Tackling a full-blown restoration can intimidate some people, but this 1966 Chrysler Newport offers a tantalizing alternative. It has sat for years, but the seller’s images suggest it is a solid classic that would present nicely as a survivor-grade vehicle if cleaned and detailed. The biggest challenge would be coaxing it back to life mechanically, though that may not be difficult since it ran when parked. The final piece of the puzzle could be its affordability, with the seller asking $8,500 for this classic. If you’re becoming interested, you will find the Newport listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Almena, Kansas.
Chrysler released a dramatically restyled Newport in 1965, based on the same platform as the New Yorker and the 300. The appearance was more modern, featuring crisp lines that were less curvaceous than its predecessor’s. It saw only minor changes in 1966, with tweaks to the grille and taillights. Our featured Hardtop rolled off the line that year, finished in Frost Turquoise. Assessing the paint condition beneath the accumulated dust is challenging, but washing and polishing the car might make it presentable as a survivor-grade classic. The seller supplies only driver-side images in the listing, which is disappointing. However, the lack of visible rust in the body’s lower extremities is encouraging. It suggests a relatively dry storage environment, but it would still be wise to climb beneath this Hardtop to confirm the state of the floors and rails. The front bumper exhibits one small rust spot, but the remaining trim looks like it would respond well to polish, and there are no obvious glass issues.
The Chrysler’s interior provides more encouraging news. It isn’t pristine, but I believe that a deep clean would lift its appearance markedly. The back seat and the door trims are in good condition, while the front seat features a small tear and a seam separation on the driver’s side. I would consult a competent upholsterer about both faults, because a blind patch might address the tear, and the images suggest the seam separation could be restitched. I’m unsure whether it retains its original radio, but with the compressor belt intact, the air conditioning may have worked when the owner parked this classic.
Chrysler offered 1966 Newport buyers a choice of two versions of the 383ci V8, and I am unsure which this car features. The factory quoted 270hp and 390 ft/lbs for the two-barrel variant, while the four-barrel produced 325hp and 425 ft/lbs. Either way, it sent its power to the road through a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and the first owner ticked the boxes for power steering and power brakes on their Order Form. The seller states that this beauty doesn’t run or drive, and the accumulated dust suggests it has hibernated for years. Some readers will clench their teeth when I say that it ran when parked, but if the motor still turns, it might not take much work to coax the V8 back to life. Potential buyers should remember that many perishable items have probably deteriorated, the fluids won’t be great, and that the revival will almost certainly include a fuel system clean and flush. However, a competent enthusiast could tackle most of those tasks in a home workshop without splashing cash on labor.
It will be interesting to gauge readers’ views on this 1966 Chrysler Newport Hardtop. It looks promising, with no obvious signs of rust. Only an in-person inspection can confirm that, and negotiating one would be the next logical step. If it is rock-solid and the V8 turns over, it could be a winner. There’s one other factor to consider before reaching out to the seller. They listed the Chrysler four weeks ago, and although they may not be desperate to sell, they might be more willing to negotiate the sale price. I strongly recommend being respectful if you follow that path, but politely asking the question might be worthwhile. After all, what is the worst they can say?
My Dad had a 1965 Chrysler Newport, that was his to and from work car, in the early 1970s. He didn’t have it very long and I don’t remember why he sold it.
9MPG combined Hwy/City I’d reckon
I think of Rex whenever I see one of these…I will be very interested to read his commentary on this example.
I’m kind of wondering how many of us saw this and said….. “I wonder what Rex thinks?”
Thanks fellas. You may be interested to know that I have divested myself of my C-body Mopars. Let me tell you the market is very soft for these cars, as nice as they are. $8500 is a very strong ask for this car. For that price the car should be running/driving/stopping. And washed!
With this car having sat for so long, re-commissioning it will not be a simple task, nor a cheap one. The seller is very light on details, and trying to get answers on FBM is nearly impossible. One thing I notice is the 22″ radiator and the AC condenser lacking a pusher fan. I guarantee the car overheats.
Whale….since Rex is on vacation….I’ll make a few – the color is one of the best in my opinion – that Mopar but on a car and like I had on my 1968 Imperial – next to Turbine Bronze. This car looks okay but has had the seats re-done and has an add on A/C which isn’t a killer deal but these 1966/67 are not really that sought after…like the 1956 – it might be well bought at $5000 if it runs and moves – did it say that – less if it’s as is.
Yes, I bet Rex would love this 2 Dr Hardtop Newport. If the engine turns freely it may be good news. Looks to be in survivor condition body wise and the interior looks good too. Also a factory air car with PS and PB. Fair asking price for what it is.
Nope on the factory A/C – the under hood compressor is the York add on of choice with the famous under dash add on unit…..while we are under the hood – not sure why there’s a 1977 up lead burn air cleaner sitting on it – could the engine be changed out ? Oh well let’s move on like Rex said….
Compression/ Spark/ Fuel…. Got it !
Back in the early 1980s we had a student at our college who had this exact model as his D.D.
My faculty colleagues used to wonder if that car had the longest rear quarter panel of any car ever made — before or since.
I still wonder if that’s true?
RB
My uncle had one too. His was
Copper with a black top and interior. He traded a ’60 Chevy
convertible for it. It was the first new car he ever bought. And being a semi pro bowler, he racked up quite a few miles on it
before he traded it for a lemon of
a ’72 Mazda RX 4 wagon that spent more time in the shop than it did his driveway. I tried to buy it
from him, but he wouldn’t sell it me because he felt that 140K miles was way too much mileage
and it didn’t help that I was family
either. But man, that car was sharp and that paint job was rare
for our part of the country. I too
would love to hear what Rex would have to say about this beauty.
Back in the early ’70s I had a ’65 Newport with a 383, and one lonely and slightly uphill country road invited me to spike the pedal. I remember the auto-tranny shifting into 3rd at 93mph. I didn’t press my luck that much ever again.
These days I just can’t get excited over a big hunky gas guzzling piece that needs even more money to be restored.
Sorry those days are over- just like the dinasaurs.
Suum cuique, as some dinosaurs would say.
I disagree. RAWR!!!!!!
PASS !!
Pricey as it sits. A non-running car covered in dust that’s been sitting for years is nothing but a project. If lucky, it might take just a weekend to get it running and cleaned up, if not, there is too much downside risk, all on the new owner. There may be someone out there that will pay close to the $8,500 asking price, but if that person exists, they are few and far between.
Steve R
no info if it’s a 440 or not. looks solid in the pics but as it sits this is a 5k car. to many unknowns here.
383. That’s the 4bbl air cleaner.
Wow, it looks like you could fit at least ten bodies in that trunk!
For $8500 does it come with a K-car in that trunk?
I actually think it’s a great buy at about 7,500. Looks like it was never abused and probably not a ton of work or $$$ to get it really sweet for a cruiser that would garner a lot of looks and attention.
We had a ’66 Newport when I was growing up. It was purchased used around 1970 and my parents loved that car. Of all the cars my dad bought, I believe that one was his personal favorite. It was your basic Newport with Torqueflite, power steering and brakes, and nothing else except the original owner ordered it with an am/fm radio, so imagine that. I used to read through the owner’s manual of all the optional extras our car didn’t have. Because of that, as an adult, I purchased and still own, a very nice 1966 New Yorker with every possible factory option!
I loved my ’65. The styling, taillights, roominess, dash, and on and on…
Overall it looks very clean and original. I hope someone will be eager enough to purchase it and get this great Chrysler cruiser back on the road again.
Does anyone know why there would be a tee coming off the coolant/heater-core line?
Looks to have AC, I agree, it doesn’t look abused. Kinda high gamble on a non runner…
a better look is warranted,as the A/C is an add on,and the air cleaner assy belongs on a 1971 up model.in addition,the oil cap and vent cap is mid 70’s.I would venture to say a newer engine was installed
my brother bought a twin to this car. We pulled it in over the hill behind the house where we parked stuff back in the pasture, Dennis put a battery in it to see if the 383 would start, it did and it must have backfired out the exhaust which set the grass and leaves on fire, didn’t have time to get his good batttery out, all he could do was watch it burn and keep fire from spreading. Good times
I had a 65 before getting drafted into the Army. It was a wonderful car. The two barrel was plenty good. I’d love to have another one and I think it would be a fine daily driver. As I recall gas mileage was decent and the factory AC was ice cold. Mine was dark blue with a gorgeous white interior. Bought it at an auction.
In 1977 I bought a 66 Newport 2 door for $300. It was in very good condition and had relatively low mileage. Back then people were getting rid of vehicles that had a healthy appetite for gas. I needed a work vehicle to carry my carpentry tools and the humongous trunk held more stuff than a pickup with a toolbox in the bed. And double bonus for easy access to my tools and the fact that thieves had no idea of what I had in there. Having just bought my first house I needed a washer and dryer. I exchanged a small carpentry project for a used pair. One by one I single handedly hoisted them into the Chrysler’s trunk and transported them to my hacienda. That Newport was one of the best automotive bargains I ever had. It was a great road car and with the 383 two barrel got gas mileage in the mid teens despite hauling hundreds of pounds of tools in the boot. It’s definitely in the top five of cars I once owned that I would like to have back. I’m not doing projects anymore but I am willing to bet that a weekend or two of elbow grease, fuel system cleaning and completion of deferred maintenance would have this old Mopar cruising once again and showing off its big old butt to the plethora of today’s bland SUV rolling computers while able to haul six people and their stuff in style. Hopefully the seller can negotiate a deal with the right buyer who will do this old girl right. GLWTS.
My Dad had a 66 4 door New Yorker, Turquoise, with a White interior. It was his work car and it still stands out in my memories. I remember the day we went to pick it up at the dealer.
This Newport reminds me of how well built and how much different prestige there was in owning a Chrysler in those days.
If I was able, I’d love to pick this one up for that nostalgia. A fine care it is. GLWTS
This feels like one of those cars that you could show up, get it running off a bottle, test the electrical, and offer the seller 7.5 – 8K.
If you can’t get it running, make a much lower offer and seller will probably bite.
Can anyone please explain what a blind patch is pertaining to upholstery? I’ve seen that term used a few times on Barn Finds. I tried Google but no luck.
My Dad had a 66 300, I loved that car
Aftermarket A/C with a non-Mopar compressor installed. I would imagine this could only appeal to a DIY buyer.
Man, that’s a trunk & a half.
I didn’t notice the underdash AC unit until I looked at the pics for a second time. Many dealerships added AC units like these themselves in the 1960s. It’s a shame the seller isn’t motivated to get this Newport starting and running. I still think it has lots of potential, as the body and interior seem to be in pretty decent condition.
My mother had a 66 new in the same color. It was a pretty car.