Introduced in 1940, the Chrysler New Yorker remained in almost continuous production through 1996. The vehicle served as the company's flagship model but was also slotted under the Imperial when the name was used within the Chrysler lineup rather than as a stand-alone marque.
The New Yorker was only available as a four-door sedan starting in 1979. Before that, however, it offered a full lineup of body styles, including two-door hardtops, convertibles, and a station wagon (the latter was discontinued in 1968). But unlike the Imperial, the New Yorker never got an extended-wheelbase limousine version. A tad unusual for a range-topping nameplate but not quite strange given the availability of the Imperial model/brand from 1926 to 1993.
Which brings me to the 1963 New Yorker the folks at YouTube's "Rugged Wrench" rescued in June 2024. While a New Yorker from this model year isn't something to write home about (Chrysler sold nearly 28,000 units so it's far from rare), this specific rig is not your average hardtop or sedan. It's a six-door limo you probably won't see in the metal anytime soon. This thing is rarer than a hen's teeth.
The New Yorker didn't roll off the Chrysler assembly line in this six-door sedan format. The wheelbase was extended, and the body was redone by a coachbuilding company—one of the many still around at the time to produce limos, hearses, ambulances, and other types of commercial rigs. There's no official registry on how many 1963 New Yorkers got the stretch treatment, but word has it only a handful were put together. This one was most likely a hotel and airport shuttle.
According to the previous owner, the limo has been sitting since 2003, which is 21 years as of 2024. The owner also claims the Mopar ran when parked. Stored outside for all these years, the New Yorker is in pretty rough condition. The body is plagued by rust and mold, while the wheels have sunk into the ground.
Surprisingly enough, the interior doesn't look half bad. Sure, it's moldy and includes signs of rat infestation, but most of the upholstery is still in one piece. Unlike the airport shuttles of the era, the rear section has two bench seats facing each other, so it's safe to say this car was more of a hotel hauler when new. Either way, I love the greenish hue.
The New Yorker still has an engine under the hood. And based on how it looks, I'd say it's the original mill. While the owner advertised the car with a 361-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) V8, the limo actually packs a 413-cubic-inch (6.8-liter) Wedge lump. It was the sole New Yorker powerplant at the time and delivered 340 horsepower when it was new.
Not surprisingly, the engine was completely stuck, and our host could not get it running. As a result, they opted to put it on a trailer for the 400-mile (644-km) trip back home. It's unclear whether this New Yorker will become more than a "will it run?" stunt, but I'd like to see it back on the road. Do you think it's worth restoring? Let me know in the comments.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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