The Newport was Chrysler’s entry-level, full-size model for 20 years, from 1961 to 1981. The generation from 1969 to 1973 featured “fuselage” styling with a wraparound look from most vantage points. The seller has a 1973 Newport Custom Coupe, which carried a higher level of trim than the “regular” Newport. Located under a carport in Eastside, Washington, this Mopar is a cosmetic and mechanical project and appears to have been stationary for some time. It’s available here on craigslist for $1,500, so it could also serve as a parts car.
These Chryslers were big cars, riding on the same 124-inch wheelbase as the luxurious New Yorker. The Newport enjoyed a moderate boost in sales from 1972 to 1973, but demand fell off a cliff in 1974 as buyers began to shift to smaller cars due to turmoil in the oil markets (and rising gasoline prices). Out of 154,000 total Newports assembled in 1973, more than 12,000 were Custom 2-door hardtops like this one.
From the looks of things, someone began work on this 1973 Newport but stopped some time ago. It may have 110,000 (or even 210,000) miles and has a 440 cubic inch big-block engine under the hood. Original or not, it only cranks at this stage but does not start. A TorqueFlite automatic transmission is its trusty companion. With engine detuning for lower emissions, the 440s of the 1970s weren’t as powerful as before, but they loved to consume fuel.
Some bodywork appears to have been initiated, given that half the car wears old gold paint and the rest some form of primer. We’re told that plenty of bodywork is needed, but the old Chrysler is fairly straight overall. The interior is also a mess, especially the driver’s front seat, which is held together by contrasting black duct tape. If you were to restore this old Newport, you’d probably have the only one like it in your hood. Kudos for the tip, “Curvette”.
A 440 with a 2bbl? Hmm. It has cruise control, those parts could be sold.
That has to be the 400 B engine. The 440 never had a 2bbl