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New Yorker By Way Of California And Florida

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Some folks think one of Virgil Exner’s finest works for Chrysler was this 1956 Chrysler New Yorker. I don’t know about that, but I do think this one may well be a bargain, especially if as the seller asserts, a duplicate title can be found. Thankfully, it’s located in a dry car port in Punta Gorda, Florida, and is up for sale here on eBay. Bidding is without reserve, and begins at $2,500. Thanks to reader Craig B. for this great find!

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Unfortunately, we don’t know how long the car was in California before it made it’s way to Florida. I’m guessing from the surface rust on the bumper it was either in Northern California or has been in the Sunshine State for a good while.

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I wish there were more detailed pictures of the interior. The seller says that the car was on the road a year ago–unless the plates were replaced after the fact, I’m guessing that was in California, but I would expect to see corner decals on the plate. So I guess inquiries with the seller would be in order.

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The engine looks very original, although the teal on the firewall has me wondering if this is a repainted car. I’m excited by the idea of this one, though, as I do like the way it looks, and the 280 horsepower V8 would certainly move this New Yorker down the road. And I’m hoping the seller’s grandfather is still with us, as I’d like to do some research if I were looking to purchase the car and that all-important (in my state) clean title.

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Unlike many of you, I would actually prefer a four-door car in this particular case, as I would love to have a family classic with enough room to take my daughter (who gets taller every time I turn around, and isn’t fitting as well in our little four seaters) to classic car events. I think this rear seat would work out just fine. What do you folks think? is this a good deal?

Comments

  1. Avatar Ed P

    The price seems fair and the condition of the car looks solid. I consider the 56 models the best looking of Exner’s 55-56 cars. This looks to be very restorable, but why didn’t the seller give this car a quick rinse before taking pictures?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Howard A Member

      Hi Ed, if they cleaned it, it wouldn’t be an original Barn Find. I agree, if you want one of these and on a budget, it doesn’t get any better than this. Cool car, but for the record, these Hemi’s weren’t the fire breathing monsters you associate Hemi’s with today. They were heavy, slow, oil leakers, but at least you could say, “It’s got a Hemi”.

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      • Avatar Ed P

        True, the hemi’s of the 50’s were built to be heavy car haulers and were not racing engines. Still, they are an interesting part of auto history.

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      • Avatar dutchb340

        They were “heavy, slow, oil leakers” really? This is the motor that dominated early NASCAR, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Kiekhaefer. This is the motor that dominated early Drag Racing. Once Don Gartlis put a Hemi in his dragster all other motors were racing for second place. http://garlits.com/. They may have been heavy, but they were the original “Fire Breathing Monsters” in the 50’s.

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  2. Avatar Rick

    Awesome old Chrysler, even awesomer Black Cal plates!

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  3. Avatar Charles

    Very cool!

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  4. Avatar John H. in CT

    My Dad had a 55 New Yorker St Regis. One day with all five of us in the car, a guy pulls up next to him in a 55 Belair, and wants to race from the light. With my Mom screaming in Dad’s ear to cut it out, he left that Belair in the dust with all five of us inside.

    Many years later I learned to drive in that car, and still have very fond memories.

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