1953 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Wagon

Lot details
Registration No: 536 XUU
Chassis No: 76558981
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- A very rare vehicle of which only 1,400 are believed to have been built, and thought to have covered only 35,500 miles from new

- UK registered in 2009 and reportedly re-wired in 2010, and thought to be extremely original and retain its original body panels and interior

- 331ci V8 engine and semi-automatic gearbox, plus power steering, brakes, and windows

Relatively little is known about the Stateside history of this delightful example of 1950s Americana, though it is initially thought to have been employed by the manufacturer to introduce the concept of a station wagon to students on college campuses. The vendor believes it was trailered all over the United States for this purpose, and it then formed part of the factory museum until purchased by a private collector. The New Yorker Town and Country was certainly a very expensive vehicle in 1953 being the top-of-the-range station wagon offered by Chrysler. This one is fitted with the options of chrome wire wheels, electric front bench, and electric windows. It is thought only 1,400 New Yorker wagons were ultimately built of which the one offered is an extremely rare and original surviving example that believed to have covered just 35,400 miles from new. It was first UK registered in 2009 and has had only one further keeper since, who acquired the car in May 2013.

It is powered by a 331ci 'Firepower' Hemi V8 engine that drives through Chrysler's patented Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission. The vehicle is presented in its original livery of Brown over Beige and trimmed in perfectly patinated faux crocodile leather. The load area is a wonderful mix of highly polished wood and polished stainless steel ribbing, while the facia is a sea of ornate controls, including those for the factory-fitted heater and radio. The steering wheel has the words Power Steering inset into the centre, just in case you were in any doubt the car featured such technology. The Chrysler also sports power brakes and rides on nearly new white-walled radial tyres. The only non-original features of note are the bumpers and hood ornament which are Chrysler Imperial ones albeit of 1953. We are not sure if Chrysler made this then-popular alteration for its marketing purposes, or if it was done afterwards. The vendor reports that the car has been very reliable hence supporting maintenance bills are not large, and that it has been easy to own. The car is rust-free, thanks to spending a pampered life in a dry climate, '536 XUU' was rewired in 2010 and the generator was rewound last year, and it is now felt by the vendor to have an 'excellent' V8 engine, and 'very good' transmission, bodywork, paintwork, interior trim and electrical system. A great opportunity.