Chrysler’s financial woes began as the 1970s charged on. They built mostly gasoline-dependent U.S. automobiles and only had Japanese imports to counteract the subcompacts from Chevrolet and Ford. However, if a big car was to your liking, you might have purchased a C-body Chrysler Newport like this one in 1977. It’s been well-maintained and has had only two owners, though it’s been no garage queen at 116,000 miles. Located in Rush City, Iowa, this Copper Metallic survivor is available here on craigslist for $7,500. Our thanks to Jack M. for the tip.
The C-body Chryslers were redesigned for the last time in 1974, right smack in the middle of changing consumer habits. Those changes were prompted by higher gas prices and shortages as a result of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. Car shoppers were looking for vehicles that could deliver twice the fuel mileage they were used to. Chrysler had compact cars in the form of the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare in 1976-80. But they weren’t that fuel efficient and had a list of recalls as long as your arm, which scared buyers over to the competition.
We’re told this Newport has always been garage-kept when not in use and never driven during Winter months. That adds up to a rust-free car from America’s Heartland. We assume the bronze paint is original and is offset by a tan vinyl top. Everything looks to be in order, including what we see of the spacious interior made to accommodate six adults comfortably, though the back seat could use a cleaning.
The vehicle is numbers-matching and sports a 400-cubic-inch V8 with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission (without photos). No mention is made of either having been opened up for repairs, yet the automobile is said to perform nicely. It has quite a few new parts, including the heater core, battery, and tires. If you like big cars, this one is sure to impress at your local Cars & Coffee.
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