Chrysler New Yorker

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Chrysler New Yorker
1970 Chrysler New Yorker 2-door hardtop
Manufacturer Chrysler Corporation
Production 1939-1996
Successor Chrysler LHS
Layout FR layout (1939-1982)

The Chrysler New Yorker was a premium automobile built by the Chrysler Corporation from 1939 to 1996, serving for several years as the brand's flagship model. A model named the "New York Special" first appeared in the 1930s. Until its discontinuation in 1996, the New Yorker had made its mark as the longest running American car nameplate.

The New Yorker name helped define the Chrysler brand as a maker of upscale models priced and equipped above mainstream brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge/Plymouth, but below full luxury brands like Cadillac and Packard. During the New Yorker's tenure, it competed against models from Buick, Oldsmobile, Lincoln, and Mercury.

Contents

[edit] First generation

First Generation
Production 1938-1949
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) Straight-8
Wheelbase 139.5 in (3543 mm)

The New Yorker Special model was originally introduced as a distinct sub-series of the 1938 Chrysler Imperial. The model's popularity caused the car to become its own series for 1939, based on the same platform as the Chrysler Imperial and that year's other new introduction, the Chrysler Saratoga. The New Yorker was available in 1938 as a 4-door sedan with a 323 CID Straight-8 and a generous amount of comfort and space to the passengers. For 1939 New Yorker was expanded with 2 more Coupe versions and a 2-door sedan. The first convertibles were introduced with the all-new body-design of the 1940 models.

1940 also saw the introduction of Fluid Drive, a fluid coupling between the engine and the clutch. The only transmission available was the basic three speed manual.

Completely new bodies were introduced for 1941, with the business coupe now being of the three window design. Another new model was the Town Sedan with the rear doors having the hinges at the forward edge of the doors. This year the Vacamatic was made available, although unlike the version sold on six cylinder models, the Saratoga/New Yorker version was a three speed transmission with overdrive.

With America entering World War II on 7 December, 1941, all automobile production came to an end at the beginning of February, 1942. Thus the 1942 model year was roughly half the normal length.

Chrysler would produce and experiment with engines for tanks and aircraft during World War II. One post-war application of this would lead to the creation of the first generation Hemi of the 1950s.

[edit] 1946 to 1949

Unlike most car companies, Chrysler did not make changes with each model year from 1946 to the first series of 1949. Thus models for 1946 through 1949 Chryslers have the same basic appearance, noted for their 'harmonica' grille, based on the body introduced with the 1941 models. 1947 saw a minor redesign in tires, trim, and instrument panel, while the first 1949s were just 1948s with no visible changes.

Postwar Chryslers continued to offer Fluid Drive, with the New Yorker now offering the true four speed semi-automatic transmission.

[edit] Second Generation

Second Generation
Howard Hughes' 1954 Chrysler New Yorker
Production 1949-1954
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) V8

[edit] 1949-1950

The true 1949 New Yorker, or second series, used Chrysler Corporation's new postwar body also shared by Dodge and DeSoto. The engine continued to be the 323.5-cid straight eight coupled to Fluid Drive and the Prestomatic four speed semi-automatic. Body styles were reduced to club coupe, 4-door sedan and convertible. Wheelbase on the New Yorker was increased to 131.5 inches from the 127.5 inch frame introduced in 1941.

The 1950 New Yorker was the more deluxe of the regular eight-cylinder Chryslers (Saratoga being the eight with plainer trim) with cloth upholstery available in (unusual for 1950) several colors, 135 hp (101 kW) Spitfire straight-eight engine and roomy interior featuring "chair height" seats. The "Prestomatic" fluid drive transmission had two forward ranges, each with two speeds. In normal driving, high range was engaged using the clutch. The car could then be driven without using the clutch (unless reverse or low range was required); at any speed above 13 mph (21 km/h), the driver released the accelerator and the transmission shifted into the higher gear of the range with a slight "clunk". When the car came to a stop, the lower gear was again engaged.

The big news for 1950 was the two door hardtop, or special club coupe as Chrysler called it, in the New Yorker series. The model was called the Newport in sales literature.

[edit] 1951

Chrysler introduces the 180 horsepower (130 kW) FirePower Hemi engine. The engine becomes a popular choice among hot rodders and racers alike, a trend that continues to thrive today with its namesake second generation model. The FirePower Hemi equipped cars could accelerate 0 to 60 in 10 seconds, faster than the Oldsmobile 88 Rocket engine of that time.

The New Yorker also offered Fluid Torque Drive, a true torque converter, in place of Fluid Drive. Cars with Fluid Torque Drive came only with Fluid Matic semi-automatic transmission and had a gear selector quadrant on the steering column. Power steering, an industry first, appeared as an option on Chrysler cars with the Hemi engine. It was sold under the name, Hydraguide.

A station wagon was offered for 1951, with 251 built.

[edit] 1952

Small redesign on taillights with the backups lights in the lower section. Last year for the 131.5 inch wheelbase chassis for the New Yorker.

[edit] 1953

A less bulky look with the wheelbase reduced to 125.5 inches, a one-piece curved windshield and rear fenders integrated into the body. Wire wheels were now an option. The Saratoga of 1952 became the New Yorker for 1953 while the former New Yorker was now the New Yorker DeLuxe. The convertible and Newport hardtop were available only in the New Yorker DeLuxe while the base New Yorker offered a long wheelbase sedan and a Town & Country wagon. The convertible was New Yorker's costliest model on the 125.5 inch chassis for 1953 at $3,980 with only 950 built.

[edit] 1954

The 1954 was a premium version of a standard 1950s size body. Chrysler's interest in six cylinder vehicles began to wane in favor of the popular FirePower Hemi V8. The New Yorker was priced a little more affordable at $3,230 for the standard and $3,400 for the DeLuxe.

The standard model had a mild 195 hp (145 kW) output while the DeLuxe was used as a testbed of the engine's capabilities by outputting 235 hp (175 kW). (Such power was unheard of in 1954 from its competitors.)

Although introduced very late in the 1953 model year, all 1954 New Yorkers were available with the new two speed Powerflite automatic transmission. Fluid Torque Drive and Fluid Matic were dropped.

1954 was the last year the long wheelbase sedan was offered by Chrysler.

[edit] Third generation

Third Generation / "Forward Look"
1956 Chrysler New Yorker convertible
Production 1955-1961
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 392 cu in (6 L) "FirePower Hemi" V8
Wheelbase 126.0 in (3200 mm)
Related Plymouth Fury
Dodge Custom Royal
Chrysler 300C
Chrysler Windsor

In 1955, Chrysler did away with the previous and generic "lead sled" design of the 1940s with a new sedan that borrowed styling cues from the custom 1952 Imperial parade phaeton. The hemi engine produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) this year. The result would become an ongoing trend for increasing engine output throughout the next two decades with Chrysler and its rival competitors. The Powerflite transmission was controlled by a lever on the instrument panel.

The series was called New Yorker DeLuxe with the base New Yorker dropped. The club coupe was dropped being replaced by the Newport two door hardtop. A new higher priced St.Regis two door hardtop filled the spot of the former Newport. The sedan, convertible and Town & Country wagon were still offered.

[edit] 1956

In 1956, Chrysler christened this model year "PowerStyle" and it was one of the design works of Virgil Exner. The New Yorker gained a new mesh grille, leather seats, pushbutton PowerFlite selector, and a V8 with 280 hp (209 kW).

The St. Regis two door hardtop gave a unique three tone paint job for a higher price and the Town and Country Wagon model was Chrysler's most expensive vehicle of 1956 at US$4,523. This was the first year for the New Yorker 4 door pillarless hardtop. Only 921 convertibles were made.

[edit] 1957

This year, Chrysler cars were redesigned with Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" at the cost of $300 million. The 1957 New Yorker had a powerful 392 cu in (6.4 L) Hemi V8 engine rated at 325 horsepower (242 kW). This stylish car was a good seller with 10,948 built, but only 1,049 convertible models. The 1957 models also came with the TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission and a Torsion bar suspension called Torsion-Aire that gave smoother handling and ride quality to the car. The New Yorker also sported fins that swept up from just behind the front doors.

Early model year production had single headlamps with quad headlamps optional where state regulations permitted them. The single headlamps were dropped later in the year.[1]

[edit] 1958

Forward Look remains intact but with new body-side trim, shrunken taillights and 345 horsepower (257 kW). The convertible model was still available, with only 666 made and only 15 working convertibles are known to still exist in 2008.[2] Sales were steady, but decreased from last year due to The Recession of 1958. The car's reputation was also tainted due to rust problems caused by rushed production and testing.

[edit] 1959

The New Yorkers this year had 350 horsepower (260 kW), new tailfins, new front end, and no Hemi. The FirePower Hemi ended production and was replaced by the cheaper wedge head 413-cid RB engine. The Hemi would never return to the New Yorker and slowly ended its image as a performance car and re-branded it as a luxury car. The Hemi engine itself would not return to Mopar cars until 1964 with the second generation 426.

[edit] 1960

This year had unibody construction, Ram Induction and the new RB engine had an output of 350 horsepower (260 kW). This was the last year for the New Yorker convertible, of which 556 were built.

[edit] 1961

The New Yorker entered 1961 with a new grille, slanted headlights, a "donut" tire rack on the trunk lid, and a 413 CID Golden Lion V-8. This is the last of the "Forward Look" models. Chrysler built 2,541 New Yorker two door hardtops this year, the last until 1964 in Canada and 1965 in the U.S.

[edit] Fourth generation

1962-1964
Production 1962-1964
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Wheelbase 126.0 in (3200 mm)
Related Chrysler Newport
Plymouth Fury

[edit] 1962

The classic Chrysler fins that made the car unique no longer existed and now only 4-door models were offered in wagon, sedan, and hardtop models. The finless car was considered "bizarre" by many critics and sales were slow compared to its entry level sister car, the Newport which was identical in body style and offered a convertible model. The New Yorker was the last Chrysler to have a 126 in. wheelbase.[3]

The 413 RB had a 4.1875 in (106 mm) bore and was used from 1959 to 1965 in cars. During that period, it powered all Chrysler New Yorker and Imperial models, and was also available on the lesser Chryslers, as well Dodge's Polara and Monaco, and the Plymouth Fury as an alternative to the 383-cubic-inch B series engine and/or the 318 Poly. With a compression ratio of 10:1 it developed 340 brake horsepower in 1X4-Bbl trim.

[edit] 1963

Chrysler got a boost in sales in 1963 with the introduction of a 5 year/50,000 mile warranty, a business practice that was unheard of by its competitors in the 1960s. The New Yorker used Chrysler's completely redesigned body with only the windshield showing traces of the previous Forward Look designs. A new, more luxurious Salon four door hardtop was added at midyear as an trim package. Engine output is 340 hp (250 kW) and the wheelbase is now 122 inches.

[edit] 1964

Changes for 1964 included a new grille, larger rear window and small tailfins giving the car a boxier look from the side. Canadians were given the choice of a new two door hardtop while Americans got the Salon option on the four door hardtop.

[edit] Fifth generation

1965-1968
1965 Town Sedan
Production 1965-1968
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Platform C-body
Wheelbase 124.0 in (3150 mm)
Related Dodge Polara
Dodge Monaco
Chrysler Newport
Chrysler Town and Country
Plymouth Fury

[edit] 1965

Elwood Engel redesigned the New Yorker with styling cues from his 1961 Lincoln Continental - square side view with chrome trim along the top edges of the fenders. The options were: a 413 CID V8, dual pipe exhaust and power options (A/C, windows, antenna and steering). The engine itself put out 375 horsepower (280 kW) and was phased out for the 440 Firepower next model year.

Factory options for 1965 included a 350 hp 440 Firepower engine, vinyl rear roof pillar insert, Tilt 'N Telescopic steering wheel and standard power options.

For 1965 the 4 door sedan used the six window Town Sedan style which also used by the 1965 Chrysler Newport and Dodge Custom 880. The two door hardtop was now sold in the U.S.A. Wheelbase of New Yorker models, except the wagon, was 124 inches. The Town & Country wagon was on the Dodge's 121 inch wheelbase as all C body wagons shared the same basic body.

[edit] 1966

For 1966 the Chrysler New Yorker adopted the new 440-cid V8 engine. Styling changes included a new grille, taillamps and revised side trim. The Town & Country wagon was dropped as the model was now marketed as a series on its own.

Overall, 1966 was a good sales year for Chrysler with a steady increase in production and sales.

[edit] 1967

1967 brought sheetmetal redesign below the belt line with wraparound parking lights at the front and taillights at the rear. A new fasttop design for the two door hardtop replaced the more formal look of 1965-1966. The four door sedan reverted to the four window style as used on the Newport sedan.

Sales slumped 20%, the company's lowest in 5 years due to an economic slump this year.

[edit] 1968

Changes included new front and rear treatments. Althought the Newport and 300 four door hardtops received a new, sportier roofline shared with Dodge and Plymouth, the New Yorker continued with the roofline first introduced for 1965.

Sales rebounded with the year setting a record at 263,266 cars built.[citation needed]

1969-1973
1973 Chrysler New Yorker sedan
Production 1969–1973
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Platform C-body
Engine(s) 440 cu in (7.2 L) RB V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed A-727 automatic
Related Dodge Polara
Dodge Monaco
Chrysler Newport
Chrysler Town and Country
Plymouth Fury

[edit] 1969

Chrysler big C bodies received a major reworking with curved sides and a higher belt line. Underneath the new look were the underpinnings of 1965. The new look was called "Fuselage Styling" and was not received as warmly as the 1968 models. The two door hardtop received a new look harking back to the club coupes of the 1940s.

[edit] 1970

Unlike Plymouth Fury and Dodge Polara/Monaco, Chryslers received minor styling changes to the grille, taillamps and trim. The small vent windows on the front doors were dropped on the two door hardtops.

[edit] 1971

Due to sales that were less than expected, the facelift scheduled for 1971 was put off until 1972. Thus the 1971 models received new grilles and revised taillamps, changes that took a sharp eye to note. Ventless front door windows on the four door sedan and hardtop were new this year.

[edit] Sixth generation

1974-1978
Production 1974-1978
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Platform C-body
Engine(s) 440 cu in (7.2 L) V8
400 cu in (6.6 L) V8
Length 232.7 in (5911 mm)

The so called "fuselage" styling featured on all full size Chrysler products remained relatively unchanged until the introduction of the 1974 models which featured a far more massive slab sided effect. These 1974 models timed to coincide precisely with the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, and were a significant part of Chrysler's economic woes in the late 70's. The 1974 models were the last full-size models Chrysler designed from the ground up, as the short lived 1979-81 R-bodies were stretched versions of the old mid-sized B-bodies. Chrysler, as the corporation's only division without a smaller "personal" size model, suffered worse than most, stimulating the introduction of the new Chrysler Cordoba, and later LeBaron models.

In 1976, the New Yorker inherited the front and rear end styling of the discontinued upscale Imperial, and its interiors as well. The styling cues formerly used on the 1974 and 1975 New Yorkers in turn were passed on to the base Chrysler Newport. It is interesting to note that Chrysler was the only "upscale" model to never recover its full size model sales to pre-energy crisis levels. Oldsmobile, Buick, & Cadillac eclipsed their old records in 1976, the last year before their downsizing, and continued to sell extremely well until the next gas crisis in 1979. Lincoln and Mercury benefited from any backlash from GM downsizing and set new records in 1977-78. Sales of the Newport and New Yorker continued to decline. The full size Chrysler line remained virtually unchanged until the advent of the downsized 1979 models.

[edit] Seventh generation

1979-1981
R-body Chrysler New Yorker
Production 1979-1981
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Platform R-body
Engine(s) 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8
360 cu in (5.9 L) V8
Related Dodge St. Regis
Plymouth Gran Fury
Chrysler Newport

The Chrysler Fifth Avenue began as a submodel of the New Yorker in 1979, after the nameplate was shifted to the Chrysler R platform. The R-body series was a "Pillared Hardtop". The NYR now used the 318 V8 and the 360 engine was optional. While shorter and much lighter than the previous generation, these cars still had a big car look and ride. Hidden headlamps and full width taillights distinguished it from its R-body siblings Newport, St. Regis and Gran Fury. A Fifth Avenue "Limited Edition" was offered mid-1980 and included a stainless steel roof cap and smaller rear window. Other than exterior colors and fabrics there were virtually no changes. A bold new grille, with simple vertical ribs, appeared for 1981. The example in the accompanying photo, shown with its headlamp-concealing doors in the open position, is a 1981 New Yorker Fifth Avenue with the optional alloy road wheels and power moon roof.

Production Figures[4]
Year Units
1979 54,640
1980 13,513
1981 6,548
Total Production = 74,701

[edit] Eighth generation

1982
Production 1982
Assembly Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Platform M-body
Wheelbase 112.6 in (2860 mm)
Related Dodge Diplomat
Plymouth Gran Fury

In 1982, the New Yorker (and the Fifth Avenue trim) moved to the LeBaron's M-body. This M-body New Yorker used Chrysler's slant 6 I6 engine. The 318 in³ engine was optional.

Available in two models: Base and Fifth Avenue trim. Both used the formal roof treatment. The Fifth Avenue package gave you the pillowed "rich corinthian leather" seats. Base Models had cloth seats. Taillamps were the same as on the Diplomats, but also had a red reflector panel between them.

Production Figures[4]
Year Units
1982 50,509

[edit] Ninth generation

1983-1988
E-body Chrysler New Yorker
Also called Chrysler New Yorker Turbo (for 1988 only)
Production 1983–1988
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform E-body
Engine(s) 2.2 L K I4
2.2 L Turbo I I4
2.5 L K I4
2.6 L Mitsubishi G54B I4
Transmission(s) 3-speed A413 automatic
3-speed A470 automatic
Wheelbase 103.3 in (2624 mm)
Length 187.2 in (4755 mm)
Width 68.0 in (1727 mm)
Height 53.1 in (1349 mm)
Related Chrysler E-Class
Dodge 600
Plymouth Caravelle

Things became somewhat confusing in 1983, as the New Yorker name was used on two different models. The M-body car was now the "New Yorker Fifth Avenue," a title which would last just one year before becoming simply "Fifth Avenue" through the end of the model's run in 1989.

The big news was a new K-car based New Yorker, which used the front-wheel drive Chrysler E platform, the beginning of the extended K-car years. It was closely related to the Chrysler E-Class (which would last only 2 years), as well as corporate cousins the Dodge 600, and the Plymouth Caravelle. The E-platform New Yorker came with state-of-the-art 1980's technology, including a digital dashboard and Electronic Voice Alert, which spoke advisements such as "A door is ajar." Among other standard features was a Landau vinyl roof, complete with electroluminescent opera lamps.

New Yorker E Platform's Digital Instrument Panel

[edit] Tenth generation

1988-1993
1988-1991 Chrysler New Yorker
Production 1988–1993
Assembly Belvidere, Illinois
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform C-body
Engine(s) 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6
3.3 L EGA V6
3.8 L EGH V6
Transmission(s) 3-speed A670 automatic
4-speed A604 automatic
Wheelbase 1988-1990: 104.3 in (2649 mm)
1991-93: 104.5 in (2654 mm)
Length 193.6 in (4917 mm)
Width 1988-1990: 68.5 in (1740 mm)
1991-93: 68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height 1988-1990: 53.5 in (1359 mm)
1991-93: 53.6 in (1361 mm)
Related Dodge Dynasty
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
Chrysler Imperial

The "new" New Yorker was bigger (see Chrysler C platform) and bore no resemblance to the E-body model (which remained for a portion of the 1988 model year, and was now dubbed New Yorker Turbo). Most underbody and suspension components were carryover. It shared similar upright body styling with the newly-introduced Dodge Dynasty. This new version had a V6 engine - a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0 liter powerplant, and optional anti-lock brakes. Base and Landau trim choices were offered, the latter of which carried a rear-quarter vinyl top. Hidden headlamps, a feature lost when the R-body cars were discontinued, made a return with this redesign.

1992-1993 Chrysler New Yorker

Beginning in 1990, a new stretched-wheelbase version was offered, carrying the additional moniker of Fifth Avenue from the just-departed M-body platform. Short-wheelbase New Yorkers continued with Landau and a new base model called Salon. The Salon was a rebadged Dynasty with exposed headlamps, horizontal taillights, and grille similar to the Dodge. All models carried a new Chrysler-built 3.3-liter V6 engine that year. The Landau model was dropped for 1991, but even Salon models now came with hidden headlights, vertical taillights, and a traditional Chrysler grille. A new 3.8-liter V6 engine became an available option. A styling update for 1992 produced a more rounded appearance front and rear.

[edit] Trim levels

Trim levels for 1988-1993; See also Chrysler Fifth Avenue.

  • base - 1988-1989
  • Landau - 1988-1990
  • Salon - 1990-1993
  • Fifth Avenue - 1990-1993
Production Figures[4]
Year Units
1988 70,968
1989 100,461
1990 86,004
1991 55,229
1992 51,650
1993 52,128
Total Production = 416,440

[edit] Eleventh generation

1994-1996
1995-1996 Chrysler New Yorker
Production 1994–1996
Assembly Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform Chrysler LH platform
Engine(s) 3.5 L EGJ V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed 42LE automatic
Wheelbase 113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length 207.4 in (5268 mm)
Width 74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height 1994: 55.7 in (1415 mm)
1995-96: 55.9 in (1420 mm)
Curb weight 3,587 lb (1,627 kg)
Related Chrysler Concorde
Chrysler LHS
Dodge Intrepid
Eagle Vision

The last generation of the New Yorker continued with front-wheel drive on an elongated version of the new Chrysler LH platform and was shown at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was released along with the nearly identical Chrysler LHS for the 1994 model year, a year after the original LH cars: the Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, and Eagle Vision, were introduced. The New Yorker came standard with the 3.5L EGJ which produced 214 horsepower (160 kW). For 1995, the New Yorker received Chrysler's new logo on its grille, which replaced the old pentastar. Chrysler gave the New Yorker a more "traditional American" luxury image, and the LHS a more European performance image (as was done with the Eagle Vision), but in reality the two only differed by the New Yorker's chrome exterior trim, column shifter, front bench seat, and fewer standard features. This is why after 1996, the New Yorker name was dropped, in favor of a six-passenger option on the more-popular LHS.

Production Figures[4]
Year Units
1994 34,283
1995 23,624
1996 3,295
Total Production = 61,202

[edit] References

  1. ^ Flammang, James M.. Cars of the Fabulous 50's. Publications International Ltd.. ISBN 0-7853-4375-X. 
  2. ^ "Showroom". San Diego Auto Collection. http://www.thesandiegocollection.com/cgi-bin/showroom/detail.cgi?id=2192. Retrieved 2008-07-24. ""Chryslers sales were strong although only 666 1958 Chrysler New Yorker Convertibles were built. Today there are 12 known to exist in the United States and only 3 in Europe."" 
  3. ^ Flammang, James M.. Cars of the Sizzling 60's. Publications International Ltd.. ISBN 0-7853-4487-X. 
  4. ^ a b c d The Encyclopedia of American Cars, 2006 Edition

[edit] External links