This 1948 Chrysler New Yorker Coupe has led an interesting life because, after 10-years of relatively constant use, it was parked and left largely unused until 2012. It was then lovingly revived and is now ready to ply the roads again under the stewardship of a new owner. Through all of its adventures, it has managed to remain unmolested and still wears all of its original paint and interior trim. If the prospect of owning a true survivor appeals to you, then you will find the New Yorker located in Sheridan, Wyoming, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the classic Chrysler has reached $10,201, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The original owner of this Noel Green Chrysler received it as a High School Graduation present from his parents. This lucky young man used the car regularly as his daily driver until 1958 when it was parked in a garage for the next 20-years. He then returned it to the road in a limited capacity, but there were long periods of inactivity. In 2012, the second owner purchased the New Yorker and lovingly and carefully set to work returning the vehicle to a roadworthy state once again. This process entailed some mechanical refreshing, but he chose to leave the body and paint completely untouched. It would seem that he subscribed to the maxim that they are only original once, and even though the body wore a few minor dings and marks, it still presented very well. There is no rust to be found anywhere on the Coupe, and the paint still holds an impressive shine. The external trim and chrome continue this sparkling theme, while there are no apparent flaws or problems with the glass. The fact that it rolls on a $1,500 set of wide whitewall tires finishes the overall look very nicely.
Even though it is a Coupe, the New Yorker is still a giant of a car. Therefore it deserves to have a giant of an engine, and Chrysler didn’t disappoint on that score. What we find hiding in the engine bay is a 323ci straight-eight engine, producing 135hp. Hooked to the back of that giant is a Fluid Drive hydraulically-operated transmission system. This combination was considered to be quite potent when new and the original owner certainly put it to the test in some real-world situations. While it wasn’t a common occurrence, he did find himself in the occasional race during those early years. It would seem that the Chrysler essentially reigned supreme in these encounters, although it is said to have met its match in a Hudson Hornet. When the second owner revived the New Yorker in 2012, it would appear that he did so with care and attention to detail. The engine has remained virtually untouched, although it has been treated to a new water distribution tube and a water pump. A new fuel pump has also been fitted, along with a new timing chain and generator. The transmission was degreased, the brakes rebuilt, the heater valves were replaced, the radiator was flushed, and the carburetor received a rebuild. The result of all of this hard work is a classic that is now said to run and drive beautifully, with the owner claiming that he would have no hesitation in driving the vehicle anywhere.
When I first looked through the photos of the Chrysler, I reached the interior shots and stopped dead. The interior trim is original and unrestored and has survived in exceptional condition. The painted surfaces appear to be perfect, while the chrome gleams as though it was new. There is some wear on the carpet and upholstery, but it still presents very well. However, it was the dash that took my breath away. As someone who is an Art Deco enthusiast, it is just a sculptured object of absolute beauty. Sitting inside the Coupe would be quite an experience because as well as looking magnificent, everything functions as it should. This includes the twin heaters, AM radio, and the clock.
This 1948 New Yorker Coupe is a special car that has lived an interesting life. I know that we will have readers who would love to modify it, and others who would want to restore it. I fully understand that thinking and respect the fact that the classic car scene is made as enjoyable as it is by the number of differing views amongst its enthusiasts. I’m also sure that we will have readers who would want to leave it untouched as an original survivor. That is a view that I truly understand because that is precisely what I’d do.
Only in America could the idea of a car so large and magnificent, yet incapable of carrying more than three people at best, come to fruition! I would not change anything on this astounding survivor! GLWTA! :-)
My dad’s carried 4 from California back to Texas – his new bride and his parents in 1948. They caught a snow storm on the way back and luckily my sister has those photos.
it carries at least 5 if you stuff three of them in the trunk
I agree with Moparman. The only thing I’d change is the owner’s name.
I have to admit that I can’t quite imagine owning it. I don’t need a barge like that. It casts too large a shadow on the ground, has an engine that probably weighs more than several complete cars I’ve owned, and is, from what I’ve heard, not helped in the performance category by the Fluid Drive.
But it’s irresistible. Too pricey for me, but I’d be bidding if I could….
My late friend restored a ’48 New Yorker club coupe a few years back. It was a nice driver although you always knew that you were driving a larger than average car down the road. I came close to buying a ’48 Windsor coupe but was a little slow on the draw; it went to a hot-rodder and has never seen the light of day in the last 15 years. This one is a nice car although I have to admit that there’s a lot of car for such a small passenger compartment. You sure wouldn’t find a lot of cars like this at the show-n-shine…
I just found myself scrolling through these photos several times now. I think this is a gorgeous car. I’d love to have it. It looks like a couple full-size seats would fit in that trunk for the kids. ;) Funny thing Adam reading your comments on the dash as all I could see was that little flashlight and what I thought were wires hanging down on after-market gauges – a closer look settled me down when I saw that was a pair of sunglasses and stock switches. Still wondering about the flashlight though.
This car is fantastic. One of my most desirable cars I’ve seen on here, I’d even kick the wife’s car out of the garage for this. It looks both small and large simultaneously. And you are quite right Adam, that dash is incredible.
No other will ever look that good again. Part of me thinks the dash is the best part of this elegant lady. I would not change a thing either, except like RayT said, the owners name. Just amazing!
Wow. Pre-clearcoat metallic finishes weren’t known for their durability, I wonder what conditions this car was kept under that it lasted 70 years looking like that?
WOW!
Beautiful car! :-)
My second ever car back in 1956 was a 1941 Chrysler Windsor, for which I paid about $50. Wonderful car in it’s day and I was intrigued by the petrol cap situated under the left tail light. The gas pump guys were dumbfounded by it.
If you went into a FULL SERVICE GASOLINE SALES sales outlet now with so many older cars and hidden gas tanks the POOR SOBs doing the pumping would be totally lost. That is how I was as a little kid working in my Dad’s SERVICE STATION EONS ago with hidden gas fillers.
And it’s a business coupe too!!! The rarest bodystyle of the `48s and in beautiful shape! My dad was fortunate, and got a Town & Country cvt. that year–Dad said it was a nice cherry red with a plaid (Highlander pkg.) interior. I’ve only seen one photo of it; I’m sure it was quite the car in it’s day.
I’m glad that somebody else is old enough to know that this is a business coupe thus only having one seat so that the trunk could hold all of the salesman’s samples.
Actually it is a business coupe no back seat and extra large trunk for salesman to carry products in. I had one when I was in high school 61, paid $35 for it sideswiped by a beer delivery truck in right rear fender got paid $75 to get it repaired kept the money and sold it to someone else for $35. Used the money to buy a 55 Ford 2 door
If I only had the storage space…condo life does have its drawbacks.
Speaking of storage space, this car’s trunk is bigger than my house!
Truly beautiful! Wish I could buy it.
I was going to say LS engine & a 5 speed lol, but it would have been an absolute lie & if someone does do that to this graceful old gal, they deserve to be sodomized!
Lol dont kid youself with the LS. This is a freaking STRAIGHT 8! I take that over any v8, just look at the underhood picture, it dont look like a truck engine n93w does.it
Dont get me wronf im all for modernizing, upgrading and swapping (neither my c3 nor my 280z are stock)
But this engine is the heart and the most apealing detail in this vehicle. We aint never gonna sa anything straight 8
I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one Poppapork.
That engine is a very smooth torque monster. You needed one in a car this size..
That is at least a six-Hoffa trunk.
I would look good riding around in a beautiful automobile that is as old as me. I can say I have had a few modifications. I can say I have driven a car like this. Senate Estes Kefauver, lived in my home town in TN. I worked at a local gas station that maintained his and his sister’s cars. I was the only one allowed to go and get the cars out of his garage and take them in for service, and then take them back. I was a nervous kid of 16 years old. Memories
Water distribution tube? Is the author talking about the rad hose?
The water distribution tube inside the block is essential to keeping Chrysler flat 6 and 8 engines cool and happy. It’s a perforated steel tube situated in a water passage behind the water pump and runs the length of the block. It makes sure that enough coolant is diverted and directed to keep the valves and rear-most pistons cool. When it clogs you will have a poor running, overheating engine with accelerated component wear. It is the Mother of All 12 Bastards to remove if it becomes corroded but must be done to avoid ongoing grief, misery and regret. You can source both brass and stainless tubes in the after market.
I’m surprised how many people don’t know about that. I’m also surprised how relatively easy they are to get out. At least the ones I came across. I did get one in a Chrysler Industrial that was a real SOB but we finally got it…
First off the water distribution tube sat under the intake it’s kind of a flat piece of metal with holes in it to distribute water to each cylinder. I have found them prone to gather sediment and restrictions abound.
I can certainly appreciate the huge amounts of time and effort that went into making this car as beautiful as it is but just not to my tastes. I hope it goes to good home and is kept beautiful.
I’ve never heard of that before. Thanks.
There’s one that comes through here (Pueblo CO) for the Street Rod Nationals occasionally. It’s red with a chopped top and almost all the chrome removed, except for those cool grill extensions continuing down the front fenders. It’s stunning!
I wouldn’t do that to this car though. It’s just too nice to cut up. I’d leave this one 100% as is.
Suprized to see a 8 ln thia car. The straight 8 is a very smooth engine. I would like to see their return but with body styles today it wpn’t happen.
All New Yorkers had straight eights, or after 1950, V8s.
There MUST have been a great excess of rolled sheet metal after the war was over that Detroit bought up cheap. The auto bosses must also have encouraged creative thinking among the designers who’d spent too much time designing tanks and battleships – they just couldn’t let go of big, sturdy and over-reliable.
The stamping machine that pressed out the trunk lids probably caused the lights to dim and flash all the way to Merrillville, Indiana during the long production shift in MoTown in those days.
What a beautiful car. Maybe it came with a Metropolitan to use as a spare tire?
Why would anyone buy this body style Chrysler for a graduating high school student? This looks like a “business man” coupe without rear windows, not a regular coupe, similar to the black coupe pictured in the remarks area with rear windows. Except for the offensive green paint, this is a nice car.
The real nice thing about owning a car like this is that if your wife breaks down in her Prius you can go rescue her and throw the Prius in the trunk!!!
that is a great idea
Never been a fan of business coupes , the back just looks way out of proportion to me. I would much rather have a club coupe , but this is one beautiful car and could be in a museum in the condition its in
So this guys parents bought him a new car for graduation that didn’t have a back seat – were they trying to ruin this kids love life ?
I dunno, that’s a big front seat and the floor is relatively flat. Lack of a transmission hump may have left enough room for other humps…
I can hear the kid talking to his date now: “Wanna see my trunk? I could give you a ‘sample’”.
I would very ( VERY ) carefully lower the suspension 1”to1 1/2 ” to bring out how sleek this is .
Amazing isnt it :)
Wow what a time capsule , my Dad had a 48 in the 4 door style , my little brother and I would ride in the back seat standing up , and when dad would hit the brakes we would fall forward grabbing the lap robe rope on the back of the front seat and yell smash up , what fun !! I do remember him having some problem with the fluid drive and having to have it repaired , what a boat ! Would love to have this one .
Perfect. I would leave it like this.
Perhaps the most interesting finding.
SOLD FOR 25K. Winning bid:US $25,322.00
[ 48 bids ]
I don’t know what I love more, the car or the story. And that color is amazing.
Wow, I recently bought this 48 Chrysler New Yorkers twin brother. I recently installed its rebuilt carb and fuel pump and its straight eight is running great. Finding any new parts for this pre 55 car is challenging at best, so you’re at the mercy of wolves on ebay. Also found out my fluid drive setup is all in place, especially electrical. Reading this thread on replacing its water distribution tube sounds scary so hope I don’t have to touch that. These business coupes are pretty rare so surprised to see another on like it on BF.
Looks like a nice buy. I had a 1948 Chrysler Windsor back in 1957 and it was a great car.