Vehicle Description
Well before the moratorium on civilian car production in 1942,
Chrysler Corporation had substantial involvement in supporting the
war effort. Chrysler powered machines served in harsh environments
all around the world, and their achievements were not lost on the
buying public after the war. Once plans were made to resume
production, material shortages and tooling delays meant the first
cars didn't roll off the line until 1946, based heavily on existing
1942 designs but with refined looks based around a fresh new
grille. Post-War demand for their cars was so high that between
1946 and 1949 Chrysler hardly changed the styling for fears of
losing the tremendous sales momentum they enjoyed. At the bottom of
the lineup were the six-cylinder Royal and Windsor series cars.
Chrysler's flathead inline-six proved to be an incredibly robust
engine, with military versions powering a wide array of vehicles
throughout the war. Stepping up from the Windsor was the Saratoga,
which served as the introductory eight-cylinder model, sitting on a
stretched 127.5-inch wheelbase chassis to make room for the longer
engine. Making a big leap from the Saratoga was the flagship New
Yorker, with 1946 marking the first year the New Yorker label
applied to a standalone model. The 8-cylinder New Yorker featured
everything in Chrysler's bag of tricks, with the Fluid-Drive
transmission mated to the inline-eight, and a host of available
comfort options. The 1946 Model year also saw the continuation of
the wood-bodied Town & Country, now available as a convertible for
the first time, and classified as a trim package within the New
Yorker line. For the 1947 model year, the cars carried over
virtually unchanged from before. The New Yorker continued to lead
the Chrysler line in terms of luxury and refinement. The Town &
Country was only available on the New Yorker platform as a
convertible, as all sedan versions were now based on the
six-cylinder Windsor. With the smooth and torque-laden inline
eight, semi-automatic Fluid Drive transmission and excellent build
quality, the Chryslers of 1947 are some of the best driving and
most desirable American cars of the early post-war era. This
handsome 1947 New Yorker convertible is a marvelous example of
Chrysler's stylish flagship. Highly-optioned, it features the
distinct Highlander package and other desirable factory equipment.
This car has a well-known history from new, being first sold in
Montana and remaining with the original owner until the 1960s. From
there, it passed into the hands of an enthusiast and collector who
had the foresight to preserve the car, enjoying it sparingly and
carefully over the next 32 years. In the early 2000s, it received a
comprehensive restoration finished to a very high standard. The
process included a full rebuilding of the mechanical and electrical
components, as well as a body and interior restoration finished in
the original colors of French Gray over Highlander tartan cloth and
dark red leather. The current owners have continued to cherish and
care for the car, and the restoration has mellowed gently with care
and enjoyment. The warm shade of French Gray suits the shape
beautifully, and the paintwork remains in excellent condition for
its age. During the restoration, all of the original stainless trim
was removed and polished, and all of the chrome replated at
considerable expense. Like the paint, the brightwork is lovely and
crisp. The car rides on correct-style wide whitewall tires and
steel wheels with full deluxe trim wheel covers. Accenting the gray
paint is a beautiful burgundy canvas top, making this Chrysler
equally handsome with the top up or down. Occupants enjoy plush
accommodations in the six-passenger cockpit. The distinctive
Highlander trim adds red tartan fabric inserts to accent the
oxblood leather on the seats and door panels. Burgundy carpets
match the color on the dash, door caps, and steering wheel to round
out the color scheme. For the seats, panels, and top boot, the
restorers used proper glazed leather to achieve the factory-correct
appearance. This car is well-equipped with an 8-tube radio,
electric clock, and dual deluxe heaters. Instruments and controls
are set into an ornate and beautifully stylish dash, finished in
two-tone gray and burgundy. The quality of the restoration is
outstanding, and it is clear this car has lived a charmed life in
recent years. Under the hood rests Chrysler's "Spitfire" eight.
While the flathead unit is not known for big horsepower (about 135
horsepower from 323 cubic inches), the Spitfire makes enormous
amounts of low-end torque and is about as bullet-proof as
automobile engines get. When paired with the Fluid-Drive
transmission of this example, the combination makes for effortless
cruising on a wave of torque. Reportedly rebuilt during the
restoration, the engine presentation is very good, showing some
light patina from heat-cycling on the manifolds and exhaust.
Details include correct decals, labels and hose clamps used
throughout the engine bay. Rarely do we see Chrysler New Yorkers of
this era restored with such a level of quality and attention to
detail. These cars are delightful to drive, and this example is
beautifully suited to enjoyment on the road or for casual show.
Carefully tended-to by a series of passionate owners for its entire
life, this marvelous Chrysler is sure to charm its next custodian.