Made for two model years but also two different generations, the Newport Sportsgrain is one unique car. They were meant to recall the legendary Chrysler Town & Country models, and they’re fairly rare to see today. This 1968 Chrysler Newport Convertible Sportsgrain is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Lewiston, Maine, and they’re asking $8,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to RichardinMaine for the tip!
What I wouldn’t give for a nice, big pole building like this, man. Aside from that, how about this great-looking Newport Sportsgrain? We’ve seen a few (six) here on Barn Finds over the years, and I would have sworn that we saw an uber-rare 1969 Newport Sportsgrain, based on the fifth-generation fuselage Newport, but I guess not. They have all been 1968 models based on the fourth-gen Newports.
1968 was the first model year for this unique trim level of the Newport, and they weren’t big sellers. For some reason, Chrysler offered them again, at least for part of 1969, on the next-generation Newports, and the legend is that they sold so poorly that they didn’t keep track of the sales. Wait, we did see one last year, but it wasn’t referred to as a Sportsgrain, so my search didn’t turn one up. The two generations of the Newport spanning between 1968 and 1969 are vastly different cars, but like pool or pond (to misquote Caddyshack), there is no wrong Newport.
Buyers didn’t have to “settle” for a convertible with the Sportsgrain option, a two-door hardtop was also a choice. One of each for me, please. This interior looks outstanding with what I’m assuming are reupholstered seats. That doesn’t appear to be a factory pattern from looking at brochures, but hopefully one of you will know. The seller doesn’t mention the seats, but they say it needs a new convertible top. The back seat looks perfect, as expected, but in that photo you can see a small tear on the upper left of the passenger seat backrest.
The engine should be a Chrysler 383-cu.in. OHV V8 with around 290 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by a TorqueFlite, this one is said to run great and has all-new brakes. Replace that convertible, or not, and you’ll have a fun cruiser that’s a sure hit at car shows. Any thoughts on this Newport Sportsgrain?
You did see a 69 newport woody convertible. You guys had one listed November 29, 2024 in an article by Russ Dixon.
According to what was written there was a Sports Grain Group option available in 1969.
You’re right, Bill, I mentioned that in the third paragraph.
Wood grain, it’s the best!
383-2bbl SG. Still plenty of punch.
Addition of a 4-bbl jumps things up nicely to 330/425.
The hot model had a “tnt” 440 that would’ve made a heluva sleeper.
If you don’t hear the line from Love Shack looking at this boat what’s wrong with you?
That’s a beautiful car!
I love this. From Maine huh. Didn’t Andy Dufresne take this to Mexico after he escaped from Shawshank? They must have caught it at the border and returned it ;)
Andy drove a Pontiac convertible I believe a 69
It looks like the top is missing (see video) !
The description from the Marketplace ad…
1968 Chrysler Newport Woody Convertible. 1 of 174 made. Runs great, has all new breaks & new carburetor. Car needs new convertible top.
Thanks, Bill!
phil64, I always do a screenshot of Craigslist and Facebook ads so you can see them even after the listings have gone away, they’re in the first paragraph.
I truly admire the wood grained Chryslers, all of them. Someone has been working on this one. It looks tired. Maybe a new buyer can restore it to its former glory?
In the FB listing, foto #5 of 11, looking forward from the right rear quarter, there is a REAL woody wagon from the 1920’s or 30’s in the background. That’s a car to drive around on the weekend!
Couple of points
1) I know little about these cars either. I was into cars big time during that era but wouldn’t have been interested in this (tho my older brother was and actually owned this cars brother, a fury III for a short time. He probably owned 25 old convertibles)
That interior certainly looks period correct to me and seems like it goes with the rest of the car.
2) Wouldn’t the Fury III from a couple of days ago be a better deal? Not sure what a convertible top cost these days but it can’t be cheap.
How do I combine my love of wagons and C-body Chrysler convertibles? The Sportsgrain. The ultimate would be a next gen fuselage 300 droptop with the the Sportsgrain treatment just like the linked 69 above. I wouldn’t permanently defile a 300, but a wrap I could fairly easily remove would be an easy decision.
I had the top on my ’66 Bonneville replaced for $2400 by a local upholsterer, including the top kit & glass window.
Just concerned about rocker, lower quarter, and trunk rust, especially since it’s in Maine