The Chrysler Newport was introduced in 1940. A wild-looking phaeton based on the Imperial Crown, the original Newport was built in just six units. Between 1950 and 1960, the name returned on two-door hardtop versions of various Chryslers, including the Windsor, Saratoga, and New Yorker. The Newport didn’t become a stand-alone nameplate until 1961.
This Newport was conceived as a replacement for the DeSoto brand, which Chrysler discontinued for the 1961 model year. In short, the Newport was the company’s entry-level product. Its base price of $2,964 made it significantly more affordable than the New Yorker, which started from a whopping $4,870.
The Newport remained in production through 1981, a run that included five generations. It was initially available in all body styles, but Chrysler discontinued the station wagon in 1969 and the convertible in 1973. The final version, launched in 1979, was sold only as a four-door sedan.
The nameplate was hugely successful and comprised the bulk of Chrysler’s production. However, it’s not among the most desirable classics sporting the “Chrysler” badge today. Unfortunately, most Newports spend their retirement years in junkyards and barns, hoping to be rescued before they disintegrate due to rust. This 1969 example is one of the lucky ones. The full-size was recently saved after 40 years in a barn.
Newport barn finds don’t make headlines unless we’re talking about one of the six original units built in 1940 and 1941. However, this vehicle is not your average Newport. Sure, the 1969 version is nothing to write home about in terms of scarcity. Chrysler sold no fewer than 156,836 units that year (including 45,337 Custom Series units). But this one is notably rarer than its siblings, thanks to one single feature. I’m talking about the soft top.
The Newport was still available in two-door convertible guise in 1969, but this body style was far from popular. Specifically, only 2,169 customers went with the retractable top version, which accounts for only 1.4% of the total production. It’s the second-rarest Chrysler built in 1969, behind only the 300 Convertible (1,933 examples made). Not to mention most of these drop-tops did not survive to see 2024.
As you might expect from a vehicle that sat for four decades, the Newport has seen better days. There’s surface rust in some areas, the soft top is damaged, and the interior shows signs of rat infestation. The tires are pretty much toast, while the engine won’t start without a thorough makeover. It’s safe to say this Mopar will need a restoration to shine gain, but its condition is not terrible, given it didn’t benefit from proper storage.
Saved by YouTube’s “The Unskilled Mechanic,” the Newport is about to get a revival. This doesn’t mean it will be restored, but the new owner will attempt to get the engine running and the big convertible driving again.
There’s no word on what’s under the hood, but it’s definitely a big block. The 1969 Newport was offered with a 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) V8 in two- and four-barrel carburetor setups and a 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) mill. These were rated at 290, 335, and 375 horsepower, respectively. Is this Newport worth restoring?