1956 Chrysler New Yorker

Virgil Max "Ex" Exner Sr. (September 24, 1909 – December 22, 1973) was an automobile designer for numerous American companies, most notably Chrysler and Studebaker. Exner is widely known for the Forward Look he created for the 1955-1963 Chrysler products and his fondness of tail fins on cars for both aesthetics and aerodynamics. Exner introduced the Forward Look at Chrysler and was copied before the designs hit the road — when GM designer Chuck Jordan spied Exner's hidden 1955 Chrysler lineup, prompting Bill Mitchell, head of General Motors styling, "to begin redesigning each car line, Chevrolet through Cadillac.” Exner's work effectively "changed the course of automotive design."

For consignment, a “forward looking” design in the form of a Chrysler New Yorker from 1956. Not unlike the city of its namesake, this sassy classy two tone 4 door car has the attributes of details that just had never been seen before. Cars of the time were fashioned by engineers not designers and Exner changed that idea…quickly. With futuristic push button transmission engagement, some snazzy brocade broadcloth usage for the interior seating, and a low sleek exterior with some small fins, let's move forward not unlike the design of this car and find out more.

Exterior
I'm donning my baseball hat with its embroidered “Flookerang” (Chrysler's logo for the forward-thinking design, ahhhh the 50's) and having my first look at this 56 New Yorker. A tasteful single visored headlight is on either side of the long horizontal grille and shiny bumper below which was recently re-chromed and frames the stylish grille just above. A single horizontal turn signal light is in each lower corner of the grille, and just above the C H R Y S L E R badge on the front of the hood. Note the bumper has large side “pods” that wrap around the front quarters. The front design of the car seems to have shades of the Studebaker of the era, and that's ok because it speaks class, and was also designed by Exner. Just above, a falcon hood ornament with swept back fighter jet styled wings which leads the way atop the hood. The front and uppers of this car are bathed in Sundune Beige, and it looks just fab. A slight bit of rust can be seen under the hood ornament and under the rear window trimming, but otherwise the car appears rust free. This 4-door sedan has gaps that are slightly off on the doors and you can get a visual of this by looking at the trim spear that runs from bow to stern. Wrap around rear glass is seen with an extended rear lower roofline framing the top of the glass. Just a hint of a fin on back which creates the cove for the lantern style tail lamps. More large bumper “pods” that carry the fin line to the bumper where it stretches across the rear just below the trunk deck. 8 chrome triangles adorn the tops of the small fins. This bling is all within the bottom painted Rosewood tan. Wide white walls wrap polished Chrysler badged wheel covers on all 4 corners.

Interior
Stepping inside past the elegant door panels we are greeted with a salmon and pink colorway which is within the hue range of the exterior. The door panels use pink uppers in vinyl and salmon vinyl lowers, as some strips of chrome delineate these panels. Panning our eyes to the inside 2 solid back benches create the passenger seating. These are beautifully preserved with salmon-broken broadcloth inserts on the seats and backs where they meet. This brocade has a wood grained pattern and is pristine. A light cream vinyl makes up the bolsters and backs with the back having an inset panel of wide vertical tuck and roll. These fit into a deep salmon tub with a wide chrome trimming on its top. Power adjustments are seen on this chrome trimming. To the dash where a two tone S curved Sundune Beige and gold metallic metal dash houses round instruments, a Chrysler lion badge, and some arrow turn signal lights. Pedal styled levers are on drivers left and control temp and fan. The transmission is a square push button panel to drivers left. On top of a darker salmon steering column is a two tone bakelite steering wheel using the Sundance and Rosewood along with a circular inset chromed horn ring. The bottom of the dash is curved under and has a chrome plate to add some interior bling to the two tone. In the center are several round turn knobs for wipers lights and some interior lighting controls and the factory radio just below. In front of the passenger is a central clock on top of the glovebox and a Chrysler badge in grandmother's handwriting. New deep gold loop pile carpeting covers all the floors, and above a salmon tweed headliner is nice and tight.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is none other than a 354ci V8 Hemi. Atop is a single 2-barrel carburetor and strapped to the back is a Powerflite 2-speed automatic transmission. The rear axle is of 3.36 designation. Just a fine coating of dust under here as it has been completely restored.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust is spotty underneath on various surfaces. Rockers are solid and painted black. Dual exhaust pipes are surface rusted and have newer piping behind the mufflers. The body hangers are solid and appear to have a recent coat of black from a rattle can. Independent coil springs for the front suspension working with power drum brakes, and on back leaf springs working with more power drum braking are noted.

Drive-Ability
This writer has a hot nut for these 50's cars that display interesting design and usage of various off the beaten path materials, and this car is a fine example of that. So, I hopped in and off to the test track where it had nice smooth acceleration, smooth shifting, and the power brakes worked nicely. All functions were working well, and with just a push of a button this large and in charge car was floating down the road.

17 years ago our consignor purchased this example at Hershey from a noted Chrysler restorer. Since then, about 8K in maintenance including a re-chroming of the large bumpers and side pods has been performed. All in very nice condition, ready to go and show. All in mid 50's style and grace. Start spreading the news! I wanna be a part of this.

VIN DECODE
N5620083
N-Chrysler New Yorker
56-1956
20083-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.