Nascar’s early beginnings run deep in American racing history. The previous owner of this ’54 New Yorker purchased this car from its original family, and proceeded to make it a driver, and add decals to commemorate Lee Petty’s 1954 win in his #42 New Yorker. With an even patina, and a Hemi under the hood, bidding has reached $4,500. Check out this Hemi machine here on ebay out of Schertz, Texas.
The “Hemi” stickers plastered on the side of this Chrysler speak the truth as there is a 331 cubic inch Hemi doing the hard work. Shifting is automatically controlled via a 2 speed, and shifting is reported as being smooth. The listing is a bit of a mash up of information, as the seller copy and pasted some of the text from when he purchased the car a year ago. The previous seller explains that “the only major item that’s been redone is the engine.” To me that sounds like a rebuild or other extensive work that’s more complicated than a tune up or fuel system cleaning. Unfortunately no further info on the engine work is notated, so your guess is as good as mine as to what exactly has been “redone.” Despite this mystery, the 331 is on point in the paint department, having a clean and original presentation. The only negative aspect to the engine is the carb looks to be leaking a bit and appears to be ready for solid cleaning and rebuild.
Inside there is some need for upholstery work as the door panels are water stained, and the bench appears to suffer with a few rips. Surface rust can be seen on the driver floor area, but the floor appears quite solid. Shiny with a nice patina, the dash is in nice condition and the gauges are clean and clear.
Eye catching, and interesting with the vinyl livery, this Chrysler does have a cool appeal with the vinyl decals in place, much like the Lee Petty’s number 42 Chrysler. Slightly worn, the paint has some thin spots where primer can be seen, as well as some mild surface rust. Very straight overall, this New Yorker looks to have lived a pampered life. Although a Texas car, the glass is in nice condition, with no obvious delaminating or any other issues. The chrome work is all in place as it should be, and the condition is excellent. The only real concern to point out is the driver side rocker has some rot. If you look closely, this rot is visible from the exterior of the car. Although unfortunate this rot is partially hidden by the rocker trim. The passenger side also has some rot, but it is minimal in comparison. Despite the rocker concerns, this Lee Petty tribute is a neat and creative idea executed on this Chrysler. I appreciate the idea, and the appearance of the car, but I personally would have chosen a more authentic appearing decal scheme like what the Petty car was equipped with. Otherwise I would likely enjoy this one as it, to later worry about the rockers. Would you pick up this early Nascar tribute Chrysler New Yorker?
It would be more interesting without the decals. The seller was trying too hard by adding them, buff the faded paint, let the car speak for itself.
Steve R
I have seen a “Twin H-Power” Hudson Hornet painted — not stick-ons — in full NASCAR livery as a tribute to Herb Thomas. The base color was wrong, I think, but most if not all the markings were correct. That one really grabbed me!
Unfortunately, the powertrain had been modernized. Would have been much more to my taste with the big 308 underhood!
Wide Whites. Lose the wheel covers. I’d drive it.
I also agree to remove the decals. A 2 door like this is so unusual, it should be original. I bet 90% ( of these types of cars I came in contact with), were 4 doors.( and they all leaked something) These were big cars, for big families, and “big mama” ain’t gonna do no dance to get in a 2 door. Great find, if it runs out alright, ( and you can find fuel to feed it) could get in the teens, and you’d be floatin’ down the road, ’54 Chrysler hemi style.
The engine livery was originally Chrysler “aluminum silver” on everything including valve covers except the bolt-ons which were industry semi-gloss black. Lee’s car was black over light gray. This isn’t even close. This offering had more value as the survivor prior to being “fixed up” IMO.
Well, they ARE stickers. So whatever value you feel is lost in its changes (and I don’t disagree!) it can reclaim most of its survivor status via a bucket of warm, sudsy water and a few razor blades.
That’s not how it always works. I have several friends where the stickers came off with the paint underneath.
Steve R
Some of us just like to have fun and have better imaginations than the average gear head.
I know they didn’t use Mopars in the movie but this is the first thing I thought of the moment I saw this cool old ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1CYKDoYCIM
Those vinyl graphics will come off easily with just a hair dryer and an hour’s time.
Corona sticker says it all. Cheers padre
It would have made sense to replicate the Petty car, if the seller had at least used similar decals, like the 42 door number, etc. According to the earlier post of the Petty car above, its nothing like this car.
One of my high school friend’s parents drove this body style, a ’54 New Yorker Deluxe Club Coupe. Red with a black top and what was called a “Highlander” interior of red leather and Scotch plaid wool. I rode in it numerous times and it was smooth, quiet, and fast.
I’d love to have one like it