Mid-sixties, full-size GM and Ford models are still pretty commonly found, GMs in particular by virtue of their sheer numeric volume. Mopars? Not as much so, especially the Chrysler brand. Fortunately, we can thank Gransedan for submitting this tip, a 1964 Chrysler four-door sedan which appears to be a Newport model. It is located in Howell, New Jersey, and available here on craigslist for $5,950.
The listing doesn’t reference the specific Chrysler model or much else for that matter, but it is known that Chrysler produced a New Yorker, a 300 and a Newport in ’64 and this example is clearly not either of the first two. The Imperial was still in production at the time as well, though it was considered a separate ChryCo brand and there’s not much of a likelihood of confusing this sedan with an Imperial. The exterior of this Newport is highlighted by its Persian White finish, still strong with depth, though it could be a repaint, no word on that front. The body is in fine condition overall and with only 44K miles on its clock, the miles would seem to have been gently generated. Doors, fenders, quarters and rockers are all nice and straight with no signs of rust, dents, dings, dashes or crashes. The stainless trim and chrome are complete as well, nothing is out of place on this Chrysler. There is no mention of provenance but simply because this car is domiciled in New Jersey does not mean that it is a life-long resident so there shouldn’t necessarily be concern about winter weather driving; there’s just no evidence of weather wear-out. And, at 44K miles, that’s pretty limited exposure to any elements at any time of year.
Powering this Newport is a 361 CI, V8 “B” block engine that develops 265 gross HP. The underhood view is tidy though a bit worn but it looks about as one would expect. There is no sign of A/C which seems out of place for a Chrysler sedan of this era but then this car may have started life in a non-A/C needed part of the country. The lone statement regarding this Newport is, “runs and looks great.” Looks great it does and we’ll have to take the seller’s word for its operational motivation. The transmission choice is the typical Chrysler TorqueFlite, a three-speed, automatic unit that is actuated by a push-button column of switches on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel – a Chrysler Corporation trademark feature.
The interior is the only place where notable wear has surfaced, specifically the driver’s side of the front seat, it has a split seam but nothing more deleterious than that. Looks like the same fate may have befallen the over-the-hump floor mat too. There appear to be aftermarket seatbelts installed, not surprising as ’64 was around the time front seating positions were required to have belts. And whether a car did or did not have belts at that time, many owners saw fit to install them anyway. It looks as if an aftermarket gauge of some sort has been installed under the dash but its purpose can’t be determined.
Cars like this Newport are too often overlooked. Many are lost to the ages because they were considered a commodity; buy it, use it, wear it out and replace it. A four-door sedan like this Newport didn’t have the panache of a 300, two-door hardtop or convertible with a 413 CI engine under the hood. Too bad, hopefully, someone will snatch up this big Chrysler and get years of enjoyment from it. Might that someone be you?
I like it. But my uncle bought one just like this new. He died young and my aunt and her two oldest kids just drove the dog out of it until 1978. It was a rusted hulk but ran like a raped ape. Great cars.
My first car was a 1964 Chrysler Newport 2 door, white like this. My uncle gave it to me right before he died in ’74. Good car, had the 383 auto like this one and the blue interior. It was a really good car. Very heavy and only got 12-14 mpg. Unfortunately, it was stolen in ’76.
I used to hang around a body shop as a kid and they had one of these as a parts runner.
The push button tranny was cool , we used to “punch” low to get a jump out of it and the trunk was big enough to carry the tall oxy acetylene tanks
My brother had a car just like this, maybe a ’63 when he was in the army in the mid 70’s. I remember it rolled like thunder. Fantastic road car. I bet he’d love to have another.
No AC, crank windows, and “just” a 361. Typical for a lower end Chrysler of the era. Still looks like it would be enjoyable to drive. Last year for the Exner cues.
Alas, these cars weren’t That popular then, and aren’t now. But at least they plain Janes are way overpriced. They are getting rarer, because they are heavy and most got crushed for the metal. No ac on these is the rule rather than the exception. Any ac car is a rarity before 1966. The story I heard was that in 65, IBM was trading in its fleet, and to get the sale the Chevy guy threw in ac. This results in a 15 percent sales increase because the IBM guy showed up cool and crisp, while the competition was wilted and sweaty. Returning to the Chryslers, they are great road cars; I made one trip in the interstate of 177 miles in 120 minutes!
My Dad had a 1963 version of this exact car. Even the same color. I was driving it around the ‘Circle’ at State College Of Iowa, Nov 22 1963 and heard on the AM radio JFK had just been shot in Dallas.
Four doors or not, these are nice cars. Unusual to see one today, sure to be a standout at any Show ‘n Shine. Should be a lot of life left in it assuming the mileage is as low as the seller claims. Check out the mechanicals, detail it in and out and you’re good to go. After-market A/C is all it needs. Maybe you can get it cheaper but the price seems reasonable to me.
These are extremely well built cars–there is quality in them everywhere. There is no plastic on that dashboard anywhere. I have owned a 1963 New Yorker for 28 years, having received it from a little old lady who left it to me after she died. I cannot think of any weak point in the car that has given any trouble over the years, other than the tapered rear axle ends that make the drums extremely difficult to remove after many years of being in place. My Chrysler is just loafing at 60 mph and it gets 17 mpg on a highway trip. Cannot say the same about the ’63 Impala that I had before that. I honestly believe Chrysler was trying to build the very best car that they could build in 1963 and 1964. The torsion bar suspension gives these cars great handling compared to other large cars of the era.
I wish I had the extra money and more importantly a nice garage for it. It would be a case of bittersweet memories. In 1966 our family car was totaled. My dad was set on a new 4 door Dart but my mom saw a sort of light blue 1964 Chrysler like this one. Ours did have A/C but I can’t recall if it had power windows (I was 6 at the time) it took her the rest of the day to talk him into it but she ended up with the 64 Chrysler. We took several cross country road trips in that car. Mom absolutely loved that thing! That’s why if circumstances were a little different I’d buy this one. Looking at it would sometimes make me cry and other times it would bring a pleasant smile to my face. It’s probably best that I can’t feasibly get this one. Just reading the article and seeing the pictures brought mixed emotions. Having daily access to it might be too much of a emotional rollercoaster.
Dr. Hogue from the movie Doc Hollywood drove this car I think.
I really like this car, even the plainish color combo. I would drive it with pride!
Around 1980, my dad was shopping for a new used car. We looked at a couple dogs, and we stopped at his regular gas station and mentioned we were looking for a car. They had a gorgeous, fully loaded 64 New Yorker wagon and told my dad you can have it for $1000.00. To his shock, dad took it! It showed 6K on the odometer, and was absolutely rust free, and ran perfect. We put over 100K miles on that 413 monster, and it was still running perfect when we took it off the road for lack of brake drums. Dad never heard of Hemmings, or junk yards I guess. I nearly croaked when he sold the car for 200.00. 4 years later it was still on the road, and driven daily by a house painter, ladders on the roof rack and all.
Oh does this bring back some wonderful childhood memories! My parents owned a ’64 Newport sedan, 383 under the hood and a 3 speed stick transmission. It was a bare bones car….no radio, no a/c and no power steering but that beast could move! I remember my dad putting plenty of rubber down in that car and my mom burned out more clutches than I can remember! Would love to own this one if only I had the room for it!