Vehicle Description
1949 Chrysler New Yorker Highlander Convertible
Chrysler had a well-developed range of pre-war automobiles to offer
the public when peacetime resumed following World War II. With
minor revisions to styling and equipment, Chrysler's immediate
post-war lineup included the entry-level Royal, the Windsor,
Saratoga, and top-of-the-line New Yorker. Styling changes would be
minimal from 1946 to 1949 when Chrysler introduced its first
postwar all-new styling change. New Yorkers had model
identification found on nameplates mounted on the side of the hood
near the cowl.
For consignment, a top of the line, creme-de-la-creme Chrysler
model offering for 1949, the New Yorker Highlander. It is one of
only 1,137 built! This well heeled automobile runs and drives
great, is a real looker for the use of its sculpted steel panels
and plenty of chrome, and is a nicely proportioned large car. The
interior is not unlike a luxurious living room and appointments are
all on the high end of the scale. 1949 was Chrysler's silver
anniversary and this exterior /interior color combination was
featured that year.
Exterior
Long and bulbous with running boards nearly extinct on this model,
it uses plenty of rounded steel panels for its exterior makeup.
Along with all that steel, there is chrome a-plenty to highlight
and compete with nicely applied yellow respray. This paint shows
some slight areas of inclusions but its few and far between.
Starting with the harmonica grille, all emblazoned with chrome, it
is in a lazy outward protruding V shape which is emulated by the
lower chrome bumper and horizontal bezeled turn signal unit in the
middle of dual edge chrome wraparound waterfalls. 4 vertical bars
are on the lower bumper. A protuberant hood keeps the lazy V shape
and rises upward to make space for the Chrysler badge in its front
and center. On top of the "bulb" is an Art Deco styled flying
freight train interpretive design hood ornament leading the way. On
the sides, rounded protruding fenders house a single headlight on
either edge in front, making their way back to the doors along with
the hood line. A tan canvas power convertible top is presenting
just perfect and highlights the stainless steel polished trimmings
surrounding all the glass and there is plenty of it, starting with
the split windshield in front. A side trim spear begins mid hood
and runs to the back ending at mid door. More spears float just
above each wheel well and a wide rocker trimming is on the bottom
of the doors. More bulbous design for the rear fenders which
protrude outward around the rear tires and match up with the line
formed by the roofline turning into the trunk line. A shiny plate
is wrapped around the front of the rear fender. The scheme's
exterior hinged trunk lid is not going away without noticing the
wonderful trimmings in it with a badge, chrome bezels for the dog
nose tail lighting and on the sides of the license plate are red
reflectors. More chrome for the lower rear bumper which wraps
itself around the rear fenders. Wide whites are all around and
badged C H R Y S L E R moon caps polished to the enth degree frame
the centers of the wide whites. Yes, you have arrived in this
massive piece of Detroit iron.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see oxblood leather with Scottish plaid
checked inserts, (think Highlander...). Bakelite escutcheons are
behind chromed handles and actuators and a small oxblood armrest is
on each door. The sills also use the art deco styling with
horizontal ribbed chrome accenting over the paint for the interior
steel. The seats are beautiful oxblood leather with more Scottish
plaid check broadcloth inserts in their mid sections. The rear
bench is equally as beautiful with its overstuffing. All I need now
is a TV! These beautifully appointed chairs all float on deep
maroon carpeting. This interior includes the fully appointed
chromed trimmed and accented Art Deco dash. Cascading circular
instruments are in front of the driver, and in the center is a
horizontal push button radio, enough buttons, knobs and pulls to
keep a pilot occupied and a central grid speaker covering, all in
chrome. A lineup of chromed ribbed cast knobs is the power dash
panel. On the bottom is a climate control center and it bleeds Art
Deco styling. On the right side is a neat Art Deco style clock
within more horizontal ribbing. An oxblood leather dash is above
all this styling. Shall i drop you off at the front of the theeatah
deeah?
Drivetrain
Under that big hood is an original 323ci L-head inline 8 cylinder
mill. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and oil bath air cleaner on top.
A 3-speed semi automatic Fluid Drive transmission is bolted to the
back. The 3.54 final drive axle is on this example to turn the rear
tires. Slight rust is noted on the head, and the engine is a barn
find unrestored condition, but fully operational.
Undercarriage
Some moderate heavy surface rust is noted throughout the
undercarriage. A few drips are around the pumpkin, and it appears
the back of the transmission is throwing some fluid as well, but
it's light. This car rides on independent coil springs on front and
leaf springs for the back. Drum braking, that has been fully
redone, is all around. Still solid structurally underneath for this
X frame.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and idled smoothly. It had a nice ride and
decent acceleration for its size. Shifting was smooth and braking
was bias free. The turn signals, brake lights, clock, horn, and
radio are all non functional.
Making an arrival statement is definitely a factor with this car
and it could be considered quite a shout! A large, rounded and
chromed yellow painted exterior. A fully appointed oxblood and
Scottish plaid check art deco designed interior, and it's off to
the events society has to offer up. And it's a sporty 2 door
convertible!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.