Chrysler was in the big-car game for ages and would especially get hit hard in 1973 with the OPEC oil embargo. Buyers flocked away from full-size cars, looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles. Since Chrysler didn’t offer any, there were no “smaller” Chrysler-branded cars until the Cordoba came along in 1975 (and it was no small car, either). This 1976 Newport Custom looks to have just rolled out of a time machine. It looks flawless from every angle, and we’re told it can go anywhere, at any time. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, this big cream puff is available here on craigslist for $9,000. Thanks for the “gold” tip, T.J.!
The Newport was generally Chrysler’s entry-level automobile between 1961 and 1981. Along with the rest of Chrysler’s offerings, the Newport got a redesign in 1974, switching from “fuselage” styling to a crisper, slab-sided approach. Unfortunately, they debuted in the Fall of 1973, just in time to meet all the lines forming at gas stations as supply was constricted and prices souring. As a result, Newport sales plummeted as did the New Yorker and similar cars offered by the competition.
With a facelift in the car’s rear quarters, 1976 sales continued to fall to a little more than 11,500 Newports produced that year. By 1978, things weren’t looking up for full-size cars, so the downsizing of Detroit was underway, and these big Chryslers moved into the history books. The seller’s 4-door sedan is one of these cars and it looks practically new, although the odometer reading is 75,000 miles. The car presents well, with gold everywhere you look, inside and out. It’s said to be a survivor that’s never been in an accident and has avoided catching the rust bug.
The seller uses the car regularly and has treated it to some recent updates. That includes some new glass (why?), lights, tires, and fluids. He/she has a daughter that may need the funds for college, so it’s time to make room in the garage. The car is powered by a Magnum 400 V8 engine and a TorqueFlite automatic and we’re told the automobile glides effortlessly down the road. Sure, it won’t pass too many gas stations, but they don’t make cars like this anymore.
Gold Jerry, gold I tell ya!
The large trunk is for carrying cans of gas ⛽ 😎 👌 so you can pass a few stations during your travels…🤡
Was the term “Magnum” ever officially used with the 400 engines?
No, but the word “slug,” was.
Nothing says Blues Brothers quite like a 70s Chrysler Newport.
“We’ll talk to Bob.” Elwood Blues
Bob
I was thinking the same thing. Kind of like a luxury Bluesmobile.
Make sure the cigarette lighter works first, though.
I have a 1974 New Yorker Brougham, essentially same car; these are awesome cars to drive and have; so what if if needs more gas! You go in stile, have the only one around and these will only appreciate in value-if slow but they will.
I used to own essentially the same car – a 1977 Newport 4 door sedan with the 400. There was no more Newport Custom model in 1977. This car has such beautiful seats. I like the wheel covers too – very classy. The car I had was a pleasure to drive. It rode very well, handled surprisingly well, and despite its length, it was not hard to park since it was easy to see all 4 corners of the car from the tall windows and flat hood and trunk lids. I’m pretty sure this car has Lean Burn on it, though the ad doesn’t mention that – since Lean Burn debuted in 1976 on the 400 V8 and was expanded to other engines in 1977. That’s the one disadvantage. It retards the spark timing under most driving conditions which makes the car ridiculously slow for such a large engine. But Chrysler did not have to install catalytic converters on these cars because the Lean Burn system reduced emissions significantly. It got 12 mpg average – not the best. But I did enjoy driving this car very much. I even fit an entire patio table in the trunk once! The trunk is that huge that it fit! This is much nicer than the car I had – I hope someone preserves this!
I remember the dealership I once worked the owners son in law worked in sales and they gave him a new 1973 New Yorker to drive and he rear ended a Mustang II it hit hard enough to shatter the rear window and totaled the Ford when he drove the Chrysler back to the dealership we checked it over good and could find no damage just a small scratch on the rubber one of the front bumper guards. He drove the Chrysler a few more months then it was sold to a customer and he got a new 74 Those were the days
This is the perfect sort of car to take on drives with adult friends or family – plenty of legroom front and rear for taller passengers, 4 doors for ease of entry/exit, and those plush seats! Plus loads of trunk space. At $9k for a like-new vehicle, somebody will be getting great value for their money.
There’s nothing like this being produced today (short of a Rolls Royce Phantom, maybe)
If you drive conservatively as I do and have taught my kids, gas is a non factor. Yes, it is expensive, but I recently drove my 137,000 mile Mercury Grand Marquis on an 800 mile trip. Believe it or not, I pulled into a Gulf station after 274 miles. The tank took fewer than 9 gallons. Yeah, so I drive 55. I didn’t get killed, saved money and it took a bit longer. Also, I save on wear and tear and tire wear. It is insane how fast people drive today. While I admit the 03 Mercury has an overdrive trans and this Newport did not, you can still get good fuel mileage.
How would I go about buying this car? I am not a member. How long will it be available?
@Hubert – The link to craigslist is right there in the first paragraph.