Chrysler’s Windsor nameplate stretches back to 1939 when the model was launched to occupy a niche below the New Yorker. By the mid-1940s, the Windsor accounted for 63% of Chrysler’s sales. Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” brought fins to its tail in 1956, and by 1959, those fins were dominating its appearance. Meanwhile, in the engine bay was the new raised block 383 cu. in. V8, with wedge-shaped combustion chambers, a two-barrel carburetor, and 305 hp. Here on Facebook Marketplace is a 1959 Chrysler Windsor two-door coupe, with an asking price of $20,000 firm. The seller has owned this car for 22 years, and it’s located in San Francisco, California. T.J. sent us this finned tip – and it turns out to be a re-run! Barn Finds covered this same car seven years ago here, and this vintage Chrysler must be the only place we haven’t seen inflation, because back then it was listed for the same $20k as today.
This Golden Lion has just 83,000 original miles. Now, that’s the same odometer reading claimed in the ad from seven years ago, so it’s worth asking how this car runs – because the listing avoids answering that question. The motor is paired with Chrysler’s three-speed, push-button Torque-Flite automatic. The underside is straight as a pin. The trunk could use refinishing, but overall, the surfaces are in decent condition, thanks to careful storage.
The interior has the same tear in the driver’s swivel seat, and the seller notes a sag in the dash. After chasing the Windsor up and down its model hierarchy for a few decades, Chrysler settled on situating it below the New Yorker and the Saratoga in 1959. The interior still offered plenty of chrome trim, deep-cushioned seats, optional air conditioning, and cruise control.
The seller notes that the body is free from rust, the chrome is bright, and the paint is good. This car has the new-for-1959 optional “roof outline” – a special panel painted body color inset into a contrasting-color roof. All in all, a decent representative of its breed. Comparables are hard to find. This project car is listed for $5500, but it needs virtually everything. What do you think of the price on this Windsor?
This is a great opportunity to own one of Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler. If as good as it looks, price is reasonable. Can only imagine this climbing a San Francisco hill with the feeling of being launched!
Although I am not a fan of white cars this one checks all of my boxes.
What about my Skylark? (Click on picture.)
If you’re seeking my opinion or interest NOT. Nice car but color kills it for me.
I too cannot stand white cars. I have a 1960 Chrysler 300F and a 1963 Buick Wildcat convertible that were both white, but just had to paint them other colors because white kills it for me as well.
A solid car; late ’50s Mopars were notorious for rusting quickly. You have to look long and hard before finding another one like this. I like this one but I prefer the ’57s more because of their cleaner styling.
I was at Bonneville one year and a finned Desoto drove across the salt. I was so lucky to see that and to have lived through the finned era!
I learned to drive on a55 DeSoto Firedome. DeSoto has been a favorite ever since. Parents passed up chance to buy a 59 white ADVENTURER and the last 61 DeSoto in our community. Those final DeSotos and 61 Imperial LEBARON are my ultimate dream cars. The Grand finale for Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler. 👍
🎵 It’s Delightful 🎶It’s Delovely 🎵It’s DESOTO! Actually was an advertising song for DeSoto in 56? 🤔. DeSoto sponsored Groucho Marc TV show. And you can find Rock Hudson DeSoto commercial on the internet!
All hail to the fins! A Mopar with fins would always have a place in my fantasy garage.
Pricey restoration but it looks like everything is there… if you’re following the market a lot of these get these 50s dream boats are not making the money they used to once they are restored… on my side, I love the late 50s finned cars, especially the big Mopars… somebody restores it as a labor of love, more power to them, if somebody’s thinking they’re going to get a quick profitable flip, probably not going to happen… let’s hope somebody buys it to work on for pleasure and then drive it!
The car is an original survivor, never restored!$
When this seller says “FIRM” he means exactly that!