55 Chrysler New Yorker Spring Special

[Guest Patrick 55 NYer]

1955 Chrysler New Yorker Spring Special

2 door true coupe

$20,000

Description-

An original California car, the first owner had a service station in Van Nays CA, and only drove this car on Sundays. A good friend bought it from his estate, and when he got married, I was fortunate enough to get the first chance to buy it, since I helped him in getting it out of the original owner's garage.

One of less than 600 Spring Specials produced to boost sales late in the model year (it has the spring special tab on the firewall) the car blends two different two tone paint schemes (the New Yorker side stripe and the Saint Regis hood and deck) for an unique effect. Likewise the interior features a combination of leather and fabric that rivals custom work while being stock. Produced in fewer numbers than the New Yorker convertible, the Spring Special is rarely seen.

The last year of the 331 Hemi, the engine has never been opened. It will accelerate all the way up the Conejo Grade in Ventura County, reaching over 90 MPH going uphill. The most negative aspects are the drum brakes, which are adequate, but not by today's standards. This car has 55,562 original miles.

The car has been resprayed, and the fabric replaced on the seats with 55 Chrysler fabric and new leather. The dash, headliner and numerous other surfaces are all still original. For the entire 25 years I have owned the car, it has never been driven more than a thousand miles a year, and often less. It has been garaged in either an enclosed structure or pipe and canvas storage ( about two years before the more recent respray).

In 2008, it survived the Santa Barbara Tea Fire thanks to the efforts of firemen who stood next to it aiming water at the fires burning just a few feet from the car. It also has done background work in television and movies, as well as an REO Speedwagon video.

While not perfect, the car is a few bits of redoing the chrome from spectacular. Starts and drives with great power and effect- everywhere one goes with this car people smile. Continuous history, original miles and a very low number produced, are all high value attributes in a car that can be driven, invested in, or just enjoyed.

An extensive photo slide show can be seen here-

55 Chrysler New Yorker Spring Special

Will be listing on eBay in next few days.

Patrick

805-565-4143

pgregston@cox.net

Edited February 17, 2011 by Patrick 55 NYer (see edit history)