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.