Time will often take a toll on classics, and it is common to find vehicles with over six decades of active service under their belts looking tired and worn. However, this 1963 Chrysler Newport has defied the odds because its original paint still looks pretty impressive. The seller recently treated the car to an interior retrim, and with a healthy V8 under the hood, it is a total package for enthusiasts with Mopar leanings. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mike F. for spotting the Newport listed here on Craigslist in Rustic Hills, Colorado Springs, Colorado. With an asking price of $9,900, this Newport undoubtedly falls into the affordable category.
Chrysler updated the Newport for the 1961 model year to fill the void created by the demise of DeSoto. It was the company’s most affordable model, but Chrysler managed to make the Newport look more luxurious than its sticker price suggested. The seller claims that the Festival Red paint gracing this 1963 example’s panels is original. That makes it what many would consider a genuine survivor. A close inspection will reveal minor chips and scratches, although the presentation remains comfortably acceptable for a car of this type and vintage. The panels are straight, and because it has spent its entire life in a dry location, it has managed to remain rust-free when many of its siblings may have succumbed to the dreaded tin worm. The trim and glass look excellent, and the Chrysler rides on a set of narrow whitewalls.
The 1963 Newport was V8-only territory, with this car featuring the company’s 361ci powerplant. A three-speed TorqueFlite transmission handles shifting duties, while this car also scores power assistance for the steering and brakes. Chrysler’s Sales Brochure quotes an engine power output of 265hp, but with the Newport tipping the scales at almost 4,000 lbs, its performance should be considered more competent than startling. However, it would be equally comfortable in the city or on the Freeway, making this an excellent all-rounder. The listing details suggest an odometer reading of 29,700 miles, although this doesn’t rate a mention in the seller’s description. The overall presentation makes that mileage possible, but that doesn’t represent compelling evidence. There is no information supplied regarding the mechanical health, although the seller’s use of the word “excellent” in their assessment suggests that the news should be positive.
Some readers will contend that this Newport must surrender its survivor status when we focus on the interior. It was recently treated to a retrim in its original Red cloth and vinyl. The only thing that appears to have escaped the seller’s attention is the wheel, which exhibits a crack near the top. Otherwise, there is nothing inside this Chrysler deserving criticism. It is worth noting that with a focus on affordability, Chrysler didn’t load the Newport’s interior with luxury features. However, the elegant styling and AM radio guarantee that occupants will feel special when they hit the road aboard this classic.
This 1963 Chrysler Newport is an elegant survivor that has no apparent needs. It has avoided all of the hazards that cars from this era typically face, including rust, abuse, and deterioration due to UV exposure. It is the type of vehicle that can be driven and enjoyed immediately, and while some readers will believe that it has too many doors, it is ideal for those with a family. Therefore, if you fit that mold and affordability is a key selection criteria, this 1963 Newport deserves a close look.
My, my, what a nice, nice, car this is. While their may be some argument as to the originality what with the redo of the interior, the fact the owner did it on a car not exactly on the list of Barrett-Jackson auctions would speak loudly for the care this car no doubt received. Interesting upgrade of the radio with the “local” & “distance” push buttons.
The claimed original paint is some of the best I’ve seen & there’s enough wear that I would hazard that the mileage is correct for it’s overall condition. I guess there’s a small request in the back of my pointy head as to underside & trunk photos, the way this is presented, I’ve no doubt the seller would be happy to oblige.
Chrysler managed to outugly Edsel with some of the stuff they were selling back then. My uncle had one of the ugliest Dodges ever seen!!
I want to check out the Studebaker Hawk in the back ground. Looks like a nice one.
Almost bought a used one in ’68. A 2 door hardtop, price was right, was driving a ’56 Chevy 4 door. These were great cars for the day. Fast, comfortable highway cars, solid. Then came across a ’54 Corvette for $1500, kid headed for Vietnam, no place to store it, so bought that instead. (I was in a Reserve Unit that never got called up and I did have a place to store it in the event.) This ’63 would be as comfortable a highway car as any SUV, but, without the cupholders, shoulder belts, and airbags.
That is a nice Chrysler! I really like the styling of these 1963-64 Chryslers. And you won’t find any plastic in them–all quality materials.
Wow. I have too many cars now, or maybe would have bought for old times sake! When I was 12 my Mother drove us from Montana to New York pulling a travel trailer in one of these. My Father was a truck driver but had suffered a heart attack and then a stroke and lost his license while in the hospital so my Mother had to do the driving (except when backing up my Dad would switch places with her). We spent the whole summer driving around back east visiting relatives in this land yacht. After my Father passed the drivers window fell off the rollers. At 14 years old I was able to reattach with screws and of course needed to test drive it to make sure it stayed up. Took it out and got up to 60 MPH. Thought that was pretty fast at 14. These did have push button shift problems though. I remember dad taking it in to the dealer for repairs a couple times.
The interior is not exactly styled in the original manner. The fabric Chrysler used was more of a brocade in a horizontal pattern with alternating colors of thread to give it depth. Also, they did not put in vinyl dividing strips on the seats bottoms and backs. It looks like the replacement was done well, but it’s not imitating the original.
My father bought a 64 Newport new when I was 6, and we had that car in the family for about 10 years. Looked very similar to this ‘63, but a bit more chrome, with chrome plates surrounding the headlamps and a stainless trim strip between hexagonal tail lamps. Took my driving test in it. Was a true cruiser. Drove the best when it hit 80.
Had 2 of them.383 and 413. Tough is an understatement.beat some road runners with the 413. Cool interior.
Had a new Chrysler Newport convertible in 1964. Sold it to a friend of mine to buy a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. Wish I had both of those cars today. The Chrysler pulled a trailer of household furniture from NJ to Chicago and ran until 1983 when they sold it after their daughter got a coupon for 92 mph on the expressway. Great Car.
What, no square steering wheel?