Chrysler introduced all-new cars for 1955 and would dub them the “100 Million-Dollar Look” (in advance of the “Forward Look” machines of 1957). They pared down the number of models to three: Windsor, New Yorker, and 300, with the former being the entry-level offerings. But there was nothing basic about the Windsor, like this ’55 edition that’s been sitting in the garage for ages. It no longer runs, but the cosmetics look more than acceptable. From Sylvia, Kansas, this larger-than-life Mopar is available here on craigslist for $8,500. Thanks for the heads up, Sam A!
When you bought a new Chrysler in 1955, you could no longer get one with a six-cylinder engine as Chrysler had gone all-in with V8s. The Windsor got the smaller motor, a 301 cubic-inch using a de-bored Hemi block and new “Polysphere” semi-hemi heads. That motor should be under the hood of the seller’s car, but since the machine has been sitting so long, it’s now stuck in position. If you can get it going again, the powerplant should produce 188 hp.
The Windsor Deluxe (the New Yorker was also a Deluxe) was the breadwinner of ’55 Chryslers. Out of 152,777 cars produced in general, 18,274 copies were the 2-door “Nassau” and 13,126 of the 2-door “Newport.” The difference was the level of trim which we’re not sure what version applies to the seller’s car. We’re told this Chrysler was running when it was parked and likely forgotten. The original two-tone paint looks quite nice and the seller says the chrome shows no pitting or flaking after 68 years.
A little rust can be found here and there, like at the bottom of the rear wheel well opening on the driver’s side. Nothing that looks to be serious or requiring immediate attention. Before it was retired, this Windsor saw plenty of use at 87,500 miles. If you can fix its mechanical gremlins with a minimum effort, what a cool original car this would be to show off on weekend outings. Especially with those famous Chrysler tailfins just starting to take shape. With any luck, you could be all-in on a classic like this for under $10,000.
What a nice looking car, price seems right.
Must have been very much about right….posting deleted by author.
I think the reason why some of these postings are taken down early is because the seller gets a quick cash offer. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Either that or sellers remorse. If it pops up again for more money, then that tells a different story. Anyway, there are many, many more cars that will be coming out on to the market this year with even better prices – you’ll see. Good luck.
Looks solid as a rock. My dad had the 4dr. version of this Windsor DeLuxe in two-tone blue. My brother & sister came home from the hospital in it. I only ever found one small grainy photo of it from back then.
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I don’t know this for a fact, but since the Newport designation was usually for the hardtop (postless), I’d assume that this is a Newport and that Nassau designation (which I’ve never heard of before) would be the 2-door post version.
This one-year only moved the transmission lever from the column to the dash fascia, dangerously aimed at passengers in case of a mishap. In 56 they went to the pushbuttons.
Eric, the Nassau model was a base plain Jane Windsor 2-door hardtop to boost sales. Those gear shifts were designed to break away at 5 pounds of pressure.
This girl is a rare Chrysler Spring Special, the “Blue Heron.” The other was the “Green Falcon.” They came as a 4-door sedan and as a 2-door Newport. They had special moldings and two-tone paint jobs. Nice ride.
Some people don’t have the time, resources, or skills to get an old car running. Maybe the previous owner passed away or maybe they are too old to make the repairs. Rundown houses sell all the time so your argument doesn’t really make sense.
Yes I would most certainly buy a house not fit for habitation, and have done it several times and made good money. Ever hear of fix and flips.
You would be very surprised at how many unihabítable structures are put up for sale. Most are labeled” fixer upper” or investor grade houses. As to cars, anything to turn trash into gold. But some non running cars actually just need a little help ie carb rebuild and points sanded. Well stuck requires a little more work but can be save.