Recycled model names are a dime a dozen, often beginning as a trim level or body style and evolving into a standalone brand. Occasionally, a name cropped up repeatedly over time, attached to what seemed like very different cars. Chrysler’s Newport nameplate was first used in 1940, when it designed a show car called the Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton. Five or six of these were made; after the initial splash, the brand disappeared until 1950 when Chrysler introduced its Town & Country and used Newport to designate the hard top body style. Its use proliferated to specify a hard top, stretching into the Windsor, New Yorker and Saratoga line-ups. Finally, for model year 1961, the Newport stood on its own four tires, so to speak, as Chrysler used it at the bottom of its stack to replace the discontinued DeSoto. Production continued into 1981, when the nameplate was finally retired. This four-door 1967 Newport Custom is listed here on facebook Marketplace with an asking price of $5500, and it’s located in snowy Shreve, Ohio. Thanks to Ted for finding this gem for us!
The seller has treated his car to a couple of performance modifications including a four-barrel carburetor for the 383 cu. in. V8, a dual Flowmaster exhaust, and to keep everything cool, a four-core aluminum radiator. The car has a rebuilt 727 Torqueflite automatic, brand new brakes, and new wheel bearings. Power steering and power brakes round out the mechanical profile. I don’t care for the 18″ wheels, but hey, each to his own – and they are new. What I do care about is the tone of the seller’s advertisement, which clearly communicates that he has a fondness for his car and tended to its mechanical condition. It runs and drives well, and is described as “very reliable”.
The driver’s space is in decent condition with color fading and a few tears in the upholstery, but the rear seats have borne the brunt of time and wear. The seller notes that all the gauges and lights work. The horn blows, the heater heats, and the wipers wipe, too!
Before you break out the checkbook, watch the video in the listing. The left lower front fender appears to be cracking open at the lower edge – and I’ll bet that’s from rust. The right side is worse, with a hole straight through. I think I see rust dimples in a few other spots, and the sheet metal wears dents in nearly every panel. You won’t feel badly about ripping into the body to fix it, though, because the paint is shot. Though the price seems like a bargain compared to other running, driving vehicles these days, this fine 1966 example sold for $8300 in a no-reserve auction two months ago. If you are handy with body work and paint, and you appreciate the 383 V8/Torqueflite combination, this Newport might be a great starter classic.
I always did like the styling of the mid ’60’s Chryslers. This one looks good, but the rust potential is a concern. I like the wheels, but I’d have put white walls on them for a really different look. Wonder what Rex will think of this one? GLWTS!! :-)
Can’t beat the drive train on these, both the 383 and 727 trans are practically bulletproof. I had the same in a ’66 Dodge Polara 9-passenger wagon. I ran the wheels off that car.
I agree with Moparman, this is one of my favorite full size body styles from Chrysler. I thought the same thing, this is absolutely in Rex’s wheel house. I like the torque thrusts and like the idea of whitewalls with them if its possible, for something different. I usually tend to lean towards stock rims and tires on these. It appears it may have some rust in the rear quarter panels around the fender skirt area as well but I cant tell 100 percent for sure. Its all original looking though, right down to the dealer sticker on the trunk. And a 383, even if it was a 2 barrel had plenty of torque to keep up with traffic and makes a nice cruiser. Just need to stop the rust from getting worse.
My parents had the option of a 6-window Dodge Custom and a 2-door Monaco at the local Dodge dealer, They chose the Monaco. (smart choice)
Want to feel good about yourself but not ready for that Coupe deVille? Here’s your car. Good power. Better handling. Comfort built in and air conditioning to boot. The ‘sporty’ upgrades might even give you some bad-boy cred. What are you waiting for?
The seller must be in marketing. I love the setting. Good luck.
The last time I was driving one of these was in 1972. I was driving my uncles gold chrysler–just like this one. On I -77. We were traveling 110.mph. When I looked over on the south bound lane coming my way. Was a state trooper. He must have not had his radar working. Cause he kept going. These cars road like a ship and the 383 has the power. I would look it over good–includeing under it. The price seems descent. Good luck
I was 16 when this car was new. At my early 20’s my mother got one of these, same color and looks identical. It was a boat and a half to drive. The 383 had just enough power to make it do the speed limit. The couple engine upgrades on this one won’t help the driver notice any speed upgrades. It will consume fuel at an astounding rate, and go no faster. Plus the fuel required is premium only. If they stop offering premium at the pumps you’ll have to mix up your own in order to cruise the highways. IT WILL NOT RUN ON REGULAR GAS!
Oh yes, fellas (and fell-ettes) I do love these C-bodies. My ’67 Newport Custom (also an Ohio car!) has the 383 and 727, but mine has a Stromberg 2bbl. These are great cruisers, and it sounds line the owner has refreshed the necessary items.
With the cosmetics so close to original, I would 86 those wheels and get some whitewalls and hubcaps. I always thought it was kinda goofy to put Mags on a 4-door.
Price wise? I don’t know…the C-bodies just don’t fetch that much, and with rust and bad paint, I wonder if it will sell for 5500. Maybe if it were a 2-door Fast Top.
yet notice you can see snow on the road thru the floor pans? I pass
Anyone notice you can see snow on the road thru the floor pans? I pass
I magnified the image, and it’s snow that came off his foot. I don’t miss snow!
Sorry then.. Missed that…
Of the nice-looking 1965 and newer Chryslers, the 1967 was my favourite. And I would pick the four door sedan also. I would prefer a New Yorker, but the Windsor is okay. However, that RUST is NOT. You can BET that this car will rapidly deteriorate, since it is this far gone now, and it simply isn’t worth the cost of restoring the body. I would also want the original wheels and hub-caps. I’ll pass; thank you.
Some cars look good, maybe even better as a 4 door, this happens to be one of them. Keep the mags.
Hello, Paul: I dislike mag. wheels — especially on a sedan. I like the original factory wheels and hubcaps; thank you.