1960 Chrysler New Yorker 2 Door Hardtop on 2040-cars

1960 Chrysler New Yorker two door hardtop

1960 Chrysler New Yorker two door hardtop.  This is 1 of 2835 New Yorker hard tops produced in 1960.  1960 New Yorker two door hard tops are very difficult to find in any condition, let alone an honest survivor car that has not been incorrectly restored, molested, or abused.

This car spent the first 36 years of its life in Washington State.  The original Washington license plate came still mounted to the car and is included in the purchase.  The car then moved to South Dakota in 1996 when it was purchased by a dealer/collector.  I purchased the car from that South Dakota collector who only kept the car for a couple of months prior to my acquisition.  I have had the car since September 1996 so it has a very short list of known previous owners.

This is a survivor car with approximately 46,750 miles.  When I purchased the car the Washington State title showed a total of 36,238 miles.  I cannot verify that the miles are accurate – but from my experience with the car and the overall condition, it would seem reasonable that the miles would be true.

The car is Skylight Blue enamel with the optional cloth/vinyl interior in blue.  The New Yorker carries all of the typical standard options which include:

• 413 cubic inch engine and 4 barrel Carter carburetor

• Torqueflite 3 speed automatic transmission with push button control

• Power steering

• Power brakes

• Power windows

• Power seats

• Full carpeting

• Cloth/vinyl interior

• AM radio

• Clock

In addition to the standard equipment this New Yorker also carries these options:

• Factory air conditioning

• Tinted glass

• Power antenna

• Seat belts

The Pros:

This is an example of an unrestored and unmolested survivor car.  If you’re looking for an example of a 54 year old car that has not been incorrectly restored, modified, or abused, then this is the one you have been looking to purchase!  The 413 engine runs very well and does not make any unusual noises and does not consume oil.  I have driven the car as far as Auburn, Indiana without incident or mechanical issues.  Engine, transmission, and other driveline components operate as you would expect a 46,000 mile car should.  Mechanically the car is very sound and I would not hesitate to drive this car.  I have not had to do anything more than what would be expected due to age – occasional wheel cylinders, water pump, belts, and hoses.

Two years ago I had the entire suspension rebuilt because of age and deterioration of the rubber bushings.  The entire front suspension was rebuilt by a professional mechanic.  This included new bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc.  Complete kit purchased through Performance Suspension Technology.  I ordered and had installed the original style bushings and parts to maintain that original New Yorker drive and ride.  In addition to rebuilding the front suspension I also had installed new rear leaf springs and new KYB shocks on all four corners.  After 50 plus years the original leaf springs were looking tired and the New Yorker was sitting a little low in the rear.  With the new rear leaf springs the car is sitting up again – and the springs are settling down well so the car is looking more correct.  To complete the suspension project I also installed four new American Classic wide white radial tires.  The white wall width was matched as closely as possible to the correct width that would have been offered in 1960.  

Power train, suspension, and dual exhaust system on this car are all good.  Because the car has been stored inside, and the limited number of miles I have driven the car, I have not had to do anything with the exhaust system.

The power options work correctly - the windows, antenna, seat, steering, and brakes.  The radio plays, the clock has been converted to a quartz movement, and the electroluminescent instrument panel glows nicely (however the rheostat does need cleaning again).  

Body is solid with no identified or known rust issues in the fenders, quarters, floors, trunk pan, rocker panels, etc.  The advantage of a Washington State car is that they do not use salt on their roads, and since the car has been in my collection it is not seen a Minnesota salted road, ice, or snow.  It gets put away in October and does not emerge in the spring until the roads are clear.

Headliner, sun visors, and instrument panel pad are in good condition.  I purchase and installed a new dash pad ordered from Just Dashes.  All the glass is in good condition with no chips, cracks or breaks.

Air conditioning system has been gone through with hoses and seals replaced.  The system was charged with R-12.  When I stored the car last fall the system was blowing icy cold.  Unfortunately this spring it seems the charge is gone so there most still be a slow leak in the system.

The Cons:

This is a 54 year old original car so it is not perfect and I don’t present this car other than an unrestored original car.  It’s a very solid car but time does take its toll.  Here is a synopsis of the aging of the car:

• Paint still shines but is showing its age.  There are places that have been scuffed, scratched, and a couple of spots that are beginning to show that it has been rubbed thin.

• There is a small wrinkle in the right front fender.  It looks like the prior owner may have hit something with the bumper that pushed back on the fender.  Not a major problem but I am providing full disclosure.

• Chrome is showing its age.  Bumpers are solid but will need to be re-chromed.  

• Interior is complete and intact.  However the foam of the seat cushions is breaking down from age, fabric upholstery is beginning to split were it meets the vinyl.  Some water stains on the fabric of the door panels.  

• Package shelf is still original and intact with no holes cut.  The color has faded in spots from age.

• Steering wheel has the usual shrinkage and cracks.

• Carpeting is complete and not ripped or torn.  It is showing some fading and soiling from age.

• Steering sector has play and will need to be serviced/rebuilt.

I believe this is a well preserved 54 year old New Yorker.  On a scale of 1-5 with 1 being a concourse quality restoration, I would rate this is a solid 3 condition.  If you are looking for a candidate to restore to a concourse quality show car this is an ideal prospect.  If you crave a low mileage original with all of the patina that comes with a survivor car, then this is your car.  

Sale Details:

I am selling this car “as is” with no warrantee expressed or implied.  You’re purchasing a 54 year old unrestored car.  I require a nonrefundable deposit within 48 hours of the close of the auction.  Final payment to be made by wire transfer or cashier’s check prior to pick-up or delivery of the car.  Car will not be released until any cashier’s check has been cleared through the bank and funds collected.  The car has a clean/clear Minnesota title.  

You are responsible for any transportation costs to ship the car.  

You are responsible for any cost associated with an inspection.  I will not share those costs with you!  

If you win the auction I will help with coordinating pick up by your transport company.  

Car is available for inspection in Minneapolis, MN with sufficient notice to coordinate inspection.  

Please ask your questions prior to the end of the auction.  I reserve the right to end the auction.