You know a 1942 automotive anything isn’t too common considering that domestic auto manufacturers mostly ceased production at the beginning of the year and transformed themselves into military contractors necessary to meet the challenge imposed by American involvement in World War II. But thanks to T.J., today, for your review we have a 1942 Chrysler New Yorker four-door sedan. Considered to be very original, this stainless trim-laden sedan is located in Estancia, New Mexico and is available, here on craigslist for $3,500.

To put things in perspective, Chrysler manufactured 161K automobiles in ’41 and just 36K in ’42 – a 78% reduction due to the war effort. The lineup for ’42 included the large series (127.5″ wheelbase) New Yorker and Saratoga, and the smaller series (121.5″ wheelbase) Windsor and Royal. Besides the four-door sedan, New Yorkers were available in a four-door “Town Sedan”, a two-door Brougham, a three-passenger coupe, a Club Coupe (with a back seat), and convertible body styles. A wood-trimmed Town & Country station wagon was part of the lineup, too.

While primer and surface rust abound, the body of this 82-year-old New Yorker appears to be sound. The paint disappearing act is haphazard though it has adversely affected the entire exterior and not just the horizontal surfaces. The extensive stainless steel trim, however, has held up surprisingly well – it still shines and all appears to be attached. There is a grease pencil marking on the windshield proclaiming “sold” – not sure what that’s all about.

This New Yorker’s powerplant is a 140 HP, 323 CI, in-line, flathead eight-cylinder engine that is not stuck but doesn’t run. The included image shows a complete but tired-looking engine bay and the seller states that this Chrysler has been sitting for 40 years – that’s probably the last time it motivated. Backing up the iron “chunk” prime mover is a “Fluid Drive” assisted three-speed manual transmission.

There’s no other way to say it but the interior is an unfortunate mess. The instrument panel in the ’42 New Yorker was typical for the era, a work of art – not anymore in this case. Beyond that, the upholstery and door panels are just trashed, it looks like a pack of weasels was let loose and has continually dined on the upholstery during this car’s 40-year siesta. As for the floors, it’s difficult to tell if there is still a covering in place or if the image is of the bare pan. The entire environment will need a complete makeover.

The likely market for this car? I do not know – perhaps there isn’t one. It’s really nothing special, just one of 7K New Yorker standard sedans produced in the 1942 truncated model year – and that may be this car’s most notable characteristic. The seller concludes with, “Needs restoration although very complete for the most part.” Got it, anyone up for the challenge?