If you’re interested in movin’ on up, to the east side, to a de-luxe apartment, in the sky, you’d better jump on this 1949 New Yorker! You’ll find it here on Craigslist in Greenbush, MN; a world away from the bright lights of New York City. The asking price of $750 seems reasonable if you’re looking for some of these rare parts, or maybe you can bring this once-elegant car back to life again.
Like the city of New York, this is a big car; a really big car. And, it, too, is gritty, somewhat beat-down, and most likely has had a rodent problem at some point in its history. But, the body looks pretty sound with some rust around the edges and some pitting and rust on the shiny bits; sort of like if you look into an alley as you’re walking down Park Avenue. The owner mentions that he bought the car from the estate of the original owners and that there is no title, but I’m guessing that you could apply for one in a New York minute.
The straight-8 engine is as stuck as the traffic in the Lincoln Tunnel is right now, but it looks complete and hopefully it could be brought back to life again. There is some rust in the rockers and floors but the trunk is solid and that’s where the taillight lenses are so they don’t get broken or stolen.
The interior doesn’t look like it would be a quick fix, especially the dash which looks like it was found in the East River. I’m not sure what’s going on there, the foam has disintegrated to the point where it looks like The Blob has affixed itself to the firewall and is starting to enter the car. But, it looks like it’s mostly there and it could surely be saved by a creative and talented upholstery shop.
I think that this would be a monumental project for someone. The seller even includes a time-lapse video showing a friend of his chopping a 1949 Chrysler sedan, in case that’s what it will take for you buy this car. Can this car be saved or would you fuggedaboutit?
This looks to complete not to restore. For this price, if it was closer I would buy it and store it in the back of the garage for later on. I might not ever get around to fixing it, but at least it would be out of the weather. And our cats would make sure that no additional rodents take up residence in it.
I agree, this cars body looks nice and solid. It needs to be restored.
I always thought these were some of the “frumpiest” cars made. I’m sure, back in the day, this was high class ride, but I don’t see a lot of attraction with a car like this today. If it was in better shape ( like pristine) that would be a different story, but I just don’t see anyone who would restore this. Too bad. What happens to vintage cars like this with limited appeal?
You just couldn’t ask for better patina.
I wonder what happened to the steering wheel? Only the bare frame seems to remain. One usually only sees steering wheels in this condition in cars that have been on fire. Are the mice that hungry?
Don’t mess with those mice. They must be really tough.
Constant summer heat and ultraviolet exposure in open salvage yard conditions will bake plastic steering wheels of this era. The petroleum components evaporate out of the plastic, leaving a powdery pile of dust on the floor. And just the base steel rim remains in place. Replacement is possible if correct molds for the plastic are found or recreated. Very expensive as a one-time project ($2000 and up). Only way to reduce cost-per-item might be to find others with similar needs and do multiple castings. Alternate fix is by hand moulding/shaping the plastic replacement with Weld-Bond epoxy material, then spray painting to suit. Results are not OEM-perfect but a practical, more economic solution at least. I’ve done many at around $400 each (including two-tone varieties) and desperate owners are always pleased. Even if some car show officials frown.