1961 Chrysler New Yorker 4dr Hardtop

Hello,

I have scoured the internet looking for information pertaining to my 1961 Chrysler New Yorker 4dr Hardtop, but it seems to be a rather rare item in terms of internet information. I aquired the car after my grandmothers passing (2nd owner) and have had it in storage for 8 or so years. I am finaly at a point that i need to do something with it, be it to sell it or make it road worthy again. The car is 99% original, to my knowledge the only thing that has ever been changed is the alternator, fuel pump, and misc hoses and belts. The car has appoxamitly 77k original miles. The cars still runs and drive, althought the powersteering went out about the time i put it in storage, and the only significant rust on the car seems to be contained to the trunk floor pan. It has also neer been in an accident and still has the original paint. All of the chrome is intact and in good shape. Over all i would say the car is in descent shape for it age.

So my question is, what is its current value? Is it worth getting running? And what are some of the big problems i would likely encounter should i concider restoring it?

Thanks for your time.

Jared

www.forwardlook.net -

Based on Old Cars Price Guide Magazine and your description, replacement value is $2000-$5000, maybe more if all it needs is cleaning and a going over from sitting in storage.

Hi !

Few comments from the owner/driver of a '60 Windsor ( little brother to the NYer)...

These are GREAT road cars ! They don't come any more comfy !

1961 is the very last year for Virgil Exner's towering tail-fins ( some of us like fins...)

ANY 45+ year-old car is going to need to have its braking system ENTIRELY rebuilt to be a safe driver, and will likely need tune-up, new belts & hoses, new tires, etc. The power steering can be repaired, parts are out there. Engines & trannies are almost indestructible.

If this vehicle is in nice original condition in terms of its cosmetics, PLEASE keep it in a dry garage (no dirt floors !), and keep it protected from the SUN ! UV & heat from sunlight absolutely KILL the vinyl padded dash and other interior stuff.

Taking it out for shows and pleasure trips will not harm it, but please keep it "in a cool, dark place" when you're not actively enjoying it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Resale value for these cars is not astronomic ( a perfect '60-'62 NYer, with all the options would be hard-pressed to fetch more than $6,000 on an average day), there are folks who really appreciate these cars, and are willing to part with some cash for a well-maintained original.

If there are no major mechanical issues lurking inside this sleeping beauty, you should be able to completely rebuild the brakes ( new steel lines, new rubber flex hoses, new master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, have all drums turned, new shoes ) for about $500 in parts (+ labor), tires would run between $300 and $600, depending on whether you go with modern radials ($300 range) or repros of the orignal Goodyear wide-white walls ( $600 end)... I'm running $39 a-piece Kumho radials on my Windsor for now....

Belts & Hoses should run less than $50... tune-up parts: $50... new Fuel pump: $20... carb kit: $20.

You should be able to put this beast back on the road (safely) for about $1,000 to $2,000 ...

Since this is a car from your family, I would encourage you to consider fixing it up and enjoying it... the biggest downside is fuel consumption: my Windsor has a slightly smaller V-8, and averages about 16 mpg on the highway...

Forward Look.net is a great site too...

Good luck !

<img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thank you both for all the information. I now at least know where i stand.

Jared, I might add that a hard top version of any Exner finned automobile is a bit more desireable than the sedans, although not as desireable "over here in the US" as coupes or convertibles... I curently have a 61 sedan that I was in mid-process of restoring, but due to a move upcoming, I am forced to sell that one and a few others...

Wishing you the best with your 61

Bryan

Hi "New Yorker 1961"

I´m living in highly taxed Sweden

My interest for american cars starts long time ago. My parents have had Chevrolets and specially a beautfully designed car New Yorker 1961 sedan. The design (form and function) of the New Yorkers from 1961 with its canted headlights and beautifully fins are special as I find them.

The speed record we did with our NY by that time on dusty roads was 195 kmph approx. 121mph

The reason why I´m looking for a US built car is that I will pick up my interests I had before career and family, when heading towards retirement, yet some years left.

I can manage mechanical issues but not severe rust issues.

If you ever consider selling your New Yorker or if

you by chance come across any chrysler 1961 HT, would very much appreciate if you would let me know.

I would rank Chrysler 1961, Lincoln Continentals 1961-1964, Rivieras 1963-1964 among my favourites.

Allthough you have beautiful Pontiacs other Buicks, Olds...

Thanks,

Johan