While not as outrageous as some of Virgil Exner’s automotive designs, this 1960 Chrylser New Yorker definitely has some flair about it. And of course, obligatory 1960 fins! Described as a barn find, the seller suggests, “This baby needs to go to your house and become part of the family“. Well, I’m not sure about that, but this New Yorker is definitely worth a look-see. It is located in Falling Waters, West Virginia and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000. Thanks to T.J. for this find!
Claimed to be solid, “all the way around” this New Yorker does show as being sound. And that claim extends to the trunk pan, passenger compartment floors, and the body panels. The one image of the driver’s side footwell illustrates some surface rust but nothing that looks invasive. Even the “Formal Black” finish, stated to be majority original, still shows pretty well, and that’s not to mention that the extensive chrome and stainless trim are all still attached. I have tagged Chryslers of this era pretty hard regarding the “thing” on the trunk lid, so, I’ll just let it go this time. One of the more remarkable aspects of Chryslers of this generation is the fact that they are of a frameless, “Unibody” design, something that one may not initially consider on a 220″ long, 4,300 lb. sedan.
The images of the interior are not very revealing and that’s probably due to the condition of the upholstery. As can be seen, there is a blue blanket over the front bench and something more adventurous, in the pattern of an Indian blanket, covering the rear. It’s probably best to assume that the original upholstery will require replacement. Based on the door panel hue, the seats were likely covered in blue broadcloth, the standard fabric, but leather and vinyl were available too. It would be nice to get a closer look at the instrument panel, Chryslers of this generation were endowed with some of the best in the business and usually not forgettable.
Under that huge spread of a Mopar hood is a “Golden Lion” 350 gross HP, 413 CI V8 engine. The seller states that it “runs, drives, stops” but offers no more insight than that – but running is good! The engine is certainly complete looking and for once, is imaged with the air cleaner actually installed. A push-button activated three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is in charge of gear changes.
I think it’s unlikely that I’m going to want this New Yorker to become a member of my family – I’ve got enough going on right now, thank you very much. But this Chrysler barn find is definitely a better example than many of this era that have surfaced recently. Adoption anyone?
The 1960 Chryslers have to be my favorite fin-era design and possibly in the entire post-war era. My lottery car is a 1960 New Yorker convertible in mint/sea foam green with a white top. Anyways, this car looks fun and I’d be a player if it were about 600 miles closer!
Nice find. The toilet seat would be more appealing if it were more upright and faded into the rear bumper like a Continental…Charmin not included!
4,300 lbs is fairly light. I like how some EV owners complain about extra registration tax in lieu of pump tax for roads. Alot of the bigger EV’s hover close to or top 5,000 lbs.
The family of a buddy of mine growing up had a ’60 Desoto which looked a lot like this. His Dad would ask us to help him Simoniz it. That was an all-day job.
My Dad had a 60 desoto adventurer 2 door. One of my favorite cars, and it was a bear to wax, but it was a beauty when it was all spiffied up.
Virgil’s designs were so crazy and over the top one would think he was trippin on something illegal. His pen was criticized by many and his designs were very polarizing but I respect them. One of the best instrument cluster designs framed by that crazy squared off steering wheel with the clear rim. Heck I would even go as far as to say he was pure genius for the period. His designs always look best in back too.
That squared off steering wheel was called the Aero wheel when offered on 60 and 61 Plymouths. Not sure if Imperial used the same marketing name. But it was not offered on the 60 Chrysler.
Look at the crap they are selling today, atrocious looking things imho. Bring back the 50-60 type designs like the mustang and challenger which seem to still sell pretty well.
My mom drove one of these in a two door version. It was loaded for those days. The front seats swivelled out when you opened the door. A/C. Power Windows. Cruise control. Auto Headlight Dimmer to name some of the features. The 413 moved the big beast along quite nicely. My brother still has it but it needs a restoration.
I had a ’63 Imperial with a 413. Honestly, when I was driving down 128/95 at a good clip, I could see the gas gauge going down. Looking back, a beautiful car. But at the time, big, bulky, a pain to find a parking space and gas was too expensive. Big trunk. At least 9 bodies.
Needs A New Family…but needs a good cleaning first.
back in thee day all ways wished the smooth part on that wheel was the lower 1/2
If I’m not mistaken, the grille of this New Yorker looks like it was replaced by one from the lower priced line: Chrysler Windsor. The New Yorker Grille was more recessed surrounded by a chrome frame. So the question is why? Was the front end damaged and no New Yorker replacement was available? Or maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think so!
You’re right, Dick Romm, for some reason this car sports the Windsor/Saratoga grille – the correct New Yorker grille is as you described it: same dimensions, but recessed, with a massive chrome frame.
Frankly, I really think this is the better-looking grille.
No word on if it is in running condition, so probably not.
Would be a nice cruiser once cleaned up a few $$ sunk into it.
Buy it for 4K and have something cool that doesn’t break the bank.
Surely wish I could afford it with uncle joe’s prices. Other than the donut I love it! Designs were something to be appreciated then.
I had a ’63 Imperial with a 413. Honestly, when I was driving down 128/95 at a good clip, I could see the gas gauge going down. Looking back, a beautiful car. But at the time, big, bulky, a pain to find a parking space and gas was too expensive. Big trunk. At least 9 bodies.
This will be amazing once you restore it. $100,000 will get a lot done.
For a anyone curious about this car, I am the current owner! Purchased it from the guy who purchased it from this ad! Going to bring it back to a driver quality non perfect car. Engine runs great and trans goes through the gears. You can find info on it in my Instagram (Vincent_ottaviano15)