1953 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe Convertible

1953 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe Convertible was a Top-of-the-Line model. In 1953 Chrysler built only 950 of these stunning cars. Chrysler jumped into the V-8 power race in a big way in 1951 with the introduction of the famed “Hemi” V-8 in their Saratoga and New Yorker model lines. At the time, it was one of the most powerful engines available anywhere. By 1953, Chrysler was into its third year of utilizing the same body styling. These bodies, built with great care by Briggs, were Gibraltar-like in their construction but the designs played second fiddle to the more daring offerings by GM. The design credo at Chrysler was that the roofline should be tall enough so four grown men could ride in the cars while wearing hats.

There was certainly nothing to complain about in the drivetrain, especially when the new PowerFlite tranny was installed. And the interiors on these cars would put a Cadillac to shame for quality of materials. The bodies, as mentioned, were exceptionally well built. Which all adds up to a veritable bargain among postwar collector cars today. The handling is better than one might think. There’s the typical heeling-over so typical of U.S. cars of the era, but the chassis itself sticks quite well. The ride is outstandingly comfortable and quiet and the doors shut like a bank vault.

Because of their size and weight, power steering and power brakes are desirable options to have on these cars. The handsome Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels are another factory option. A Chrysler New Yorker from this era offers enormous quality and performance for very little outlay compared to some of the competition.

SPECIFICATIONS: 1953 Chrysler New Yorker sedan
Base price: $3,365
Base weight: 4,000 pounds
Body: All-steel six-passenger four-door sedan
Frame: Ladder type with cross members and x-bracing
Wheelbase: 125.5 inches
Suspension: Independent A-arms with coil springs front; semi-elliptic leaf springs rear
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic internal expanding; emergency/parking brake on driveshaft
Engine: OHV V-8 with hemispherical combustion chambers. 331.1 cid. 180 bhp @ 4,000 rpm; 3.81 X 3.63 bore & stroke; 7.5:1 compression ratio
Transmission: Fluid-Torque semi-automatic; later 1953 cars have Torqueflite as standard equipment