The New Yorker formed an integral piece of the Chrysler puzzle for almost six decades. It represented luxurious motoring for its owner and featured some fascinating design concepts. This 1979 New Yorker is a two-owner survivor with 30,000 miles showing on its odometer. It presents well, although a light cosmetic restoration would lift it to a higher plain. The time has come for it to find a new home, with the seller listing the Chrysler here on Facebook Marketplace in Rockville, Maryland. You could drive it home by handing the seller $7,195, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jay L. for spotting this affordable classic.
Chrysler introduced an updated New Yorker in 1979, basing its latest offering on the R-Body platform. It was physically smaller and lighter than its predecessor but was still a relatively large car with a sense of presence. The original owner ordered this New Yorker during the first production year, selecting Teal Frost Metallic paint from the eleven available shades Chrysler offered that year. The car’s history is slightly vague, although the seller indicates it is a two-owner survivor. The paint is consistent across the vehicle but is developing a matte appearance. It isn’t horrendous and remains presentable for those preferring preservation. However, the lack of significant panel imperfections and the car’s rust-free status means performing a light cosmetic restoration would be straightforward. The Landau-style vinyl top appears okay, and while a trim piece is missing from the driver’s side rear door, the rest is present and in good order. One quirky feature is the glass on the back doors. The main piece is frameless, while Chrysler integrated the opera windows into the doors rather than the roof pillars. It is unusual but should ensure better protection should this New Yorker ever find itself shiny-side down.
This Chrysler’s interior reflects its upmarket leanings, featuring air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio. The list doesn’t look startling by modern standards, but it was considered fairly impressive in 1979. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their odometer reading of 30,000 genuine miles, but the interior condition makes it plausible. The front seatcover on the passenger side has a slight fit issue, but I believe the buyer could stretch this back into shape. Otherwise, the Green vinyl and velour upholstery is in good order. There are no signs of wear or stains, and the pale carpet is particularly noteworthy for its lack of problems. The dash and pad are spotless, and there are no visible aftermarket additions.
The seller’s listing lacks a few crucial details, including this Chrysler’s mechanical specifications. Buyers could order their 1979 New Yorker powered by a 318ci V8, with three versions of the 360 available for those seeking more power. We’re flying blind because the seller doesn’t mention engine capacity. That means the buyer could have anywhere between 135 and 195hp at their disposal, which actually wasn’t that bad in 1979. The vague nature of the listing continues when the subject turns to the New Yorker’s mechanical health. The seller provides no information on how it runs or drives, although if the odometer reading is correct, the car’s overall condition suggests the news should be positive.
The 1979 Chrysler New Yorker rode the crest of a wave, with 54,640 buyers taking one home that year. The wave crashed violently the following year, with sales slumping to 13,513. The company hoped the situation would improve, but another drop to 6,548 in 1981 confirmed how deeply the country’s prevailing economic slump had impacted large car sales. Its 1982 replacement was physically smaller and more efficient, and sales climbed accordingly. This 1979 New Yorker appears to be a genuine survivor, and while it isn’t perfect, the affordable price means the new owner could refresh the exterior without spending a fortune. It has been on the market for a fortnight, and I would be surprised if it doesn’t find a new home relatively soon. Are you tempted?
Had 83 and 85 Fifth Avenues, both great cars. IMO one of the best revisions ever to an existing platform. Formal styling, plush velvet interior, comfortable, reliable, plenty of power and room. Easily held its own with other upscale vehicles I have owned. Have often wished I had kept one. This New Yorker always seemed a little off balance to me. But it looks like a good buy as a throwback to an era never to be seen again.
Luxurious as it is, this is the base New Yorker. The New Yorker Fifth Avenue edition was the top of the line.
A green vinyl roof, the horror!
The side view seems a little weird to me like they expanded the trunk and shortened the cabin a bit.
The car seems to be sitting way too low in the front and way too high in the back.
Great one Adam! Yeah, that opera window incorporated into the rear door surrounded by the light outside and the closing strap inside was downright opulent for late seventies styling. This one’s kind of fun, and I like the green/green/green!
Wow. Never see these (or the Gran Fury or St. Regis) around. This is a scarce find. I agree with Jack M that something looks off with the suspension, but I’m sure it’s fixable. I guarantee you’d be the only one at the car show with one of these.
Check out the production numbers given in the article. These were all very low in production. Oil crisis and tendency to rust also contributed to very few survivors. Can’t recall the last time I saw one.
More like a Greenpuff
This had to be ordered, owned and operated by a senior citizen. Triple Grandma Green.
These never captured as much of the market as Chrysler had hoped for. Amazing that 20 years earlier they had revolutionized styling with the Forward look. These green colors were quite the rage in the late 70s after which green would virtually disappear for a decade. The six window design is like a poke in my eye. I liked the Newport better.
What a great example of a Malaise Era rig! Naysayers, say what you will about these, but this is a perfect example of how these cars will survive if treated with respect! Not the most attractive year for New Yorkers, but for the money you can’t go wrong. Beautiful interior…at the risk of being redundant, “great entry level collector car”. My ‘79 300 (that I bought new) just turned 180K; runs great on original engine/transmission…I‘ll bet this Yorker could easily do the same.
It wasn’t just the economy that tanked R-body sales in 1980 and 1981. The 1979 versions had well-publicized quality and reliability issues. I recall one review that complained about water in the rear seat area, only to discover that the weatherstripping on the rear door didn’t contact the body, and it wasn’t a door fit issue – there was a substantial gap. There were electrical gremlins, too, such as a clock and dash lights that went out when the brake was pressed, resetting the clock to 12:00 every time. With all the issues, few R-bodies survived, so it’s nice to see a clean one like this surface.
This car’s roots can be traced to 1962. The R-body is a substantial revamp of the venerable B-body.
That’s a feature not a bug. Older cars were big on the outside but cramped inside. Space where you didn’t need it for stylistic reasons, creating that long flowing hood and rear deck. Today’s crossovers look like they’re rolled up in a ball but you can stretch out.
Today’s vehicles are sadly a choice of SUVS, crossovers, and melted jelly beans masquerading as Luxury vehicles! 🤮 🤮 🤮