- Seller: Heck D (Contact)
- Location: Tucker, Georgia
- Mileage: 0000 Shown
- Chassis #: 7084985
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 323 cui Spitfire Inline-8
- Transmission: Fluid Drive
Barn Finds occasionally gets the privilege of showcasing something truly uncommon, and this 1948 Chrysler New Yorker 3-passenger Business Coupe is one of those cars. Located in Tucker, Georgia and offered as an auction listing, this sleek, three-window coupe represents one of only 699 built—and reportedly only a handful remain in comparable condition today. It’s a rare opportunity to acquire a high-end postwar Chrysler that has clearly been cared for throughout its long life.
Mechanically, the car stays impressively true to its origins. It retains its original 323 Spitfire straight-eight paired with the classic Fluid Drive transmission, and the seller says it runs beautifully. A long list of recent updates makes this even more appealing: fresh electrical components including points, condenser, distributor rotor, spark plug wires, coil, and battery; a rebuilt carburetor and fuel pump; and cleaned fuel lines and fuel tank. It’s the kind of thoughtful mechanical attention that keeps a postwar straight-eight running smoothly.
The brake system has also been comprehensively rebuilt with new shoes, wheel cylinders, rubber lines, and master cylinder, along with new wheel bearings. The car even received a new speedometer cable, though the gauge cluster still needs a rebuild. Fuel-level information will need sorting as well, since the sending unit and gauge aren’t functioning. However, the amps, oil, and temperature gauges all operate as they should.
The Chrysler still wears mostly original paint, with minor clearcoat blistering on the deck lid and some age-appropriate surface corrosion. The bumpers have been replated or replaced at some point, and all trim is accounted for, including the full set of hubcaps. Inside, the interior was repainted under previous ownership. The original radio is still present and just needs a speaker, and the heater is included but not currently connected.
The car runs, drives, and stops, though the older bias-ply tires will need replacement before regular road use. The seller notes the Chrysler has been “garaged and pampered for most of its life,” and when you consider its survival rate, that care clearly made the difference.
According to the seller, the seats and door cards were redone. Included with the car is a set of new door sills, sun shield, and the original front bumper guards. The title is missing, and like many older Georgia vehicles, it will be sold on a bill of sale.
With a Buy-It-Now price of $25,000, this New Yorker presents a rare chance to own a postwar Chrysler that blends originality, careful mechanical upkeep, and genuine scarcity. Would you preserve its survivor charm or take it further toward full restoration?
Bid On This Auction
1 ole man bid $9,500.00 2025-12-15 10:59:09
V16 bid $9,000.00 2025-12-15 10:26:22- 1 ole man bid $8,500.00 2025-12-15 09:45:09
- V16 bid $6,500.00 2025-12-15 06:35:42
Nic bid $5,550.00 2025-12-12 09:32:34
chieftbird bid $3,500.00 2025-12-11 21:13:36- V16 bid $3,000.00 2025-12-11 19:16:59
- chieftbird bid $2,500.00 2025-12-11 08:33:44
Dan Vac bid $2,000.00 2025-12-10 08:29:04- V16 bid $1,500.00 2025-12-09 17:44:15
Thats a 3 body trunk.
Great car with fantastic and massive proportions- these business coupes must have one of the longest hoods and trunks ever, especially with the small passenger cabin.
I am not sure about the BIN- price, as the market for these is shrinking and the car definitely needs some more love.
BTW: I hate it, when a car is pictured in wet conditions. You cannot really judge the condition.
If I would actually in the market, I would offer 12-14K, not more…
I’ve seen non running versions asking and selling in that $12-14k price range, but not ones running and driving with the brakes all having been rebuilt. Most of the hard work on this one has been done. This one is more of a preservation project, instead of a restoration project. Unless that’s what someone wants to do.
I own one of these and have been told there are fewer than 20 of them in existence in the New Yorker trim level. The interior and dash are eye candy. Fluid drive works surprisingly well although it is a heavy car and would not describe it as peppy. Many in this body style got modified because of the look.
I would suggest a restoration because none of the restomods I have seen are an improvement on the original.
Doremonger, Yes, it would be sacrilege to change this original and well running straight eight. Dropping a Hemi in it doesn’t compute with this survivor.
Doremonger, we’re you able to check the tire sizes on the radials you have on your Chrysler?
Sorry, have not made it out there yet.
Beautiful car…looks like it’s going 85 just standing still.
Also the interior is a Highlander style, also rare, and was not aware it was offered in the New Yorker.
It is hard to believe that that bright red interior is correct. If red, a darker shade. Tell me if wrong.
Dave, the interior paint was done by previous owner when he replaced seat and door card upholstery. Resanding and repainting dash would be a big job. Only for a serious buyer to worry about.
Agree with the BIN price being about double the FMV. Too many items just needs this, or sorting out or minor repair.
I generally love the swoopy fast back styling from this era, especially the sedanettes, but this one looks really odd with the huge snout (and tail). What a lot of metal to move a couple of people!!
Not a fan of the fire-engine-red dashboard repaint. The original would have been much more muted.
The interior paint was done by previous owner when he had the seat and door cards redone. A big job. You’re welcome to resand it and repaint it if you want.
The whole interior is fire engine red. Too bad, imo…
This is a rare one. Most folks who needed a business coupe would have opted for the less expensive Windsor model.
That interior – isn’t the dash supposed to be wood grained?
Nice car, though.
No the dash wasn’t ever woodgrained as far as I know in 1948
Dennys N, many Windsor models had the straight 6s some had the larger 8s, but only special orders. But Windsor and New Yorkers shared many other parts, if they were 8s.
You couldn’t get the 8 in a Windsor, you had to step up to the Saratoga or New Yorker, which were built on a 6 inch longer wheelbase and were 6 inches longer overall to accommodate the 8 cyl engine’s additional length. The extra length was entirely forward of the cowl, which is why the proportions of this “long nose” car look “off” teamed with the small passenger compartment.
As for a wood-grained dash the ’48 Windsor Traveler’s dash was mostly woodgrain. My folks had one in the ’50s.
There are a lot of interesting observations about this one. The interior is quite striking in the red Highlander pattern cloth and leather (or vinyl). It appears to have replaced what was original to the car I believe. Is it correct? I don’t know but it looks great and contrasts with with the black exterior. The paint is not as good a condition as the interior but I would have to live with it because it would be a very expensive undertaking to repaint. To me the paint lets the car down and undermines the seller’s ask as being show quality in amount and only driver quality in actuality. I would be seriously interested in buying this car if the price was more like $15,000. That would be my best offer. And I would have to conduct an inspection and the car would have to be mostly turn key for me to complete the deal. One thing that I noticed is that the under hood pictures show the battery disconnected and one post has what appears to be a battery maintenance cable on the positive ground. Probably not a big deal but it’s a question that may have a simple answer. This car looks like it was in storage under a cover and then driven outside for more pictures. I hope this is the case because for the money it needs to be mechanically sound all around and drive like it is supposed to. I have actually been casually looking for a Chrysler business coupe of this vintage for a some time now. The last time I saw one for sale was around seven years ago up in New England. I couldn’t connect with the seller and then the listing was discontinued. These are rare birds for sure but people who actually want to buy them aren’t exactly standing in line waving cash either. For now I will just watch.
I think I would have painted the dash black to match the outside, and redone the seats and door cards with medium beige or light brown leather.
I think you’re right, if it were yours you could chose to do with it anything you like. Burgundy maybe a better choice. But too late to redo seats and door cards my friend
Most of the exterior paint is original, unless it was repainted decades ago. Car has been garage kept most all its life, I do use a battery tender on the 6 volt battery , and cables were removed in some cases, just for photos and moving around. Sorry but BIN price is what it is
I understand. Thanks for clarifying. I can only justify what I feel it’s worth to me. I hope you get what you anticipated. I think that this is a really neat vehicle but it needs some TLC to get it to where I want. Anyway, GLWTS.
No such thing as “clear coat” in ’48 I think.
I’m sure in its long life that it was resprayed at some point after it rolled from factory in 1948
Then why call it “original paint” Heck?
Worth owning just to go cruising with a “Mine’s Bigger” bumper sticker.
Peter Griffin from Family Guy had a similar car,,,
Very interesting Chrysler, but it’s just a museum piece. Driving this on today’s roads would get you killed.
Not true. I can drive my ‘47 New Yorker business coupe 60-65 without pushing it and it is a straight and smooth ride.
On price, since these rarely come up for auction, hard to know what market is, but I have seen $36-65k for restored ones. The exterior paint is a lot to take on, but having an intact and good interior is a big plus on this one.
If cars could talk……………….
If you drive old cars for the thumbs up, smiles, wide eyes, and slack jaws, this is your car. I drove mine to a gas station, and a man ran across the parking lot, gave me a big hug, and said “I’m from Detroit and that’s how we do it right there.“
Doremonger, could you please post a picture here of you 47 New Yorker?
Here it is
OMG, she’s gorgeous! I didn’t want to spend the money sanding and repainting mine, one because it’s more money and two, some people would have protested if it didn’t have survivor paint. You can never please everyone.
Doremonger, did you update to Radial tires, I found that 205-75 R15s and 225 75-R15s work and smaller size fits better in rear tire wells. Coker and others sell the 2 1/2 ” whitewall radials
Doremonger. It looks like Radial tire replacements for these are either 205/75/R15s or 225/75/R15s. With smaller size fitting better in rear tire wells. Does that sound right to you?
Will check next time I am out where it is located. May be a few days.
Outstanding!
That is a pretty beast. I would cruz that and smile big
Looks like Jimmy Durante should have owned it!
Doremonger, gorgeous car. Thanks for posting this photo. What interior does yours have?
Wool fabric seats but otherwise similar. I think they have painted over the chrome insert on the radio and a few other small chrome bezels on this one, so the dash on mine has more contrast. But it is primarily a painted metal dash with chrome accents and the large chrome radio plate in the center. A very beautiful art deco looking dash and interior.
Doremonger, the previous owner didn’t paint over the entire chrome bezel around the radio, but he did paint over a small grill in front of speaker. The bright red paint wouldn’t have been my choice, but it does match the red on the Highlander seats and door cards.
I would add the Highlander interiors are very handsome also. They just went overboard on the use of red on this one. Probably a pretty easy fix.
Another pic of the chrome bezel around radio and clock
There is some additional chrome trim around the gauge cluster that has been painted over. Again, not a hard fix. Also, I may have misspoken and the speaker cover on the radio may have been painted originally.
I understand what the prior owner was trying to accomplish, just went overboard on the red in my opinion. Probably the cheapest fix would be to swap out the red carpet for a contrasting color.
The previous owner installed red carpet for this car thats not period correct. It should be a charcoal or black, composite material. And that would look better with the Higlander interior seats and door cards.
Doremanger, I repainted the speaker cover on the 48 New Yorker business coupe, and it did help. You’re correct the carpet should be charcoal or black. These older radios were probably ran by vac tubes and speaker needs replacing as well.
Yes this is a very rare model in the club coupe for sure and looks to be in pretty good shape for the year. I believe they are asking too much this is a lot of money for a car that probably needs more work than meets the eye… just because something is rare and low production does not Merritt putting an overprice on it, last year I saw a nice 1948 convertible for 7000 less in better shape and worth more than this coupe. don’t get me wrong love these cars 41-49 but simply asking price is too deep you can easily tie up 10-20 k in this vehicle to bring it to a substantial status…
Previous owners have already sunk $10-20k into this rare, 3 window New Yorker business coupe. And all the hard work has been done. Brakes, fuel and Spark, or electrical. Very few have survived to this condition. If you find another example for a cheaper price, that’s non running and stopping, youll be spending more to get it driving again, maybe you should have bought that convertible when you had the chance.
My Kingdom For $25K. Sell My Clothes, I’m Going To Heaven!
Is this a re-listing?
Nice car.
I had a Dodge version of the same car.
However what were they thinking to have redone the interior in red.
Worst of all was to paint the dash in red that is the biggest sacrilege.
They spent all that time and money but Never redid to roof liner.
It is old and saggy, looks like it has water spots in places on the liner.
Looks like they did a quick rebuild to get it running on some items but not all.
Overall a nice car but not worth the 25k.
With all that still needs to be done to it, gauges, gas tank, Speedo.
The paint is questionable.
In it’s current condition I’d say 10k-15k at best.
What would really have been sacrilege, is if the car itself had been painted red. The only reason I can see is that the previous owner felt it matched the Highlander upholstery done on seat and door cards. Replacing the carpet with original charcoal or black would tone things down and be a fairly easy fix. The intact headliner is original and like a person at 77 years old, without having a niptuck, may look old and saggy. Replacing headliner would involve removing front and rear glass and replacing the rubber seals. Not cheap, or easy.
Is this being converted to an auction?
Yes, I relisted it as an auction lowering the reserve, but they still have BIN at same price
Wonderful car but for the price it seems like the seller could apply for a duplicate title and save the new owner a hassle.
Denny N, Many states don’t require titles on vintage cars of this age, only a bill of sale in order to register them. NJ and PA are the worse about requiring them.
I wondered about the lack of a title myself. I’ve never investigated that issue with a car of this vintage here in Florida. Looks like I need to educate myself!
BTW, that’s a very nice car.
Exactly!
why the long face….
If that’s original paint, what we see on the trunk lid is NOT failed clear coat. ‘Don’t recall that clear coat showed up much earlier than 1980. What has happened to this dash is nothing less than sheer travesty. The red, I mean PIMP CAR RED, paint shot thoughtlessly on the speaker grill, as well as the stainless steel grill “cloth” behind, no doubt hit the speaker too. It has been noted that the speaker needs replacing, which, given it’s age, is not surprising, but that coat of red paint can hardly have done it any good. The Highlander red was, IIRC, more like a burgundy color.
Otherwise, of course these cars originally had elegant faux wood dash boards, and I look in vain for them in all the restored or refurbished Chrysler products circa 1935-52 that I come across. It appears that about 99% of them have simply been repainted. I believe that would be correct for the convertibles. But IIRC, these Chrysler glove box doors, for example, were finished in a rich burl walnut. Faux? Yes! High quality, looking elegant? Yes yes!
If the billious red paint here, and the matching upholstery, was intended to match the original Highlander colors and textures, we can only record an utterly tasteless failure. How amusing it is to hear: “A long list of recent updates makes this even more appealing: fresh electrical components including points, condenser, distributor rotor, spark plug wires, coil, and battery; a rebuilt carburetor and fuel pump; and cleaned fuel lines and fuel tank. It’s the kind of thoughtful mechanical attention that keeps a postwar straight-eight running smoothly.” Of course, it’s true, but hey, folks, this is nothing more than routine maintenance – nothing that a good professional mechanic couldn’t accomplish in less than two days with less than $200 worth of parts. Is this supposed to make this car more attractive? Is this the “hard work” leaving only the easy body and interior work? And what serious car guy is going to believe that? “Sure, the interior needs work, but wow, the plugs, points, condenser and spark wires have already been replaced!”
It is a wonderful, beautiful, very rare car. But sometimes rarity only reflects the modest demand in the first place. Does it translate into value? This business coupe is NOT to be confused with a club coupe – which I would definitely prefer – regardless of value. This car needs some expensive work just to right the wrongs that have been visited upon it. For a strong-running car with a lovely patinated exterior (which I bet could be buffed out. to a very satisfying gloss) it would be well worth the expense to bring the. interior back to it’s original glow. Does anybody do these correct original faux wood dashboards and window trims anymore?
Seriously, best of luck to the seller in this auction. We all seem to respect the value and uniqueness of this car. Let us hope that it will recover its original elegance.
Allen, Having a bad day are we? Rebuilding the carburetor and fuel pump was a little more than $200 in parts, as well as the thorough tuneup. All wheel cylinders and lines were replaced as well as the shoes and hardware along with the Master cylinder. Front wheel bearings were also replaced and repacked. As well as all lug studs on each wheel.So yeah, a little more than $200 in parts, and yes, the 323 straight eight runs beautifully.
Have seen no faux grain interiors in these. Yes, the prior owner went crazy with the paint gun here, but since you would probably want to redo the interior chrome on this one anyway that can be fixed at the same time.
On value, these seem to be higher than the club coupe. There are people who really like the exaggerated features of a business coupe and are okay with a one seater. So many were turned into hot rods and restomods it contributes to why survivors are so rare. How many cars can you wear your fedora in and look perfectly in place?
Thanks Doremonger, it seems the only Chrysler models that had any woodgrain, or wood trim on the dash and interiors were the Town and Country. The New Yorkers were finished in painted steel with the Art Deco chrome accents. But at least this one is still intact with its radio, clock and chrome. Most color patterns used were dark maroons, greens and tans. And I never represented this survivor being sold in restored condition. Repainting its dash and trim could be done by someone in a home shop, if that’s something they wish to do.
Doremonger also did some more research and wood or faux woodgrain trim was done in the Town and Country and Imperial level Chryslers. New Yorkers trim imteriors were painted steel.
Allen, for your information, youre absolutely wrong, New Yorker models of this year did not have faux wood grain or wood dashes, they were finished in painted steel. Only the Town and Country and Imperial models had woodgrain or wood interior trim. So before attacking someone at least know what you’re talking about. You’re not even a serious buyer in this car and if you were, you would know you could repaint the interior yourself in a home shop. And if you dont know how you pay someone who does know. I never represented this car as in restored condition, but survivor condition. All chrome, radio, clock and bezels are intact.
I am just going to chime in with some of my thoughts on the comments about this car that have been added since it was re-listed with a lower reserve. The main thing I would like to say is that we all have our opinions,likes and dislikes. I happen to find the business coupe body style compelling. Always have and always will. This Chrysler version to me is the epitome of the genre. I like the long trunk and even longer hood on this one. As to the particular interior color; I would not have done it this way myself; yet as I said before, I do find it attractive in contrast to the black exterior. I have always appreciated the Highlander style. Others may find the red to be too ostentatious. This may have an effect on a potential buyer’s decision as to the price they will pay for the car. As they say; to each their own.
I would also like to point out that this 77 year old girl is still a perfectly capable road car. With this engine having very useable torque and the fluid drive transmission essentially providing overdrive this will easily hold its own around town and on the freeway. With modern radials installed, it will track and maneuver with more grace than one might expect. Even the old style drum brakes with two wheel cylinders each on the front end (a great Chrysler example of ahead of its time engineering) will stop adequately if one is willing to drive with attention. The seller and previous owners have obviously shown this rare bird some love and hopefully its next caretaker will continue to do the same. I wish it could be me but alas money has interfered with my aspirations before. GLWTS.
H C – First of all, I had that coming. I owe you an apology. In my childhood recollections I did not recall a ’48 Chrysler without a wood-grain dash. My error lies in my failure to question the accuracy of my own recollections. I do have clear recollections of two stunning ’47-48 Chryslers with eye-popping faux wood-grain dashboards. Perhaps many others I might have seen without these have faded from memory. Anyway, I should not have relied on childhood memories. Also, it now occurs to me that some of these cars had a faux marble effect in the plastic – which I may have confused with the “burl walnut” I mentioned earlier.
OTOH: I was not “absolutely” wrong either. The [horrible] photo above shows the dash of a New Yorker fitted with faux wood finished panels on the dash. So perhaps you are partially wrong in asserting that “New Yorker models of this year did not have faux wood grain or wood dashes.” That may be true of most of them, but all? Or am I just trying to make myself feel better, having made a bit of a fool of myself. Or perhaps these panels were aftermarket? The factual error is the easier offense to forgive, not so much my arrogance. I grew up with flathead mopars all around me: my dad, uncles, aunts, cousins, myself – in my love for them I think I confused enthusiasm with knowledge – thinking I knew more about them than I do.
What’s more, I never meant to demean the mechanical work that’s been done on the car. I now suspect that your recitation of work done meant only that the car is still in quite drivable condition – not that these efforts were to be construed as any part of a restoration. Mea Culpa.
Again, my apologies.
One question, please. In my fading memory I don’t recall anything but rubber floor mats – even in New Yorkers. Is that right, or is my imagination overtaking my faded memory? Thanks…
New Yorker interiors were finished and painted steel. Unless they were later customized with inserts. But they didnt come from the factory with that trim. Town and Country models did come in true wood or faux wood interior trim. And the Imperials did come in wood or burled walnut either faux or otherwise trim on the dash and glove box.
Heck,
I posted a lengthy apology a couple hours ago. Since it contained a photo, I had to log in, so if it shows up, it will show my user name: bachldrs. I’m guilty of several errors here, and I thoroughly embarrassed myself. Your car is a fine example of what you clearly described. I, on the other hand, misinterpreted your intentions. Again, sincere apologies!
No worries Allen, I included this pic of a 1948 New Yorker painted steel dash and most colors used were, Maroon, taupe, tan, green and blue. Unfortunately, the prior owner of mine went crazy with the fire engine red paint. I was focused on getting the mechanicals sorted out like carb and fuel pump and basic tuneup, and brakes. But the interior on this car is all intact ie chrome radio and clock and all knobs for accessories. Because it’s not a huge interior, most people could repaint the dash in period correct colors in a home shop setting. And it may be something that I revisit if it doesn’t sell this go around. This car has been well cared for all its long life.
I would keep the car as it is !
A few years ago I bought a ’74 MGB out of Alabama, where antique cars were not titled. It was absolutely no problem to title it in Virginia where I lived at the time. I had the registration and a bill of sale, with which the DMV created a new Virginia title for it while I waited. Nothing to it. They told me most DMVs know what states do and do not title vehicles like this.
A missing title from a state that does title these cars might be a problem – but NOT from a state like Georgia that doesn’t title them. Maybe good to check with your home state DMV to find out what documents you do need, and if any of them need to be notarized. Thus you’re prepared in advance and all will be smooth sailing.
Every time I see a business coupe I keep thinking of traveling salesman jokes. Nonetheless, this a BIG business coupe and if I was in the market I’d take a swing at it. The straight eight along with fluid drive makes it nice, and a hood and trunk that go on forever? What would the traveling salesman be selling with one of these, furniture? How can you not like this?
Because, Henry it’s paint is original as far as I know, but in its 77 years on this planet, it’s probably been repsrayed once or twice. Like in the 1950s, 60s or 70s by previous owners. Geez