After Chrysler spun off the Imperial as its own make and division in 1955, the New Yorker would become the top model in their line-up. That included the 1959 editions, wearing “Forward Look” styling that had originated on Chrysler products of that era. This New Yorker is an impressive survivor that is said to have traveled only 57,000 miles and will need just a few touches of TLC. Available here on craigslist and in Farmingdale, New Yorker, this Chrysler is offered for $21,500. Thanks to our pal Pat L. for his sleuthing to find us this tip!
The 1959 Chryslers had the same platform as used the prior two years, but the sheet metal was tinkered with to provide a fresh look. And the Chryslers may have turned out better than the Dodges, Plymouths, and DeSoto’s in terms of those changes. Chrysler had a new marketing mantra for that year, “Presenting the Lion-hearted Car that’s every inch a New Adventure” which was backed up with a lion medallion on Saratoga’s and New Yorkers.
New for ’59 was a “wedge” combustion chamber engine that was used in all Chryslers, with the New Yorker getting one with a displacement of 413 cubic inches. That was 21 more than the Hemi it replaced, and horsepower was up a notch to 350. We’re told that the original engine in the seller’s car is smooth and powerful and the push-button automatic transmission it’s paired with shifts smoothly.
Out of total Chrysler production in 1959 of 70,000 cars, the New Yorker accounted for 16,000 of them and nearly 8,000 were 4-door sedans like the seller’s auto. The body looks great on this car, and it was the last year before Chrysler switched to unibody construction. It wears black paint which appears flawless and the possible imperfections on the trunk and roof in one photo are said to merely be the reflection of clouds in the finish.
Apart from the driver’s side of the front seat, the interior looks to have held up quite well. Everything works in the car except for one backup light. The insides of the trunk seem tidy although the carpeting/ mat is showing some discoloration. The seller sounds as though he may be a dealer as delivery is offered and trades will be considered if they have “instant value.” According to Hagerty, these can be $30,000 cars in Good Condition and that could double with the quality of the survivor or restoration. Any way you look at it, this is one impressive Mopar!
What a beautiful time Capsule, somebody spent a lifetime of looking after this sweet gem, anyone care to wager how many coats of wax the paint has seen?
Indeed. This did not see many east coast winters. Kudos to the owners!
In contrast tI most Mopar salt mine junk on here, this is a beauty. Someone took very good care of this car. Too bad if new owner drives it on a Sunday morning and some POS with no insurance in a clapped out Honda crashes into as he is looking at his phone.
They all rusted back then George even Cadillac’s. The engineering for Chryslers range was very high and my 59 crown is far better built than my Cadillac 59 coupe I can tell you having restored both from unmolested originals. Got a rap they did not always deserve but salt and poor aftercare kills anything. Chris Perth Australia
I see what you did there. Farmington, New Yorker… :)
My dad bought a `59 4dr. hardtop New Yorker; I was brought home from the hospital in it in 1960. I remember it well as a kid. These have a special place in my heart, recalling trips and excursions we took in ours. Wish I had them both back; the car AND my dad!!
I had this same car, color in 1969. Trans failed and we took it out without a trans lift with car on jack stands. Rebuilt it with a friend and put it back in using a trans lift. Imediately to 70 mph right after it was back on the ground. That was in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Traded it in for a 63 Skylark, 215 V8 4sp.
WOW! This is magnificent. Looks like the only thing it needs is for the front seat to be reupholstered. I would so love to park this in my garage.
The shot on Craigslist of the car’s silhouette shows just what a classic it is.
What a beauty! Someone definitely loved and cared for her. Prefer a 4dr hardtop if it’s got more than 2 drs though. Someone’s gonna enjoy this turnkey Mopar.
Strange that a luxury car like this wasnt optioned for factory AC. I also love early and mid 60s Newports. Great cars and this is a great find.
Hi HC. My recently acquired 59 4 door HT S/S roof in faded copper pink metallic(original color) and rare I am told. Seems there were very few made and many finished up in demo derbies. Amazing car. Well built and now under total resto back to its former glory but no rust at all, full history from new and straight as, with no repairs anywhere. Perfect dash. The white leather seats/interior will have to be redone but hey this will be very nice. Chrome all re done but was very good for age. Going to paint soon as all stripped back. Mopars were well engineered and badly overlooked and did not rust anymore than anything else not looked after. Love all this era. Chris Perth Australia.