A 1959 Chrysler New Yorker that recently emerged from a private property seems to check many boxes for a complete restoration, still boasting solid metal and the original V8.
Let me start by highlighting how rare this 1959 Chrysler New Yorker really is.
The most popular New Yorker in 1959 was the four-door sedan, as Chrysler produced 7,792 units in this body configuration. The four-door hardtop was the runner-up with 4,805 units, while the two-door hardtop accounted for 2,435 units of the entire production. The two-door convertible was the rarest version, as only 286 New Yorkers rolled off the assembly lines with a removable top.
The model listed on Craigslist is a two-door hardtop, and while no specifics are available, it’s safe to assume few are still around today.
One of the reasons this New Yorker managed to survive the test of time with flying colors is the factory undercoating. It still exhibits undercarriage rust, but the floors’ condition is impressive considering its age.
The car rolled off the assembly lines with only a couple of options, such as power brakes and power steering. It’s mostly complete, with the owner explaining that the stainless trim “is in excellent shape.”
The engine under the hood is no longer under the hood. The original 413 is still available, but the owner says the V8 is currently installed in another project. It’ll sell with the New Yorker, but it’s worth knowing it doesn’t run.
We’re not getting many details about the interior, so the seller still has many questions to answer despite claiming the vehicle is complete. A solid interior allowing for an easy restoration would make this New Yorker even more desirable, including for customers who’d want to turn it into a daily driver without bringing it back to factory specifications.
A New Yorker is rarer than most competitors sold in the United States in 1959, including the Ford Galaxie and the Chevrolet Impala. Born in 1958, the Chevy Impala was already a superstar in 1959, gaining series status and embracing a different path from the Bel Air. The Impala eventually became the best-selling car in Chevrolet’s domestic market.
The two-door hardtop looks restorable, and I don’t expect it to remain available for too long. The New Yorker is not as popular as a 1959 Impala, but considering how rare it is and the complete package, a professional restorer will probably give it a second chance.
The New Yorker can be yours for $6,000, and potential buyers can see it in person close to Sacramento. The engine is no longer in the car, so the buyer will need a trailer to take it home if they reach a deal. Based on the provided photos, the car rolls freely.