Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Rust-Free Restorer: 1964 Chrysler New Yorker

The 1964 Chrysler New Yorker was a great car because it had the ability to combine all of the luxury features that your average person could possibly want with startling levels of performance. This particular car is a solid example that would need little to return it to its best, and I really have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring it to us. The New Yorker is located in Norman, Oklahoma, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can find yourself slipping behind the wheel of this 1960s classic for a price of $3,500 OBO.

The first thing that I will say about this Chrysler is that it is a fantastic and graphic demonstration of the sort of toll that UV rays can take on paint, particularly if that paint is metallic. The owner refers to the color as being “grey,” but a little bit of detective work reveals that it is actually a shade known as Rosewood. It is so faded that there is little evidence to verify this, except in areas such as the door frames and engine bay. Leaving the fading aside, the New Yorker actually looks to be in quite reasonable condition. The owner makes no mention of rust problems, and it doesn’t look as though there are any visible problems in areas such as the rockers or quarter panels. Of course, it would be worth taking a quick peek underneath to ascertain the state of the floors and frame. The exterior trim and chrome appear to be in good condition, while the original tinted glass seems to also be in good order.

Lifting the lid on the New Yorker explains why it provides impressive performance for a car of this size. What you find is a 413ci V8, a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The New Yorker is not a light car, tipping the scales at 4,189lbs. However, with 340hp on tap from that V8, it is still capable of despatching a ¼ mile in an impressive 15.8 seconds. Mind you, this does come at a cost, with the New Yorker consuming fuel at an average rate of 10.1mpg. Considering the age of the vehicle, the engine bay presents quite well, and the Chrysler has recently been treated to a rebuild of both the radiator and carburetor, along with new brakes and a new booster. The owner says that the vehicle runs well, but just doesn’t get driven much. That sounds like someone trying to justify to themselves selling a car that they don’t really want to sell! If that is the case, then I can’t say that I blame them.

The interior of the Chrysler is a bit of an unknown quantity because while the dash looks like it is quite good, we can definitely see that at least the front seat will require a new cover, while a new carpet set wouldn’t go astray either. We don’t get a look at the rear seat, door trims, or the headliner, and the owner provides no information to help us there. Still, if we focus on equipment levels, you gain an understanding of just why I said that it is a car that contains enough luxury to satisfy most people. As well as air conditioning, standard fare included power windows, a power front seat, power locks, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio with rear speaker. If the standard cloth seat upholstery wasn’t to your taste, you could always choose the optional leather instead.

At the asking price, this 1964 Chrysler New Yorker is a lot of car for your dollar. It isn’t perfect, but on the surface, it appears that it is a car that would need little to make it truly stand out. These are not a car that commands a huge price, with clean and tidy examples selling from $12,000 upwards. However, I personally think that even if you bought this car at the asking price, it should be possible to have it looking pretty good for less than that $12,000 figure. If that is the case, it would be a project that makes sound economic sense. It would then also be a car that would truly stand out in a crowd, and it would be for all of the right reasons.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    In the mid ’70’s, my brother had a car similar to this, only a ’63 and a Newport, but essentially the same car. Same faded paint, rolled like thunder, I remember 70 felt no different than 40. I even remember him schmucking a deer with it, Chrysler 1, deer 0. I agree, wouldn’t take much, and you’d have one of the nicest road cars from the period. I think it could deliver low teens for mileage, about the same as a vintage pickup, and you be traveling in class. Very nice cars.

    Like 13
    • Avatar Robert White

      CORRECTION: Traveling in class is relative. Nerd class would be this car as long as the driver wore horned-rimed glasses & looked like Don Knotts.

      Real class in the motor vehicle category would be a 56 Buick or 49 Merc two door.

      Nerd class would be a 64 New Yorker.

      Bob

      Like 1
      • HoA Howard A Member

        Sorry Bob, way off. Some people that like these cars, may be offended you called them nerds.

        Like 16
      • Avatar Peter Phillips

        Don’t need the insults, Mr. Bob White. I have one of these cars, 1963 version, and you wouldn’t know quality if it stood up and slapped you in the face.

        Like 9
      • Avatar Robert White

        My nerd Chartered Accountant father bought a 63 Plymouth Fury four door in 63 brand new. It was an embarrassing piece of %$#@ that stalled in the rain and whilst being turned left in intersections in Toronto North York in the 60s.

        It had a slant 6 and the chrome on the bumpers was peeling off in big strips by the time it was 6 years old.

        Only cool people drive coupes, I guess.

        The only thing interesting about that piece of %$#@ was the push-button transmission shifter. I still have the original AM radio if anyone wants it.

        The only Dodge worth owning is a 68 Charger.

        Bob

        Like 0
  2. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    Nice car with many of the options we like today. Can’t go wrong for the price, especially if it is indeed rust-free. This would be a stunning car with a fresh paint job, a real standout. You would need to freshen up the interior of course and go over the mechanicals but think of the enjoyment this big cruiser would bring when you tap into it’s 340hp! I can’t see this lasting too long at the price asked, I think it’s a great car for the money.

    Like 6
  3. Avatar Classic Steel

    Man the is one big beast but i like it.

    I hope someone has a pre 2001 house to store it with a real garage (one not designed to only house Fiesta’s or Prius considered full size cars to save building costs) 😏

    Its amazing how we’ve changed in cars over the years and i hope this is preserved in tact… 😋

    Like 6
  4. Avatar Jim in FL

    I like that the tissue and drink holder is still on the console. I still have the one my grandfather put in his 77 town car that I inherited in 2001.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Beautiful looking car! I’d keep it as it is. I’d only upgrade the mechanicals to make it a driver’s car, and a safe car to drive. Otherwise, I’d keep as much as original as possible. I love original survivor cars. The only problem I see is that there’s not enough photos of the car. If you’re going to advertise a car, the more pics, the better. :)

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Ken Carney

    @classic steel:. I have the carport to hold this one–just not the
    cash to buy it. This one has enough room for my family and a
    large trunk for Mom’s scooter too. The car looks great the way
    it is but would better with a half vinyi roof ahead of that piece
    of roof trim running from there to the top of the windshield.
    These 413s were real torque monsters and with the aftermarket
    today, it should be easy to source an EFI unit to make the brute
    run more efficiently. Other than that, it’s a great car.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar RNR

    That roof trim and the telltale badge on the C pillar are signs that this is a New Yorker “Salon”,
    an even more luxurious version.

    Great car for the money!!!

    Like 8
    • Avatar Pete Phillips

      There’s a guy who knows his Chryslers! “RNR”, I was just going to write the same thing, but you beat me to it.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Del

    Price great

    Great car

    Paint it and drive it fast

    Like 3
  9. Avatar ken tilly UK Member

    My 1968 New Yorker was one of the best American cars that I ever owned. (My 1951 Buick Super being the best) The Indian/Corinthian? leather seats were the best of the best.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Superdessucke

    A rose(wood) by any other name would fade as sweet…

    Like 3
  11. Avatar Bob C.

    I always thought that the 63 and 64 Chryslers had a unique but cool look to them compared to the 62s. Kind of a crossover between Exner and Engel with the roofline and slab sides.

    Like 2
  12. Avatar w9bag

    My friend John had a Newport, same year, same color. His had the 361. Many fond memories cruising Wabash Avenue in the 70’s. Really nice car. Worthy a full restoration. Go with the leather on the seats. It’s worth it !

    Like 0
  13. Avatar JudoJohn

    My first car was a 1964 Chrysler Newport with a 383. my uncle gave it to me when I was 16. He died a few months later. It was a nice car with lots of room. MPG was 12-14. Unfortunately, my was stolen about 3 years after that.
    BTW- this New Yorker looks like it has the 383. not the 413.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Del

      As far as I can determine a 64 New Yorker came with 413 engine as standard.

      If this is a 383 then its a transplant ?

      I cannot tell from the picture

      Like 0
      • Avatar JudoJohn

        I may be wrong, I am not an expert. Just by looks, it has the appearance of the 383. It seems that the New Yorker was only equipped with the 413 for 1964.

        Like 0
      • Avatar John D.

        Visually, especially in an online photo, the 361, 383 (B Blocks) are indistinguishable from the 413, 426 (wedge), and the 440 (all RB, raised blocks that have a higher deck height for a longer stroke)

        Like 2
      • Avatar Del

        It says online the New Yorker had a 413 as standard engine frim 59 to 64 inclusive

        Like 1
  14. Avatar TimM

    Great car at a good price to drive and work on even if it’s a four door!! How can you go wrong???

    Like 4
  15. Avatar PatrickM

    JudoJohn and following… The BF write up says it is a 413. CL doesn’t say, just V8. Either way, this is one sweet boat!! Would really like to have it. At this rate, I’m gonna have to move out of the ‘burbs onto the country and build a nice pole barn for all the ones I want just from today!! Dang, man!!

    Like 0
  16. Avatar PreCarb.

    I bought this car a few months ago. It’s not a Salon. It’s a very healthy car. I’m working my way through it. Everything works now.
    No rust.
    Interior needs front seat, cloth rolls and carpet. Outside needs what you see.
    It’s now stock except for 76 New Yorker 440 low compression open chamber heads on the 413 and a dual master cylinder. Likes 91 no lead E10 now. No loss of power. Won’t run on 89. Stock heads wouldn’t run on 93.
    Going after the weather stripping next.
    I’ve had 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 71 and 76 good condition C bodies. As far as driving I think the 64 is the best compromise for all conditions. The 71 Imperial was the best for a 1,000-mile stretch, no good in town. This 64 pulls harder than my 70 Hurst 300 did, a lot harder.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Del Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.