“The power of leadership is yours in a Chrysler!” opines the tagline of the 1954 Chrysler New Yorker sales brochure. I suppose that could be interpreted in more than one way and I’m not completely certain what they are suggesting. Regardless, considering the number of New Yorker models available in ’54 you could lead, follow or just get out of the way. The convertible, however, due to its rarity and drop-top cool is definitely a leader and that’s what we have for your review today. This New Yorker Deluxe Convertible Coupe is located in Portland, Maine and is available here on Barn Finds classifieds or here on eBay for an opening bid of $10,000 – there is a reserve.
In 1954, Chrysler New Yorkers were available in two and four-door sedans, two-door hardtops and convertibles, an eight-passenger sedan, replete with backward opening rear doors, and a station wagon. Trim levels included both Deluxe and Newport levels with the sole convertible being technically referred to as a “Deluxe Convertible Coupe“. While Chrysler came in ninth place in the 1954 production race, the aforementioned Deluxe Convertible Coupe was responsible for only 724 copies of Chrysler’s 105K total, or less than 1 percent – pretty rare!
Our subject car has undergone a frame-off restoration and is considered to be 90+% complete. It has been refinished in its original hue and has had a new black convertible top fitted. The seller also mentions that the original MWS wire-wheels are in place including the born-with wheel covers. New tires are included too but they’re not the white-lettered variety displayed in some of the images. The seller advises that all this Chrysler needs is, “(a) new wiring harness to be installed, rear seat fitted and upholstered, remaining body chrome to be mounted“.
Speaking of seats, there is just this one image of the interior included and it’s not conducive to getting a comprehensive look at the interior. We’ll have to assume that it has been finished out beyond the state that is illustrated.
That thing got a Hemi? You bet, and here’s a video of it idling. It’s a 235 gross HP, 331 CI V8 that has been completely rebuilt and experienced zero mileage. The engine is attached to a PowerFlite automatic transmission but as to how it all works when installed, either a test drive or inquiry, will be necessary.
This is quite a find! And the restoration work appears to be top-notch. Admittedly, my primary question is, why part with this New Yorker now, when it’s 90% complete? Wouldn’t it make for an easier and more profitable sale to finish it out and then be able to promote a running driving example that needs nothing? Hard to say what the rationale is but I’ll go with the assumption that someone will step up to the plate and go for it, wouldn’t you agree?
Perfect time to resto mod this thing
Hope She Gets a Good Home
I call Her Santa Baby..from the song
While overlooked by many, any Chrysler enthusiast will instantly realize how scarce this model is. Out of 724 built, there can’t be many left and of those, few if any would be as restored as this one is. I side with the author when I ask why the seller wouldn’t want to sell the car completely finished, but their could be good reasons for it that we do not know about. This car should be brought to the attention of Chrysler club members if it hasn’t already. Once completed, this `54 will definitely be the focus of attention at any car show. I love it.
My Restorer past away unexpectedly and his Shop is Closing
My resto mod would be limited to replacing the 2 speed Powerflite with a 3 speed Torqueflite, and upgrading to front disk brakes.
Go For It !!!
Appears done to a very low standard . . . Nothing fits right (trunk fit is abysmal), some weird junk in the paint below the L taillight, and that left rocker in the pic on the lift makes this one a hard pass . . . Sad. I really hope they started with nothing.
Sounds like you know your stuff..if you are in the position to run over her and make her a 7 what would She go for on Barrett Jackson
My Restorer past away unexpectedly and his Shop is Closing
I always love it when people show a photo of a car they are trying to sell with all of their crap piled inside the car.
With his passing I am forced to sell her and haven’t seen the car in a while
I had a restored 1953 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible until about 10 years ago. People loved seeing it. I sold it to a buyer in Norway. It was the redish brown with a white-ish convertible top.
I have a 54 NewPort Spitfire 6 Great Car
looks good but with no title would not be good in most states been there
PreTitle Car I have the Registration and IDK if you could get her titled
90% complete? I’m afraid not. Where the heck is the steering column? Someone has spent alot of money to get this much done,but she has quite a way to go before it’s finished
She’s rare enough and sure she will be a beauty when completed.
He told me He was ready to drive it..that is a long way from the Car he brought in
I think I do see part of the steering column in the other pics showing the frame and engine. Putting the body back onto the frame is no small job.
I know he spent a lot of time putting thr car back on the frame and the steering is totally functionable.. as he has passed I am unable to answer a lot of questions and with the Rona I haven’t seen the car in quite a while
When He Got it after considerable body work
It’s not hard to get lost on a restoration job of this scope and involving this much money and work. Especially on a great car like this.54 Mopar convertible. And I praise the guy whose got her to this point, but she still has a very long way to go, and much more expense before she’s on the road again.
Big Bucks on Barrett -Jackson
Someone will get her here…