hemi” was first introduced in 1951.

Only 986 New Yorker Custom convertibles were manufactured in 1955, aking this a very rare car indeed. We estimate that only 10 (or less) exist today.
Of interest, he car that Ernest Hemmingway owned and drove was a 1955 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe convertible. It was recently discovered in Cuba and is being restored (one of the ten).

I’ve owned this car since 2006, o it is part of my personal collection. I hate to part with such a rare car but I’ve found a classic that needs a complete restoration. Doing so won’t be cheap, ence the sale.

Remember, lthough she is restored, he is also 60 years old. Hence, he is sold as-is, here is with no warranty implied or suggested. Inspections are welcomed and encouraged. Additional pictures are happily provided. Inspections at our shop (we have lifts here). We require a $2000 deposit within 48 hours of the auction close. The balance is due within 7 consecutive days. No exceptions. We can store the car (it’s on the showroom floor now) for a reasonable period of time and will assist with shipping (we know some great shippers).