Vehicle Description
1955 Chrysler Windsor Nassau Deluxe
The Chrysler Building is one of the most beloved of New York City's
skyscrapers, an architectural manifestation of both the Art Deco
era and the automobile age. Famous as it may be, the Chrysler
Building holds many fascinating secrets, compounded by the fact
that it is difficult to visit and doesn't offer tours, unlike the
Woolworth Building and the Empire State Building. The Cloud Club
once belonged to a group of mile-high power lunch spots in New York
City atop the city's most distinctive skyscrapers. The New York
Times calls The Cloud Club "the inspiration for many of the
others." It was initially designed for Texaco, which occupied 14
floors of the Chrysler Building, and used as a restaurant for
executives. It opened with 300 members of New York City's business
elite.
For consignment, the Nassau Deluxe, which offers great Exner
styling, a hardtop body style, and a 301-cubic-inch V8. This 1955
Chrysler Windsor Nassau Deluxe remains largely original, other than
a repaint, and would make for a great cruiser and about-town
car.
Exterior
Styled by Virgil Exner and his team, Chrysler had now positioned
itself at the forefront of the industry. The new look began with an
all new big split egg crate grille set below lowered front fenders
and hood lines and boasting heavy chrome. Wraparound 'Super Scenic'
windshields were also a first for Chrysler and body sides were
smooth with few feature lines except for the simple trim spear and
the tall chrome encased 'Twin Tower' taillights. The rear window is
also a wraparound style and has a nice downward curve to the trunk.
Plenty of chrome on this car, and it all presents in fair
condition, with some spotty pitting and dulling but this is mostly
reserved for the chrome covered pot metal pieces. Exterior paint in
red is good and covering the roof above the expansive greenhouse is
a white roof. There is some hazing to the paint finish along with a
few inclusions but mostly remaining shiny. All badging is present
and accounted for and we note the optional reverse lights in their
chrome bezels hanging just above the shiny chrome rear bumper. Wide
whitewalls are wrapping the 15" steel wheels with full size
standard issue Chrysler wheel covers.
Interior
Looking inside we are met with tri-tone door panels. These are
covered with leather patterned light gray vinyl and are bordered
above and below by white vinyl and black carpet respectively. A
fine mix for the seats with all broadcloth weave cushions in light
gray and ivory white bolsters in vinyl. Nice light gray piping
surrounds the seats, which are a split back bench in front and a
full bench in the rear. Carpeting is a nicely preserved black and
floods all the floors. Upfront is a wonderfully curved downward
dash, featuring a black padded topper and a white full metal jacket
face with more plentiful chrome trim accents throughout. The
placement of the transmission selector, dubbed the 'Fingertip'
PowerFlite range selector, is now located on the instrument panel
rather than in the standard steering column position. A lineup of
stove style round knobs with chromed turns is above the factory AM
radio. Some gauges show corrosion at the bezel surround where it
meets the glass as does some of the chrome trimmings. The original
steering wheel with its black rim and full horn ring and shines
brightly in front of the dash and the headliner of gray broadcloth
is clean and tight.
Drivetrain
A 301ci Poly engine in V8 form is within the well restored engine
bay, The engine is believed to be original to this car, and
presents well with its silver block, intake, valve covers and black
air cleaner assembly. A single 2-barrel carburetor is on top and a
2-speed automatic Powerflite transmission is on back sending power
back to a 3.54 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust abounds under here, however it appears to be
structurally sound. Body hangers have surface rust, as are the
inside of the exterior rockers, but it is not invasive unlike the
flooring. The flooring has suffered from many areas of invasive
rust and has been amateurly patched from above with galvanized
sheeting. Not aesthetically pleasing, but functional for the time
being. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners and providing the
signature Chrysler ride is an independent coil spring front
suspension and a traditional leaf spring arrangement in the
rear.
Drive-Ability
Starts quickly, runs smoothly, and a nice ride. All gauges were
working, as were function knobs in the dash. A little creaky in the
turns along with some body roll but it isn't a Ferrari, and it is
67 years old.
This car can be driven right out of Classic Auto Mall, and enjoyed,
or taken to the next level with the restoration. Overall, a very
nice interior, the engine runs smoothly and looks just fab, and the
exterior is oozing 50's style with the 2-tone paint scheme and gobs
of glorious chrome. What's your fancy?
VIN DECODE
W5529201
W-Chrysler Windsor
55-1955
29201-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.
