Before Chrysler touted the “Forward Look,” they introduced their new 1955 models as having “The 100 Million Dollar Look.” Of course, most collectors call any Chrysler from the Virgil Exner era a “Forward Look” Chrysler, but whatever you prefer to call them, they’re usually stylish, sometimes outlandish, and often pretty uncommon these days. One of the rarest is this 1955 New Yorker Deluxe Town and Country, which is being offered as an auction here on eBay in Saint Louis, Missouri (thanks to T.J., as always, for the tip). It’s being presented as a 44,874-mile unrestored wagon that was used by a previous owner to make the trip from Ohio to Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the big swap meet. It’s got flaws befitting a 71-year-old Chrysler with an aging paint job, but with dozens of close-up pictures, you can determine if it’s something you can use to haul parts around. The starting price may be a showstopper, however, as nobody has made the $34,320 opening bid.
Only 1,036 Town and Country station wagons were built in 1955, and they were all powered by an engine that looks like a work of art on its own: the 331-cubic-inch Chrysler Hemi. The 331 produced 250 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque in its last go-round before being replaced by the 354 in 1956. The TorqueFlite was also not quite ready in 1955, so this wagon has the two-speed PowerFlite automatic combined with a 3.36:1 rear axle ratio.
While factory power steering and power brakes were becoming more common in 1955, especially on near-luxury cars like the New Yorker, someone at some point upgraded the braking system with a more modern booster and a dual-circuit master cylinder for a little extra peace of mind when hauling parts back from Hershey.
The selling dealer (museum) has done quite a bit of work to get the wagon up to snuff, including the following:
- New 3″ whitewall tires
- Spark plugs/wires
- Rebuilt carburetor and electric choke conversion
- Motor and transmission mounts
- Valve cover gaskets
- Belts and hoses (including heater hoses)
- New water pump and antifreeze
- Boiled radiator
- Wheel bearings, seals, and tie rods
- Front brake hoses and wheel cylinders (and brake flush)
- Oil/filter change
Nothing on the wagon is what I would consider “show quality,” but it’s a nice ten-footer. As I mentioned, the selling dealer doesn’t seem to be trying to hide anything about the condition of the wagon, and there are plenty of up-close pictures of the little flaws that come with a well-used (but also well-cared-for) old car. The interior itself is Code “24” gold/white cloth and leather, and it’s in pretty good condition.
The load floor has seem some use over the years, but you have to admit, it’s one of the most attractive luggage compartments you’ll find in a wagon.
If you were wondering about the stance, yes, the wagon has definitely been lowered (here is a picture of the lowering blocks added to the rear leaf springs). The rear wire wheels are an upgrade as well, as is the paint: Originally, the car was painted all black (which would have in itself looked amazing), but a prior owner added the “Sunburst Yellow” accents. I’m not sure if I like it better this way or not, but I can’t say it was a bad choice, and all-in-all, owning a 1955 Chrysler station wagon doesn’t sound like a bad choice, given the price is right. Since nobody’s made a bid yet, it seems like the price will have to come down a bit, but given the condition of the wagon and the fact that Forward Look (ahem, 100 Million Dollar Look) Chryslers have maintained their value relatively well in a declining market for 1950s cars, it’s probably not egregiously high. What do you think?
In “two car” American families in the 1950’s, Mom often drove a station wagon for hauling kids and running errands while Pop might have driven a slightly upmarket sedan suitable for taking the family to church or visiting in-laws. This Chrysler wagon was classy enough to suffice for any family activity, but it was also the most expensive Chrysler model that year outside of the Imperial series. Still looks good today IMHO.
I vote for liking the two tone effect. These cars, even the wagons look great in multiple colors. It sits nice but I’m not sure I’d leave the lowering blocks in there.
Now that’s a wagon! I’ve never seen one of these in person.
I imagine it was a lot of money when new.
The door handle puts me in mind of the 69-72 Grand Prix handle. They’re almost identical.
Me, I’d lose the lowering blocks in favor of a MFR.-spec stance. Other than that, it’s very presentable and somewhat hard to find today. This car has been for sale in Hemmings for over a year; sorry it hasn’t snagged a buyer yet but hope it does soon. GLWTA!