1964 Chrysler New Yorker Sedan--incredible survivor!

I like the wild, wonderful '60s when technology and design were starting to converge. You got some pretty interesting hardware and while some of the styling was out there (this car included), there's no other time that was more varied. This dramatic-looking 1964 Chrysler New Yorker sedan is a remarkable survivor that'll knock them out in HPOF competitions and really makes for a great entry-level collector car. It shows just 48,471 original miles and aside from routine maintenance items, it's totally original.

The paint is Nassau Blue, and is a bit lighter than the GM variant but looks icy cool on the big New Yorker. The shape was smoothed and streamlined but there's no denying that this car has presence. I've been over the car very carefully and don't see any evidence that it's ever been repainted or even touched up, and despite coming from Wisconsin, there's no trace of rust or rot. All four doors open and close with that old-school precision that feels like well-oiled parts working together and the chrome and stainless is remarkably nice for being 50 years old. There's some very, very light pitting on the external cast pieces like the "Chrysler New Yorker" emblem just under the trunk opening, but none of it requires anything more than a quick polish to look its best.

The interior is the jewel in this car's crown, a funky fabric that's perfect for the 1960s and immaculately preserved. Even the driver's seat is firm and supportive without so much as a loose thread. Original carpets are protected by some ancient floor mats and the instrument panel is absolutely gorgeous, looking more like an airplane cockpit than a luxury car. Of course, the big squared-off steering wheel was a Chrysler trademark and yes, it does have a fully functional pushbutton transmission. Everything works except the clock, and it is outfitted with a power front seat that moves with ease. The back seat looks almost new and the trunk is upholstered in black carpets and carries a bias-ply spare tire that might very well be original-issue.

The 413 cubic inch V8 needs no introduction to the Chrysler faithful and it moves this big sedan with effortless ease. It's so smooth that the exhaust's hum is the only clue that it's running and the massive torque means the big sedan is surprisingly swift. Aside from things like ignition components, belts, hoses, filters, and battery, it's completely original, right down to the corporate turquoise engine enamel. Power steering and brakes are probably mandatory on a car like this, and it tracks straight and stops true and the ride is as smooth as a hovercraft. I think it should probably be treated to some wider whitewalls to look correct, but the radials on it now have about 500 miles on them, so maybe just use it as-is.

Is this a collector car? I don't know but it sure deserves a good home like the one it's enjoyed for the past five decades. There's a binder full of receipts, the original window sticker, manuals, and other papers, plus a show board. Better still, it's only $12,900, so it probably represents the most sheetmetal per dollar this side of an ore ship. If you like survivors, this one will delight you. Thanks for reading!

"probably represents the most sheetmetal per dollar this side of a ore ship"

Tom McCahill lives!!

"These long-hooded brutes had more sex-appeal than a boatload of starlets anchored off Alcatraz"

Nice car, though...