Original Survivor: 1960 Chrysler New Yorker

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For the 1960 model year, the Chrysler New Yorker trod a very different path to its predecessors. Not only was the car now of unibody construction rather than the popular body-on-frame, but the exterior trim demonstrated a new-found maturity, with the disappearance of much of the sometimes excessive chrome trim which had become something of a hallmark of the car. This 1960 New Yorker is a clean and solid survivor that is located in Memphis, Tennessee. It is listed for sale here on eBay, and with bidding sitting at a mere $2,550, it is no surprise that the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Alaskan White paint on the New Yorker is said to be original, and while there is some surface corrosion beginning to appear in a few places around the car, the owner does state that the car is rust-free. There certainly aren’t any visible signs of rust, with the lower surfaces of the car looking very clean. The tinted glass all looks to be good and free of cracks, while the more restrained chrome trim and badges have a nice shine to them. One of the styling features that I really like on the 1960 New Yorker is the tail-lights. The way that they have been so nicely integrated into the fins is just a neat and classy touch which shows real attention to detail.

As befits a genuine survivor car, the interior of the New Yorker is completely original. The lower door trims are starting to look a bit tatty, but the rest of the interior trim looks to be quite good. The owner refers to the headliner as being of good driver quality, although this is one area that we don’t actually get a look at. The dash pad on the passenger side is now a bit stretched, but I believe that a good upholsterer might be able to address this without having to replace the pad. As well as being in surprising condition for its age, the Chrysler does come equipped with power windows, power seats, and a remote adjustment for the exterior mirror.

Getting the New Yorker up and moving is the job of the 413ci V8 engine and 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The New Yorker is by no means a light car, but the 350hp engine can get the car up and moving very respectably. Power steering makes light work of the twisty bits, and the car has recently received a new fuel tank, and the carburetor has also been rebuilt. The result is a car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. The owner says that the engine starts and runs nicely, with no smoke or funny noises. He also says that it drives really well and that the transmission shifts smoothly.

I will never shy away from the fact that I was born and raised in a Ford household, but I do have a massive soft spot for the Chrysler New Yorkers from the mid-1950s through to the mid-1960s. They just have a style and presence that makes them something quite special. This one is a neat and tidy survivor that could either become the subject of a light cosmetic restoration or it could be driven and enjoyed exactly as it currently stands. I would probably drive it as it is this Summer, and then undertake that restoration work over the Winter so that when it rolls out of the workshop next Summer, it really grabs people’s attention.

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Comments

  1. Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

    I’m sure NHTSA personnel would be blanching and fainting in droves were we to have more of The Flying Fins of ‘50’s-‘60’s Cadillacs and Chryslers sailing down the American Highways. What an iconic representation of that era-and so far this one is reasonably priced! Nicely done again, Adam.

    Like 11
  2. Arthell64

    Would make a great driver. I didn’t like this body style when I was younger but as I get older this style gets more appealing.

    Like 10
  3. CCFisher

    Potential buyers would be wise to inspect the lower rear quarters carefully. There should be eight chrome hash marks near the rear bumper. At the very least, the holes have been filled. At worst, it’s all filler.

    Like 3
    • R Soul

      You can see the holes you are referring to on the right quarter panel.

      Like 2
    • New Yorker's Rule

      If you look close the mounting holes are still there. The auction listing says….

      “I took off most of the exterior trim pieces so I can detail the car as well as the chrome. All the original pieces such as fender flares and skirts and badges are all there.”

      Like 0
  4. Will Fox

    One car I’d love to have, and it’s fairly rare too. Last time I saw a New Yorker hardtop this complete, it had been restored. About all I’d do is address the interior issues, give it a blast down to bare metal & a repaint in the original white, and a set of proper whitewalls with Chrysler wire wheels.

    Like 4
  5. Joe Haska

    I love this car, and yes when I was younger I wouldn’t give it a second look. It appears it would be an inexpensive cosmetic restoration, and then just, peg the fun meter driving it!

    Like 5
  6. Joe Machado

    Shipped one to Aussie Land in 1989. Have the fake louvers on shelf. 413 is stock engine. Non air. Fav year of mine of Chrysler.

    Like 4
  7. TimM

    Pretty clean looking boat!!!

    Like 2
  8. BigDoc

    Sharp looking car and close by hmmm.

    Like 2
    • Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

      Go for it, Doc! Let us know if you do-a lot of us would love to have this but if you get it we know it’s in good hands.

      Like 2
  9. Del
  10. That Guy

    To me, white isn’t a great color for most cars. Big Chryslers and DeSotos of this era are an exception. The 1960 especially just looks right with a white paint job. Maybe it’s because a family in my neighborhood had a white 4-door when I was growing up, or because it’s a common color for 300 letter cars. But for whatever reason, this car in these colors is the perfect combination to me.

    It’s already at eight large. No surprise; this is a really great car.

    Like 3
  11. Dave

    You have to dress up like Fred MacMurray in “My Three Sons” to properly drive this.

    Like 2
    • Howard A Rube GoldbergMember

      I think Mr. Douglas drove Chevys and later Pontiacs, both sponsors of the show.

      Like 2
      • Mr.BZ

        True, Ward Cleaver drove Chrysler products!

        Like 2
  12. Howard A Rube GoldbergMember

    You know, I wonder if people that bought bath tub Porsches, thought these cars were ugly. I apologize for that, it’s all relative, I suppose. For me, this era was just the coolest Chryslers to come out, across the line. Perhaps it’s because the 1st car I remember riding in was the old mans ’59 DeSoto. Very impressionable for a 6 year old kid. The dash on these, with the graduated gauge pod is really cool. For some reason,possibly the starter sound, kept many away from buying these, which makes this an incredible find. Probably one of Chryslers best cars ever.

    Like 2
  13. Jay

    I remember one long ago my neighbor had new with a factory 4-speed nice car indeed

    Like 1

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