Drive it Home: 1960 Chrysler New Yorker Hardtop

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Some people have a natural aversion to the cold, meaning it takes something pretty special to lure them away from their warm environment. Perhaps this 1960 Chrysler New Yorker Hardtop could be the ideal bait. It is an extraordinarily clean and tidy classic that is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It isn’t the warmest location on the planet at this time of year, but the fact that this Chrysler started life in Arizona demonstrates that heading from warm to cooler climes is possible. The buyer could fly in, hand over their cash, and drive this Chrysler home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the New Yorker listed here on Craigslist. They set their price at C$44,995, which is equivalent to approximately US$32,000.

Chrysler’s New Yorker badge dates back to 1938, although it came of age following the end of World War II. It soldiered on gamely until the company retired the New Yorker in 1996. Vehicles produced between 1960 and 1964 were the last to feature Virgil Exner’s distinctive “forward look” styling that largely defined American vehicles during the late 1950s. Therefore, it features long, low, and sleek lines, along with the fins and the “Flitesweep” deck lid. It presents beautifully in a combination of Alaskan White and Toreador Red. There are no significant faults or defects, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The Chrysler has led a sheltered life since finding its way from Arizona to its current location three decades ago. That makes its rust-free status unsurprising. The trim looks exceptional, and there are no glass issues.

As a luxury model, it would be fair to expect this New Yorker’s interior to be nicely appointed. It doesn’t disappoint, with the buyer receiving power windows, a power front seat, and a Golden Tone radio with an optional rear speaker. It isn’t merely the luxury touches that help this classic to stand out, because the presentation is first-rate. The Black and Red upholstered surfaces look so close to perfect that it really doesn’t matter. The carpet is excellent, protected by a set of genuine “Forward Look” mats. The two-tone wheel is one highlight, but the gauge cluster is another. The American public continued to embrace the space race in 1960, and the futuristic cluster would look at home in something from a Buck Rogers movie.

The New Yorker was about more than mere looks because it provided buyers with class-leading performance. Its 413ci V8 churns out an impressive 350hp and 470 ft/lbs of torque. It cements its luxury credentials courtesy of the three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Much is made of the developing muscle car scene during the 1960s, but this New Yorker wouldn’t feel shame in such company. Tipping the scales at 4,350 lbs, it can still cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds on its way to 128mph. The GTO was faster when it broke cover, but those figures demonstrate that the New Yorker almost perfectly combined luxury and performance. The seller indicates that this gem has been meticulously maintained while in their care, and comes with a large collection of literature, records, and invoices. It runs and drives perfectly, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive it home.

Canada is a beautiful place at this time of year, and visiting the country to enjoy the scenery and then driving home in this 1960 Chrysler New Yorker sounds like a fine idea. The company produced 19,390 New Yorkers across all variants in 1960, and while the Convertible and Station Wagons are the rarest, only 2,835 buyers handed over their cash for the two-door Hardtop. That makes this a relatively rare beast, and its overall condition justifies the asking price. So, are you considering making that journey? I will understand if you do.

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Comments

  1. Will Fox

    If only I could. `60 New Yorkers rank high on my desireable Chrysler list! My grandfather had a silver-green one with 4 doors, a white top, & the toilet seat. That’s where I grew to love to “Rosebowl band shell” instrument panel at night with the lights on! This one is in very nice shape. GLWTA

    Like 2
  2. KC

    Nice car but todays buyers are just not into the 50s & early 60s cars, especially at this asking price.

    Like 4
    • Pete Phillips

      I completely disagree with your negative comment. 1910s and 1920s cars, yes, but 1950s and early 1960s cars are still wanted and desired by today’s collectors and hobbyists.

      Like 10
      • KC

        Not a negative comment, just fact.

        Like 0
    • stillrunners stillrunnersMember

      This will go across the pond – they love these over in Europe !

      Like 2
  3. nick

    Fins and a toilet seat – what more could you ask for ?

    Like 3
  4. HCMember

    What a beauty. Probably better to drive it across the Canadian/US border than try to ship it. I did that recently, and it was a headache of epic proportions to ship from Canada. Never again.

    Like 2
    • Bill West

      Importing from Canada, difficulty depends on the broker. In 99 my employer bought a new Mack CH600 from Quebec. Very HD Canadian spec tractor. It made it to the border in 5 days then sat for over 4 months awaiting clearance! All the while he was making payments on it; he finally had enough, had the dealer mail him keys and went up to Rouses Point in the middle of the night and stole his own truck. The officials on the US side had no problem letting him enter, it was HIS truck! It was the broker in Canada that was dragging their feet. But, I’ve also heard stories of getting clearance in days, so it all depends.

      Like 3
      • HCMember

        My broker in Canada was pretty good and expensive and it took about 10-12 days. But it was the pile of paperwork on both ends, seller and buyer including a birth certificate and the cost was about 2 grand. As I said never again for me. Live and learn.

        Like 3
  5. John Frazier

    OMG, what a beauty!

    Like 2
  6. Phil Maniatty

    Greatest instrument panel of all time, especially when lit at night! My dad had a ’60 Windsor 2-door hardtop and, while not as plush as a New Yorker, it was a fine car.

    Like 3
  7. Bub

    A mini tour of some of “Winterpeg’s” landmarks from the comfort of your home. -10,°F today.

    Like 1

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