Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” philosophy defined Chrysler’s styling during the late 1950s. The buying public suddenly discovered that cars no longer needed to be upright and boxy, with Exner’s pen demonstrating that cars could be low, sleek, and swooping. The ready acceptance of this approach forced other manufacturers to follow suit, with fins dominating the American market during that period. This 1958 Chrysler New Yorker 2-Door Hardtop is a perfect example of this philosophy and is a genuine survivor that someone could enjoy immediately. The seller has listed this gentle giant here on Facebook Marketplace in San Francisco, California. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a classic that could be yours for $32,000.

Virgile Exner’s design philosophy first became apparent in the New Yorker range that graced showroom floors in 1955 and 1956. However, it reached its zenith with the following generation that rolled off the line between 1957 and 1959. Buyers could order the 1958 New Yorker in five body styles, with this car’s first owner selecting the 2-Door Hardtop variant. They cloaked its panels in a combination of Aztec Turquoise and Ermine, with both shades typical during this era. The seller stresses the car’s originality, suggesting it is a genuine survivor. The overall condition is consistent with that claim. The paint isn’t perfect, but it holds a nice shine and exhibits no significant flaws. The panels are arrow-straight, but the car’s location could be the ace up its sleeve. Chrysler vehicles from this era, regardless of the marque, were prone to rust problems in unfavorable conditions. However, this one has spent its life in a dry climate, allowing it to remain rust-free. The trim looks excellent for its age, and there are no issues with the tinted glass.

Dominating this New Yorker’s engine bay is the original 392ci Hemi V8. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The New Yorker tips the scales at 4,390 lbs, but with the Hemi delivering 345hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.1 seconds was considered pretty impressive. Given a long enough stretch of road, the needle could hover at 124mph. The originality extends to this Chrysler’s drivetrain, and there is plenty of good news for potential buyers. This New Yorker is a turnkey proposition that the seller states he would drive anywhere. Therefore, flying in, handing over the cash, and driving home behind the wheel of this classic is a viable option.

One of this Chrysler’s few weaknesses is exposed when we focus on its interior. The driver’s seat is worn and torn, the armrest on the door is damaged, and the carpet shows evidence of wear and fading. The last issue shouldn’t pose many problems, because carpet sets are readily available. The seatcover could be another issue because these aren’t thick on the ground. However, I located a company that stocks both the cloth and vinyl “off the roll,” so handing the car to an upholsterer to stitch new covers could be the best option. Otherwise, throwing on a slipcover would hide the problem from prying eyes. The new owner won’t receive air conditioning or power windows, but the first owner equipped it with a power seat and pushbutton radio.

The recession that hit the American market in late 1957 was only short-lived, but its most dramatic impact was on vehicle sales. Chrysler only sold 3,205 examples of the New Yorker in 2-Door Hardtop form in 1958, and natural attrition means these are relatively rare today. While rarity doesn’t always equate to a high value, the seller’s price looks to be in the ballpark compared to recent sales. It has been on the market for mere hours, and it will be fascinating to see how long it takes for this true survivor to find a new home.