Vehicle Description
Virtually every classic car enthusiast knows about Chrysler's
letter cars. And while the brand was originally envisioned as an
upmarket purveyor of lush Detroit luxury, it also spawned economy
models to fend off intense competition from Ford and GM. That means
the '50s power monsters MoPar enthusiasts know and love often have
more focused counterparts like this stylish Windsor Newport.
Wrapping a hot Spitfire V8 and stout PowerFlite transmission in a
tailored interior and acres of stylish steel, this all-American
cruiser HAS to be some of the coolest metal on the planet! And,
with two consecutive years of AACA honors stoking its prestige,
it's an exclusive Exner era Chrysler that's poised to gain value.
If you're a discerning collector who's itching for a big-fin MoPar
that'll be the star of every cruise night in town, this tailored
hardtop is your ticket to greatness!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Based on legendary designer Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' body, the
1956 Chrysler Windsor was positioned low to supplement the brand's
hot 300 series. The spectacular and correct Sand Dune Beige and
Rosewood example you see here currently wears a high quality,
frame-up restoration that has been exceptionally maintained. Owned
by one family for over 40 years, and never separated from its
chassis, the car's 100% original body exhibits minimal signs of
wear and still proudly displays original service stickers in
unrestored door jambs. Re-chromed original bumpers and polished
original stainless look almost as good as the day they left the
showroom. And it all adds up to one hot coupe that, considering its
restoration history, exhibits impeccable fit and finish.
The futuristic feel of 'Chrysler PowerStyle', the brand's detailing
of Exner's 'Forward Look' bodies, helped mark the debut of jet-age
Detroit design that would continue for several years. And, although
Chrysler's aerodynamic ingenuity proved especially useful in
motorsports, it was the firm's style quotient that quickly sent the
market into frenzy. At the front of this classic's rounded body, a
chrome, silver-detailed grille hangs an AACA Senior National First
plaque between clear marker lamps, a thick bumper, chrome-trimmed
headlights and a small header shield. Above that grille, a
streamlined hood topper leads the eye to a SuperScenic windshield,
pillarless greenhouse glass and a Clearbac backlight. At the sides
of that greenhouse, stamped fenders flow into smooth fins behind
textured spears, concise door handles and classy Chrysler emblems.
And at the back of those fenders, Twin-Tower tail lights center a
simple trunk shield and ornate Chrysler emblems above a second
wraparound bumper.
ENGINE
In the early '50s, Ma MoPar's interest in 6-cylinders began to wane
in favor of the power and appeal of proven 8-cylinders. Given that
the Newport was the Windsor's ultimate offering, our coupe moves
thanks to an original Spitfire V8 which carries a correct "WE56"
assembly stamp. In factory-equipped 2-barrel form, this polyspheric
mill twisted 8.5 to 1 compression into a healthy 225 horsepower.
And, clocking in at 331 cubic inches, it was a relatively easy way
for a prestigious brand to compete with more pedestrian
competitors. Nicely upgraded with a Hemi intake, Carter carburetors
and Hemi heads, the engine appears to wear a roster of era-correct
components, from its 'bat wing' air cleaner and dent-free oil pan
all the way to its heavy duty radiator and MoPar Jiffy-Jet washer
bag. Fire is provided by a traditional Chrysler distributor, which
sequences sparks between a vintage generator and fresh Taylor plug
wires.The block's clean Aluminum paint contrasts well against the
car's Sand Dune engine bay. And little details like "Chrysler
FirePower" valve covers, old school fuel bowls and a MoPar green
cap battery round out a heavy dose of eyeball appeal.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
According to Chrysler marketing, the 1956 Windsor was "The Finest
of the Fine Cars". Not surprisingly, that statement still holds a
lot of weight, as this classy boulevard king rides on a clean
chassis that veils pothole-shattering solidity in a silky smooth
ride. Behind the Spitfire eight, an original PowerFlite 2-speed
twists torque to a correct rear end. That tough driveline spins in
a PowerStyle undercarriage that's complete with robust control
arms, stiff leaf springs and PowerPilot steering. At the corners of
that chassis, PowerSmooth drums ensure solid, fade-free stops.
Between those drums, aluminized, true-dual exhaust employs fresh
turbo mufflers that sound deep and civilized. And all this
road-worthy hardware rolls on old school wire wheels which spin
meaty 7.60-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls.
INTERIOR
Take a look inside this coupe and you'll find a mostly original
interior that has enough room to haul the whole family in comfort!
Front and rear bench seats, which still feel firm to the touch,
hang attractive white covers under silver pipes and plaid
centerpieces. Like-new carpet, which is protected by cool Forward
Look floor mats, does an excellent job of highlighting rich,
luxurious ambiance. Above that carpet, a two-tone dash founds a
fresh pad over fully rebuilt gauges, pushbutton transmission
controls and a correct AM radio. At the sides of that dash,
fantastic door panels display prominent '50s design behind fresh
stainless trim, bright chrome handles and sculpted armrests. Above
those panels, painted A-pillars lead the eye to a tight, white
headliner. In front of the driver, a two-tone steering wheel spins
a chrome horn ring around a gold centerpiece. And behind the
passengers, a fifth wire wheel and fifth whitewall tire ride inside
a giant, fully restored trunk that features echo-inducing cargo
space.
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION IS INCLUDED WITH THE SALE
Original owner's manual.
AACA paperwork.
This incredible Chrysler is a super cool cruiser that's easy to
imagine as the focal point of a national show. With its burly V8,
tailored interior and dramatic styling, it represents the pinnacle
of American design and manufacturing dominance. If you're looking
for a top-notch classic that'll draw a crowd wherever it goes, your
search is officially over!
SUMMARY
Original 331 cubic inch Spitfire V8
Dual Carter carburetors
Original PowerFlite 2-speed automatic transmission
Correct PowerPilot power steering
Correct PowerSmooth power drum brakes
15-inch wire wheels
Original sheetmetal / Correct Sand Dune Beige and Rosewood
paint
Mostly original interior
Never separated from its frame
AACA Junior First and National Senior First award winner
