Car: Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe Convertible
Year: 1953
What makes it special: The gorgeous New Yorker was Chrysler’s flagship model for 1953, competing with Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard for luxury car buyers. The New Yorker name debuted in 1940 as a sub-model to the Chrysler Imperial. At a price of $,025, the New Yorker Deluxe Convertible was the most expensive model in the series.
What made it famous: Highlights included extensive sheetmetal reskinning that made the model shapelier, with an emphasis on more glass, one-piece curved windshields and wraparound taillights. Hoods were drawn further down to give it a lower look. They gave the appearance of being less bulky, and were a bit lighter. The New Yorker was powered by a 180hp, 331 cu in Chrysler Hemi V8, mated to a Fluid Torque Drive, semi-automatic transmission, and featured such luxuries as power steering, wire wheels, a radio, and the ultra-rare “MoparMatic” steering wheel mounted Swiss-movement clock.
Why would want one: This is just one elegant and stylish early 50’s convertible. And, it’s got a Hemi.
Fun fact: Of the 950 New Yorker Deluxe models built in 1953, only a handful remain. It is believed that just 10 convertibles survived.