There’s just something about mint green. It was a common fifties automobile hue, but it has also been found adorning hospital wards and prison cell blocks. Regardless, it’s the perfect color for this 1954 Chrysler Windsor. Yes, this one’s tired and worn around the edges, and that’s what makes it a solid topic for review – it is what it now is and won’t cost a fortune to acquire (what’s beyond that could be an issue, however). Jack M. found this venerable old Mopar for us; it’s located near Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is available here on craigslist for $5,000.
As I have opined before, it’s hard to believe that the iconoc Chrysler brand of yesterday would be relegated ot just a minivan today, sheesh! The news, as of late, is that Stellantis, Chrysler’s overlord, has some new models planned over the next couple/three years, and they will hopefully breathe some life back into the beleaguered brand, but I’ll hold off the applause until reality sets in. Anyway, back in 1954, Chrysler came in ninth place in the great American automobile production race with 105K units – not a stellar performance but an improvement over prior years. The stalwart of the lineup that year was the Windsor available in two and four-door sedans, along with station wagons, a convertible, and the two-door “Newport” hardtop. No surprise, but the four-door sedan, such as our subject, was the big seller, knocking out about 34K copies 72 long years ago. The seller tells us, “Very little rust, some in rear fenders and 2 spots, either side of trunk. Frame and floors nice… passenger side glass has a crack. Car has patina, dents, scratches.” OK, well, that sums it up pretty well.
“Spitfire” power in the form of a 119 gross HP, 265 CI, in-line six is what’s under the hood. The seller adds, “Motor runs ok but is tired, there is blow by, smoke, leaks, and it needs a rebuild. Generator and voltage regulator rebuilt by Generator Specialty. Charges good. Fuel tank repaired by Gas Tank Renu. New fuel pump. Carburetor rebuilt by The Carb Shop.” A PowerFlite automatic transmission makes the rear wheel connection, and the seller suggests, “Transmission shifts good, but fluid should be changed as it’s very old.” Oh, and the brakes are referred to as being “sketchy“.
If you’re into Mexican blankets, I have the interior for you! The seller acknowledges, “seats need recovered.” And while that task is being undertaken, the carpet and door panels could stand a redo, too. The instrument panel is compact in nature, but it’s decked out with a cool machine-turned overlay.
The seller concludes the listing with, “I understand the car needs work, let’s negotiate. Hoping for cash sale as I need to repair my deck.” Well, five large isn’t a lot of scratch, but this Windsor is gonna need a bit of work and some $$$ to turn it into a winner. What do you think, good bones for a start?
This looks like a great candidate for getting it running and just drive it.