I am selling my 1956 Chrysler Windsor sedan. It represents the era of the mid 50's very well in a package that is seen less often. It combines gorgeous style with the new 331 ci Spitfire V8 making 225 hp. It marks Chrysler's successful entry in the V8 power race of the 50's. Dubbed the "Poly" or "Semi-Hemi", it shares the base with the very first "Firepower" Hemi that was released in this model. It makes plenty of Mopar power yet is very reliable due to the wedge heads and simpler valve train. It sports the very first Powerflite automatic drivetrain, controlled by 4 push buttons on the dashboard.
The "Power Style" of the '56 body is based on the concept cars Virgil Exner had built at Ghia in Torino on the 1955 platform. It radiates timeless elegance, to the extent that it served as a blueprint for the 1961 Volvo P1800 that borrows heavily from its classic lines.
This car is a clean survivor that's been remarkably well preserved. Body and interior are in excellent shape. It is reported to have been stored in a garage in AZ for 60 years and was revived with under 10k miles on the clock. The motor, drivetrain, brakes and running gear were professionally refreshed. New shocks, a stainless exhaust system and a 4bbl Edelbrock 1406 (600 cfm) are installed.
The car's paint, trim and interior is amazingly fresh. We believe paint and interior are original. We assume the 15,000 miles on the odometer are accurate, though we don't have records to prove it. The car starts, drives and stops like a new car of that era. You can take it to the open road and easily run it at modern highway speeds right off the yard.
At one point the car suffered a carburetor fire that burnt off a pizza sized spot on the hood that needs to be fixed by the new owner according to their preference. At that point all the rubber in the engine bay was renewed with original spares. A vintage AC unit is installed but was not hooked back up after the carb fire.
The front door latches were converted to remote controlled electric locks, this being the most obvious departure from its otherwise highly original state. These flaws are documented in the pictures.
The car is currently registered and insured in my name. I drove it myself for the last 4 years / 2000 miles and have always been very happy with it. It puts a smile on your face and everybody you roll by. I just love the style and sound of it and hate to let it go. But I am not driving it enough and I can't keep it well. For me the '56 is the sweet spot between the more conservative '52-'53 and '55 models that retained the split grille and the '57 with its more agressive grille and fins.
These cars are becoming more desirable and have been going up in value. Trades are going up. According to Hagerty a condition #3 "good" is valued at $17,800 a #2 "excellent" comes in at $ 24,700.
I think it is between good and excellent but it has those 2 flaws, #1 the pizza on the hood and #2 the front door latches having been replaced.
In addition to the car itself there is
- a full set of literature: 2 workshop manuals, parts book, catalogue
- the original carburetor, manifold and air cleaner
I also have and can optionally include
- a set of new chrome sidespears for the desirable 2-tone paint
- a chrome visor that mouts externally above the windshield
The price is firm. The car is located at Rivers West Auction in Arlee, MT.
Call Jason to discuss inspection and payment / pick-up options.
