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Family Hotrod: 1965 Chrysler New Yorker Wagon

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Heavily optioned, and plenty big enough for any family, this New Yorker wagon once was powered by a 426 Hemi 4 speed manual drivetrain combo. The drivetrain is missing, but this wagon is in excellent condition as it only spent the first 9 years of its life on the road. Still sporting 3 pedals, and a stick shift console the mind wanders with ideas for a drivetrain swap. Although the $5,000 price tag may not be the best bargain the condition of this wagon is fantastic making the price seem not so bad. Find it here on craigslist out of Kansas City, Missouri.

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We don’t know if there are any other New Yorker wagons that have this nice of an interior. The only apparent flaw is the split in the driver seat. The rest of the interior is fantastic, and is pretty much perfect. The rear mounted roof top air conditioning unit is still present. The headliner looks brand new, it is obvious this car was well taken care of in its hibernation. The body looks clean and straight and the maroon, with trim bits has an appealing look. The five slot mags hint at this wagons hotrod past. Behind the Fenton wheels are upgraded brakes and there is also a sure-grip differential installed. There are no engine bay or underside photos of this wagon, but it looks solid. The paint is even presentable, and with a pro detailer at the helm of a buffer, this wagon would be sharp.

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When it comes to Mopars you either like them or you don’t, but we like this New Yorker wagon. It is a well optioned wagon, and is ready for a swap. It can carry 9 passengers, and would be a great way to get the family involved in going to classic car events, and even on long road trips. What engine would you put in this New Yorker wagon, and where would you road trip to?

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    I AM the 1st to comment, what an honor. According to “Automobile Catalog”, the ’65 New Yorker never had a hemi. The usual engine was the 413. The 4 speed is definitely unique, although, a little out of character here. Great styling ( I’d lose the mags) bullet-proof mechanicals, some of the best Chrysler’s made. A Hemi? IDK, possibly for shock value, but I’d go with a more user friendly 318. Chrysler had such cool dashboards. And you can haul 10 sheets of plywood in the back, like my old man used to. Cool find.

    Like 2
    • Avatar JoeR

      Tach it up, tach it up!

      Like 1
      • HoA Howard A Member

        Hi Joe, cool Beach Boys reference, although, I hardly think they were talking about a Chrysler station wagon. ( fuel injected Sting Ray, as the song goes)

        Like 2
      • Avatar JoeR

        Howard,

        Reference was to the 413 (that was really diggin’ in.)

        Beach Boys might have been referring to a 62 super stock dart, but there were a a number of wagons being campaigned on the track at the time, mostly Pontiacs and most notably Arnie Beswick’s SD421, along with other dealer branded wagons, like Royal.

        The song doesn’t mention what the 413 was in, nor does it mention who won the street race.

        Like 1
      • HoA Howard A Member

        Hi Joe, I thought the “413” was referring to the rear gear ratio,( 413 really diggin’ in) but it seems, they were referring to the Super Stock Dart they were racing with their fuel-injected Sting Ray.

        Like 1
      • Avatar Yellowjax Member

        I just got it. After all these years, the tach it up part of the song. Duh!!

        Like 2
    • Avatar Oingo

      I agree with everything except I would go for a 360 much more performance options both factory and aftermarket available and higher torque output

      Like 0
      • Avatar Dave Wright

        I don’t remember ever seeing one of this vintage Chryslers with a small block…….maby a big block 360……….

        Like 1
    • Avatar Craig

      318,,,,,,,,,,,,,, NOOOOOO, mild 440 stump puller with F.I., automatic overdrive & every other present day convenience item, keep the mags but lose the WSW tires.

      Like 2
    • Avatar DRV

      It’s a military spec station wagon. It’s overbuilt to the max. My college car was a yellow one with a 383.
      When I jacked up the right rear with the bumper jack it lifted the whole side. It was scary with all that in the air with a bumper jack! The wheel studs were reverse threaded. The studs were coated with copper so nuts didn’t rust on. It must be the best demolition derby vehicle ever made .

      Like 1
      • Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

        No way this was a US Military vehicle. The US Dept of Defense always has put out requests for competitive bidding, publishing the basic requirements for the vehicle in question [like 6 cylinder, automatic, 4-door, no radio or carpets, etc.].

        If the “lowest bidder” military contract for vehicles was won by Chrysler Corporation, it would have been for base model Plymouth wagons. If it was won by GM it would have been for Chevy Biscayne wagons. Fords would have been Ranch Wagons. AMC/Rambler often got the low bid and they were for Matadors.

        As I recall from my days in the Army, all I remember seeing [for 1965 wagons] were O.D. Green Ranch Wagons. If my memory is right, Chrysler didn’t get a low bid contract for cars in the 1960s except for 1961 and 1969.

        Like 0
      • Avatar DRV

        I was referring to the build quality and not literally a military spec car. A Tongue in cheek that didn’t translate well. Sorry .

        Like 1
  2. Avatar Steven Visek

    Saying the car once had a hemi swapped into it but has since been removed, is about the same as saying that once upon a time there was a million dollars in gold put in the cargo area. If it wasn’t there originally and isn’t there now….who cares?

    Like 3
    • Avatar David

      Yes it’s 100% worth mentioning and bet it’s the reason it was put on Barn finds and has so much interest. It led me here because that’s really neat to have a vision to put it back the way it was so good job on sellers part to address the former Hemi and bet that’s what will sell it!

      Like 0
    • Avatar SamM

      I would say a plus would be that a hemi would bolt back in, making an interesting car. The problem is that since the hemi was in there, someone switched it back to a 413. Then the 413 disappeared, so,,, no real upside.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar al8apex

    cool car, looks like it has EVERY option, even a vinyl roof, which was very rare on wagons

    Assuming the body is as clean as it appears, mark this one well bought

    Like 1
    • Avatar mat

      Even power vent windows!? They didn’t leave a single option unchecked.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar erikj

    -I learned to love wagons as they are so popular.This one ,I would do a 440/4spd as they are easy to get and this wagon deserves a big block.

    Like 2
    • Avatar SamM

      My thoughts exactly.

      Like 2
  5. Avatar Matt Member

    I am a mopar guy, but not in the conventional sense, where most guys gravitate to the muscle cars, i go towards wagons. They can be anything you need them to be, a family wagon, or something to drive to work/school every day. Not to mention, the endless room inside! As of now, i don’t own one, but my family did, sadly we had financial trouble and sold it.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar whippeteer

    Sure, the car may have had a hemi in it at some time. Added after it was built and removed for their last project. The same goes for the transmission. These only came with the 413 and an auto.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar whippeteer

    Previous ad for the car: http://classiccarsmark.com/chrysler/70471-1965-chrysler-new-yorker-station-wagon.html

    Supposedly converted to 426 Hemi and standard at the dealership in 1966. Previous seller offered it with a 413.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar 68 custom

    that is totally cool, and I am not a mopar guy. but I do love wagons and something about a loaded 4 speed wagon really does it for me. this would be cool with a late model hemi/ 6 speed swap!

    Like 2
  9. Avatar jimjim

    Is there any way to confirm that this was originally a 4-speed car from the trim tag or otherwise? This has a really well-designed, luxurious looking interior.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Junkfixer

      Yes. Lines 3 & 4 (which are read vertically) of the fender I.D. tag would provide the answer. Specifically, for 1965 (and other yrs) the “D” code option specifies transmission. D1 = 3 spd manual. D2 = 3 spd manual H/D. D3 = 4 spd manual. D5 = Torqueflite A727. This car has “D5” on it’s I.D. tag.

      Like 2
  10. Avatar flmikey

    …is it me, or wouldn’t a nice pistol-grip shifter sticking out of the console look amazing? And I would not put a hemi in it…a 440 would do….

    Like 0
  11. Avatar VR LIVES

    I would throw a Hellcat powertrain into the beast and have the fastest grocery-getter in town. The look on people’s faces when they realized their hot rod was dust would be priceless. I never thought a station wagon would get my blood pumping, and I was wrong.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Dave Wright

    My dad had a 68 that looked much like this. It was purchased new by one of my university of Idaho professors. It was an experimental car that had a 470 cubic inch engine, the deal was that it would be followed by the factory and they would eventually swap the engine back to the normal 440. My dad did not care for the 440 that was in it when we got it so changed it out to a 383. I think the 470 was a Hemi but it was a long time ago and can not remember for certain. Old Doc Larrison (the professor that bought it new) loved playing with people on the street…….it was incredibly fast, even when filled with collage students.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Ben T Spanner

    I had a 1966 Newport wagon with a lot fewer options. Backup lights were deleted. The stainless steel blanking plates probably cost more than the missing lights. Thw wiring was there.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Roselandpete

    I don’t know about the quality but I always liked that year’s styling. I had a neighbor who bought a new one way back then and he got rid of it after two weeks.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Bill

    Great car 🚗, I’m thinking a 440 would serve justice with a four speed transmission… how could you go wrong but a 318..nah

    Like 1
  16. Avatar jimjim

    If there is really some documentation that this had a hemi installed at the dealership, I’d put it back that way. Alternatively, I’d put no new motor in it and cut two big holes in the wheel wells and dress up as Fred and Wilma.

    Like 0
    • Avatar jimjim

      I meant to say foot wells, not wheel wells.

      Like 0
  17. Avatar RNR

    While the grille is from a sport series 300, the bucket seat pattern is New Yorker. You can’t tell if the 4 speed was a dealer conversion without looking at the floor pan or fender tag, but there is a good chance that this was a console shifted 4 speed 413 car – plenty rare stuff.

    As for the former engine swap, if you’re going to claim your car once had the most powerful plant Chrysler made in ’66, why stop at the Hemi…..go with the Saturn 1B!!!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Junkfixer

      Photo of the fender I.D. tag is included in a previous ad for the car (helpfully provided by commenter whippeteer). It was a D5 car when new: A727.

      Like 0
  18. Avatar SamM

    I absolutely love these, always have. The manual trans setup is a major plus. Like so many have commented before me, 440 but with a T-56, Stock wheels (or wider steelies) or factory sport wheels, and load the family in. This is actually a 7 passenger car with the buckets (2+3+2) but that works perfectly for my clan. 7 of us in all.

    Like 1
  19. Avatar M B

    I concur with an earlier post, the C-body cars did NOT ever have a HEMI (or any generation) in them, at least after 1958. The “console” appears to be period correct, though, as do the pedals. IF this car really was a 4-speed from the factory, it would be VERY rare, BUT the underhood Data Plate would also verify what it left the factory with.

    Chrysler wagons were “Town & Country”, not “Newport, 300 or New Yorker” models. The interior trim was not exactly the same as a New Yorker, but usually could be nicer than a Newport. Again, the Data Plate and VIN would nail that model info — a very neat thing about Chrysler products back then!

    I concur a missing powertrain is just that. It also opens up “the canvas” somewhat, but also makes it harder to put it back correct, although it could be “reasonably correct” with a 440 that looks like a 413. Some 15×6 Magnum 500s would not be correct for the wagons, but would be neat. And those VentShades!!! And side marker reflectors!!!

    Would be a good car to use to build from!

    Other than those details! Looks like a neat car to refurbish/restore!

    Like 0
  20. Avatar stillrunners

    what’s not to like for a mopar fan…..my C body Polara wagon hauled with just a Commando 383….

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

    Reminds me of a 1961 New Yorker 4-door hardtop wagon, also a loaded car with dual A/C, this car had a Chrysler 300F hi-po 413 w/dual 4bbl carbs. It was also ordered with the French 4-speed Pount-a-mousson transmission. Sadly, I believe the car was junked.

    Chrysler was known for allowing personal orders if it was possible to built it. In 1973 I ordered a B-200 Tradesman van with 318 V8, and the rare-for-73 4-speed overdrive trans that came out very late in the model year. I also ordered the van with Factory A/C [At $450 the A/C cost 12% of the total cost of the van], and factory cruise control.

    On delivery, the cruise was fully operational, except the fuse was not installed. A hand written note taped to the turn signal/cruise control lever, it said to remember to push on the brake pedal to disengage the cruise before pushing in the clutch or the engine would over rev. I installed a duplicate brake switch on the clutch pedal to prevent that problem.

    Had been to the Ford & GMC dealerships, they would not order stick shift & cruise, & insisted I get auto trans with A/C. Dodge dealer said if it’s not prohibited on the order form, they could order it!

    Like 1
  22. Avatar Gear Head Engineer

    I love wagons, and this thing is cool. Prior, unsubstantiated hemi history claims mean nothing to me. The third pedal is interesting, but in this barge I think I’d prefer an auto. I’d opt for a modern hemi.

    – John

    Like 2
  23. Avatar Bobsmyuncle

    How can one question $5000?! That’s nothing for this car.

    Like 1
  24. Avatar Woodie Man

    Thats American dollars BMU……lol

    Like 0
  25. Avatar GRAY WOLF

    Set up for a Hemi ,put in a Hemi! Already set up that work is done! 440 same mounts as Hemi? Would be a unique piece. How many will you see at a cruise-in? Not many! Couple of surfboards hanging on as you blow past the high dollar imports! WHOA DUDE!

    Like 1
  26. Avatar Joe Haska

    I will be day dreaming today, about how cool this car could be!

    Like 1
    • Avatar 68 custom

      it already is cool ! it just needs an engine and tranny to make it even cooler ! late model hemi/6 speed with pistol grip would be ideal IMO.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Loco Mikado

      I will be too. These cars better highway cruisers than anything built in the last 30-35 years. Comfort-these cars ooze it, kick back at 80-90 on the interstate and arrive at your destination not all worn out. Keep the period style mags and tire size. Install front disks and dual master cylinder(came with single) would be the only upgrades outside of eng\trans and normal wear items.

      Like 0
  27. Avatar Ck

    Throw a 360 in it so you can aford the gas to take her on a road trip up rt 66 with the whole family.Even aunt Edna would fit nicely on the roof rack. Put a 4spd with a pistol grip in her just cuz its kool and definitely leave the wheels on and hit the road . This wagon is way kool I would love to have it.

    Like 0
  28. Avatar RoughDiamond

    Looks like the current seller even pirated most of the exact wording from the old listing. Cool old wagon though and I imagine back in the day was pricey with all those options.

    Like 0
  29. Avatar Jammerz

    Believe it or not, back in 65 and 66 you might have gotten a hemi in this car. The chrysler corp was sticking them in what ever the customer wanted to meet the numbers for nascar. I have seen a few cars that chrysler never made(or so they say) with hemi’s. How about a 65 four door fury with one? I dont remember the issue, but mopar muscle did a spread on some of these oddball creations. I believe. They mentioned a 66 polara wagon with one 2.

    Like 1
  30. Avatar MDCustom

    Are we sure that we aren’t looking at a 1965 Chrysler 300 wagon? The grille is the same as was on the 300, and as far as I am aware was the only year and model to have the glass over the headlights with the lines etched in them. It also appears to have “300” in the centre of the red star.
    My dad has had one of these grilles in the attic of our garage for about 40 years. It is still there.
    There also seems to be 300 on the nameplate on the rear quarter panel. Anyone have a clearer image of that emblem?

    Like 1
  31. Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

    MD Custom;
    I’ll bet some enterprising guy took a loaded New Yorker Wagon with a bad engine, and a parts car 300 hardtop, installed the engine & 4-speed, along with the stick shift equipment, console and seats from the 300. I would bet that the bucket seat backs will tilt forward! Also added were the 300 emblems & grill. As pointed out earlier, the D5 indicates the original trans was a 727 automatic. All the ’65 Chryslers had glass headlight covers, as did the imperial. The covers were dropped for 1966 due to new DOT regulations forbidding glass in front of the headlights, as it could cause snow to build up in front of the lights. Same law that caused Jaguar to remove the glass covers on the XKE, and Citroen to create US spec only front lights without covers, for the DS21.

    Like 0
    • Avatar MDCustom

      Bill, thanks for the extra info on the grille, although I doubt someone would go to all that trouble swapping parts like that. I get the idea behind swiping parts to make a ‘tribute’ car but, to make a 300 Wagon?? Why? I know, I know, you never can tell with some people….

      The other point you brought up re: DOT reg changes- Jeep guys are having trouble with LED headlight because the snow freezes up on them from little to no heat output from the LEDs. We’ll see how long those stay legal before regs change.

      Like 0
  32. Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

    MDCustom,
    The changes could have been made when new by the selling dealer, much like the custom Mustangs & F-150 trucks by companies like Hennesy.

    The first time I’ve heard of this happening is from 1956. A new Packard dealership [Dubois Packard in Arlington, VA] opened up in late 1954 but was unable to get Caribbean hardtops or convertibles, because those cars were allocated to dealers based on previous years sales figures.

    What to do? Harry Dubois took 20* standard Packard 400 hardtops [and one sedan], then installed Caribbean trim, hood, twin carbs, twin rear fender antennas, and put their own Esquire script logo on the front fenders & trunk lid. These cars are known as Packard Esquires, and are highly collectible today. To learn more about the Dubois Esquire story, look here:
    https://56packardman.com/2016/09/06/gear-head-tuesday-the-packard-esquire/

    *20 hardtops are said to have been built, but the number could be more. I remember when my friend Russel found the Esquire sedan in Virginia, at first no one believed the car was real!

    I’ve attached a photo of a local Esquire hardtop

    Like 0

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