It is common to look at classics with more than six decades under their belts and begin to tally up what it will cost its new owner to return the car in question to a physical, mechanical, and cosmetic high standard. Sometimes the figure can be painful, but vehicles like this 1961 Chrysler Windsor are an exception to the rule. This beauty presents superbly, is in excellent mechanical health, and has no rust or other problems that could cause sleepless nights. All it needs is a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Raleigh, North Carolina. They set their price at $22,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting it.
The Windsor had served Chrysler faithfully since 1939, although 1961 would be the final production year in the United States. The badge soldiered on until 1966 in Canada, but our feature car can be considered the last of the breed. This Windsor presents superbly in Alaskan White. The company offered more vivid paint colors in 1961, but it is a neutral shade which some potential buyers might appreciate. The car’s history is well documented, with it receiving a single repaint under the care of its original owner. The paint shines beautifully, with no significant flaws or chips to spoil its appearance. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the lack of rust could be its greatest strength. The exterior is clean, while the underside is one of the most spotless I’ve seen on any classic of this vintage. The exterior features sparkling chrome and flawless tinted glass, and the steel wheels retain their factory hubcaps and narrow whitewall tires.
One aspect of classic cars from this era that I find particularly attractive is their interiors. Modern vehicles feature all the bells and whistles to make life comfortable, but none have the sheer presence of cars from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Chrysler has generally produced my favorites because they took design and embellishment seriously. There is no better example than the Windsor’s “AstraDome” gauge cluster. It looks like something out of a Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers movie and considering the nation’s fixation with the space race at the time, its appearance is enough to inspire budding astronauts. The interior presentation is hard to fault, although some wrinkling is visible in the upper center of the dash pad. It warrants close inspection because addressing it before it deteriorates could save the new owner money. The cloth and vinyl seat upholstery looks excellent, and I question whether anyone ever sat on the back seat. The carpet is spotless, and the only visible aftermarket addition is the wheel wrap. There are no optional comfort or convenience features beyond an AM radio, but who needs one when the interior would make any journey feel like a special occasion?
The seller indicates this Chrysler remained in the care of its original owner until 2022, and it appears to have led a sheltered life. The engine bay presentation is impressive for a car with sixty-two years under its belt, showing no signs of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. Powering this classic is a 383ci V8 that sends 305hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. For those seeking an effortless driving experience, the inclusion of power assistance for the steering and brakes will be welcome additions. Although most owners would find outright performance figures irrelevant, this Windsor’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.1 seconds is respectable for a car weighing more than 3,800 lbs. The seller claims the car runs and drives exceptionally well, with the V8 and transmission operating smoothly. It has no mechanical needs, and the seller includes the original Build Sheet and other documentation that add to this classic’s story.
There is something attractive about finding one of the last examples of an older classic. Theoretically, it should be the best available because the manufacturer will have ironed out any potential bugs or problems in the design and engineering. That is the case with this 1961 Chrysler Windsor, which adds spotless presentation to the mix. The seller’s price looks competitive compared to recent sales results, and although it has only been on the market a short time, interested parties might need to act quickly to park it in their garage. If you like your classics with towering fins, this could be the car for you.
The original owner took great care of the car. Nothing too special other than its condition and that is exceptional for a car that was used all those years.
Nothing special other than its condition? That is why it is so special, it is 61 years old and looks like new! That is why Adam featured it.
Owned by the first owner for 61 yrs! What provenance! No wonder the car is in such astonishing condition. Should be a hit at all the cruise ins.
I’m in LOVE!!! I still miss the ’61 Dart Pioneer Sedan with 40,000+ miles I bought at an estate sale back in 1979. 318, PS, Radio.
A nice time capsule but it had never been properly maintained. Had some rust in the usual places, needed brake work and the lifters adjusted, just to start the list.
I did the bare minimum to make it driveable and pass the state safety inspection, including a $100 paint job (never again!). Flipped it for what I had in it. Car drove well otherwise – a pleasant memory.
The above Chrysler appears to be in much better condition 44 years later.
Dad bought a ’61 New Yorker new. Only a few different bits and pieces and upholstery, but other than that it’s the same car. Sure wish I had the money to afford this. Along with the guage cluster, that push button transmission is a fun feature that will never be seen again.
Just freakin’ cool. What a beautiful machine.
Fantastic find, and near enough to me that I could drive over and see it. But I won’t, because I don’t want to be tempted, and what would I do with this?
I love that it’s a 4-door, a typical Chrysler you’d see every day on the roads in the early ’60s. And we did see a lot of them. Virgil Exner styling at its best, and somehow the Chryslers avoided the most egregious absurdities of its contemporary Dodges and Plymouths. It manages to maintain some genuine class and presence.
One owner, 62 years. Wow. I hope this one goes to a very good home where it is kept as lovingly as it has been so far.
Original skinny stripe radials ? I think not. Get those ugly-azz trailer park tires off that thing and get some proper Super Cushions on it ! If there is one thing that really chaps my azz about fin era car owners, it is the ones that put those low and wide stance radials on a car built with tall skinnies, and typically with a 2.25″ whitewall or straight blackwall. This kind of tire belongs on a “classic” 72 Ford LTD sedan.
Coolest dash on the planet! My Aunt/Uncle had a 62 New Yorker and that astradome was spectacular at night!
I have a extra dash cluster just like this one in the car. They were used in other models and years I believe. I had a 62…call 1-760-223-2890 if interested.
That thing looks like it’s going 80 MPH just sitting there. Gorgeous car.
I owned that same car in a light blue – but a 2 door in 1968-69. It easily held 6 teenager boys on the way to many adventures – mainly cruising the streets of Hudson, Adrian, Jackson and Hillsdale, MIchigan. Our goal was to pick up teen age girls or anything else we could get into the car – Do the math 6 boys ? not much room left over for anything. But wait – there was the Trunk – the trunk very easily held 3 of those young men as we went to the drive -in movie. Once inside the Theatre – the 3 would hop out of the trunk and roam the grounds for young ladies. The rest is left to your imagination. I sold the car for $175 in 1970 when I went off to college.
Love this and boy am I tempted. My father had a 61 Newport 4 door hardtop, white with a red roof. While it was parked in our driveway, I would hop behind the wheel, rocking it back and forth and gazing into that dome. It was so futuristic.
It was stolen and never found, I was heart broken until my father picked up a 61 Newport convertible. Another story.
I bought the car, waiting on delivery as i live in illinois. It will be only driven in nice weather and in a garage the rest. Grandkids will love it. Hope to get seat belts if it hasn’t been upgraded yet. Perhaps mag tires and jack up the rear. Not” it looks great the way it is. Ill post condition and needs after i get it. Fingers crossed
Received car after a week from nc to Chicago suburbs. Nice shape has a couple minor details to iron out. Body is solid. Love the styling in and out. Grand kids will have fun. Waiting on weather to drive her. Wife Named her Gypsi. Needs steering and brakes checked. Couple paint touch ups. Perhaps a tune up. The one tail lense has lost some color
Glenn,
Good for you. She’s quite the looker. All the best.
Steve