1938 Chrysler C-20 New York Special Coupe

Non-Production Car, Special Order Only

......please be patient while the many photos load.....

Extremely rare 1938 Chrysler C20 New York Special Coupe, available in 1938 by special order only, built on the C-19 business coupe platform, badged as the New York Special and heavily equipped with the powerful C-20 straight 8 engine plus the overdrive option. This unique Chrysler has been in California since new and may very possibly be the only one of it's kind in existence. Letters from then Chrysler Vice President of the Sales Division writes of the need for a car "not as large as a Custom Imperial, but with interior trim and other appointments comparable to the Custom line; in short, a car which would appeal to the present owners of Airflows." It would include these upgrades that separate it from it's standard C19 counterpart: Chrome wheel rings, special steering wheel with remote control horn ring, six-ply tires, electric clock on dash, and glove-box lock. the front grille with every other bar painted black (this example was re-chromed at some point and should be returned to it's original state) and luxury springs in the seat cushions. It also included carpeted front floor, 20 gallon capacity fuel tank, instrument panel finished to harmonize with the upgraded Laidlaw custom-grade upholstery and interior trim.

The New York Specials were considered a Chrysler though they were built on the Imperial Chassis and used the big Custom Imperial C-20 engine. As listed in contemporary reference sources, the New York Special line consisted of a Business coupe and Touring sedan. However, no coupes are known to have been built making this example extremely rare. (See Jerry Heasley's Production Figure Book for US Cars, ISBN-13: 9780879380427).

In an attached letter from the Chrysler Historical Collection dated November 28, 1984 then Executive Correspondence Manager states: "I am sending you the enclosed information Chrysler Corporation distributed to their dealers in late 1937 and early 1938 concerning the New York Special. As you can see, the letters dated December 27th, 1937 and February 24, 1938 both refer to a New York Special Coupe. This model appears to have had extremely limited production as we have no further reference to it anywhere in the Historical Collection. It seems that you have a very rare and special car." The letters below show that this car was only available as a non-cancellable, special order only basis.

HISTORY OF THIS PARTICULAR EXAMPLE:
First owner (purportedly) from 1938 until around 1960. It was traded in at a used automobile dealer in Malibu, California and kept in storage by dealer for approximately 10 years until sold to a collector around 1970. Second owner left the car original though did have the engine rebuilt at some point. It's third owner, (referenced on attached documents and with whom we have been in contact with) gave the car it's first repaint. I have spoken to him about the car and he has conveyed that prior to it's repaint the body was perfect, undamaged and rust free. He also had the interior redone at that time, though not to factory specifications. The car was sold to it's current and fourth owner, my client in 1998, stored properly and used lightly.

Provided below are several documents related to this particular vehicle in pdf form. If you have trouble downloading these, please email me and I will be happy to email them back directly or send by fax.

1. Letter from Chrysler Historical Collection to third owner in 1984
2. Letter to Distributors and Dealers, November 1937
3. Letter to Distributors and Dealers, December 1937
4. Letter to Dealers, February 1938
5. Related Articles
6. 1990 Appraisal Report for Reference (Not meant for current valuation purposes)

This particular vehicle was titled from new using the engine number, C203504. The right door post shows the vehicle identification number of 6609759. Please note that this ID number was not used or sequenced within the standard C19 production numbers. The standard 1938 C19 business coupe VIN/Serial numbers ran from 6734001 through 6742105.

This is a rare and unusual Chrysler looking for an appreciative, knowledgeable owner. An absolute must-have for the astute Chrysler collector and enthusiast.

Please direct your inquiries to Left Coast Classics owner Donn Dabney at 707-332-8331. Thank you for visiting.

There are another 140 pictures in addition to what you see here as well as video so you can see and hear her run. See the link at the bottom of the page following these first 56 images.

Also, if you have one car or an entire collection to consign and are anywhere in California,
please consider Left Coast Classics.

Thank you for visiting!

VIN# 6609759

1938 Chrysler C-20 New York Special Coupe Photos

VIDEO GALLERY

CLICK BELOW FOR THE VIDEO FOOTAGE!

See this 1938 Chrysler Imperial at Left Coast Classics
Walk Around Video • Test Drive It • Watch and Hear it Run

SLIDESHOW GALLERY

CLICK THE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW!
(Will Open in a Separate Window)

1938 Chrysler Imperial Photo Gallery

1938 Chrysler Imperial Photo Gallery

Conditions & Terms:

A bid on this vehicle constitutes a commitment to buy. If you are committed and capable of purchasing this vehicle we welcome your bid! If you have any questions whatsoever please ask them before bidding. We will be pleased to answer your questions. Upon meeting the auction reserve, your bid will be considered a lawfully binding contract. By bidding on this vehicle you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

We make every reasonable effort to describe this vehicle and use many photographs to help in this description. Please remember that this is a used vehicle. It is not new. The mileage on this vehicle has been recorded at the time of listing and is subject to change. Regardless of our commitment to describe vehicles in as much detail as possible there will be imperfections. Us failing to mention for example an item such as a paint imperfection, an inoperable switch etc, does not constitute refusal of a car by the buyer. Vehicles are complex machines with thousands of parts. Classic & special interest vehicles are broad in their differences and uniqueness. Even though we attempt to be as clear and concise in our descriptions as possible, some of these are cars that we buy and consign. They are not our own personal cars and we do not always know what to specifically look for. It may have issues that are inherent to a vehicle of its type and/or age. In short, we encourage you to ask questions. We also encourage inspections to avoid any misunderstandings. This vehicle is being sold "as-is", with no warranty, expressed or implied. Vehicle is available for an inspection prior to purchase and we will be happy to arrange one at the expense of the interested buyer. Again, the winning bidder is committed to following through on the transaction.

Taxes and Licensing: California buyers will be charged sales tax and licensing and processed on your behalf. Out of state buyers (including other countries), we will send title and you will be responsible for registration and taxes in your own state or providence. All transactions will be charged a $55 documentation fee in addition to the sales price. If leaving the state or country, the car must be picked up by a transportation company that can provide a bill of lading, otherwise California sales tax will be charged. (All licensed transport companies provide these). Personalized plates on vehicles (if any) belong to the owner of record and cannot be included with the vehicle.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due within 48 hours of the auction close. The remaining balance is due within 72 hours of the close of auction, unless other arrangements were made. Accepted payment methods are bank wire transfers, cashier's checks and money orders. If you wish to obtain financing, please do so ahead of time. We reserve the right to end the auction early. We also reserve the right to verify any or all bids to ensure exceptional auction integrity. Please do not ask the reserve amount, as we will not disclose this information.

Transportation expenses are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held liable for any problems or damages arising from or due to transportation handling. The buyer is responsible for all shipping charges and fees from point of sale to the final destination. In addition, it is the buyers responsibility to arrange & coordinate shipping. We are happy to provide a list of transporters.

Retractions: We will not accept bid retractions. If you bid and retract you will be added to our blocked bidder list and future bids will not be accepted. If you do not follow up on your purchase you will be reported to ebay's safe harbor and we will submit your username to ebay's non-paying bidder program. Ebay allows for you to triple check your bid before finally entering the bid. To bid, you must be 18 years of age or older. If you are a bidder with only negative feedback, please contact us prior to bidding.

Feedback: We encourage you to read our feedback. We are proud of our track record and hope that it will instill the confidence needed to help you make a decision to purchase. Upon receipt of of positive feedback, we will post same.

This vehicle is being sold by Left Coast Classics, LLC a licensed vehicle dealer in the state of California.