Vehicle Description
1956 Chrysler New Yorker
Virgil Max "Ex" Exner Sr. (September 24, 1909 - December 22, 1973)
was an automobile designer for numerous American companies, most
notably Chrysler and Studebaker. Exner is widely known for the
Forward Look he created for the 1955-1963 Chrysler products and his
fondness of tail fins on cars for both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Exner introduced the Forward Look at Chrysler and was copied before
the designs hit the road - when GM designer Chuck Jordan spied
Exner's hidden 1955 Chrysler lineup, prompting Bill Mitchell, head
of General Motors styling, "to begin redesigning each car line,
Chevrolet through Cadillac." Exner's work effectively "changed the
course of automotive design."
For consignment, a "forward looking" design in the form of a
Chrysler New Yorker from 1956. Not unlike the city of its namesake,
this sassy classy two tone 4 door car has the attributes of details
that just had never been seen before. Cars of the time were
fashioned by engineers not designers and Exner changed that
idea...quickly. With futuristic push button transmission
engagement, some snazzy brocade broadcloth usage for the interior
seating, and a low sleek exterior with some small fins, let's move
forward not unlike the design of this car and find out more.
Exterior
I'm donning my baseball hat with its embroidered "Flookerang"
(Chrysler's logo for the forward-thinking design, ahhhh the 50's)
and having my first look at this 56 New Yorker. A tasteful single
visored headlight is on either side of the long horizontal grille
and shiny bumper below which was recently re-chromed and frames the
stylish grille just above. A single horizontal turn signal light is
in each lower corner of the grille, and just above the C H R Y S L
E R badge on the front of the hood. Note the bumper has large side
"pods" that wrap around the front quarters. The front design of the
car seems to have shades of the Studebaker of the era, and that's
ok because it speaks class, and was also designed by Exner. Just
above, a falcon hood ornament with swept back fighter jet styled
wings which leads the way atop the hood. The front and uppers of
this car are bathed in Sundune Beige, and it looks just fab. A
slight bit of rust can be seen under the hood ornament and under
the rear window trimming, but otherwise the car appears rust free.
This 4-door sedan has gaps that are slightly off on the doors and
you can get a visual of this by looking at the trim spear that runs
from bow to stern. Wrap around rear glass is seen with an extended
rear lower roofline framing the top of the glass. Just a hint of a
fin on back which creates the cove for the lantern style tail
lamps. More large bumper "pods" that carry the fin line to the
bumper where it stretches across the rear just below the trunk
deck. 8 chrome triangles adorn the tops of the small fins. This
bling is all within the bottom painted Rosewood tan. Wide white
walls wrap polished Chrysler badged wheel covers on all 4
corners.
Interior
Stepping inside past the elegant door panels we are greeted with a
salmon and pink colorway which is within the hue range of the
exterior. The door panels use pink uppers in vinyl and salmon vinyl
lowers, as some strips of chrome delineate these panels. Panning
our eyes to the inside 2 solid back benches create the passenger
seating. These are beautifully preserved with salmon-broken
broadcloth inserts on the seats and backs where they meet. This
brocade has a wood grained pattern and is pristine. A light cream
vinyl makes up the bolsters and backs with the back having an inset
panel of wide vertical tuck and roll. These fit into a deep salmon
tub with a wide chrome trimming on its top. Power adjustments are
seen on this chrome trimming. To the dash where a two tone S curved
Sundune Beige and gold metallic metal dash houses round
instruments, a Chrysler lion badge, and some arrow turn signal
lights. Pedal styled levers are on drivers left and control temp
and fan. The transmission is a square push button panel to drivers
left. On top of a darker salmon steering column is a two tone
bakelite steering wheel using the Sundance and Rosewood along with
a circular inset chromed horn ring. The bottom of the dash is
curved under and has a chrome plate to add some interior bling to
the two tone. In the center are several round turn knobs for wipers
lights and some interior lighting controls and the factory radio
just below. In front of the passenger is a central clock on top of
the glovebox and a Chrysler badge in grandmother's handwriting. New
deep gold loop pile carpeting covers all the floors, and above a
salmon tweed headliner is nice and tight.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is none other than a 354ci V8 Hemi. Atop is a single
2-barrel carburetor and strapped to the back is a Powerflite
2-speed automatic transmission. The rear axle is of 3.36
designation. Just a fine coating of dust under here as it has been
completely restored.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is spotty underneath on various surfaces. Rockers
are solid and painted black. Dual exhaust pipes are surface rusted
and have newer piping behind the mufflers. The body hangers are
solid and appear to have a recent coat of black from a rattle can.
Independent coil springs for the front suspension working with
power drum brakes, and on back leaf springs working with more power
drum braking are noted.
Drive-Ability
This writer has a hot nut for these 50's cars that display
interesting design and usage of various off the beaten path
materials, and this car is a fine example of that. So, I hopped in
and off to the test track where it had nice smooth acceleration,
smooth shifting, and the power brakes worked nicely. All functions
were working well, and with just a push of a button this large and
in charge car was floating down the road.
17 years ago our consignor purchased this example at Hershey from a
noted Chrysler restorer. Since then, about 8K in maintenance
including a re-chroming of the large bumpers and side pods has been
performed. All in very nice condition, ready to go and show. All in
mid 50's style and grace. Start spreading the news! I wanna be a
part of this.
VIN DECODE
N5620083
N-Chrysler New Yorker
56-1956
20083-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.