BF Exclusive: 1963 Chrysler New Yorker
I recently had the opportunity to visit a barn find project car on the island of Chappaquiddick, which is located off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a 1963 Chrysler New Yorker that has been in the seller’s family for decades, living in one of the more historically significant locations off the New England coast. The New Yorker does not run but was stored indoors until recently. It has needs of the cosmetic and mechanical sort, but it also almost entirely complete and unaltered aside from the wheels.
The 1963 New Yorker came standard with a 413 V8, and this example was running when parked. The New Yorker currently does not run, and hasn’t in some time. The engine latch or hood cable is frozen, and I wasn’t able to get the hood open on my visit. The cosmetics of the car are decent aside from rust which is shown in the video and photo gallery below, and primarily isolated to two places on the body. The chrome bumpers still present well and all factory badges are in place. Taillight lenses look good, too.
The interior is a high point, still looking opulent all of these years later. Black over red is a great combo in any car, but it’s particularly powerful in a big luxury car like this. The car originally belonged to the seller’s grandmother and was later shipped to the island after her passing. The car was driven by the family for a few years, obviously offering plenty of room for passengers front and rear on cross-island excursions. The seating surfaces remain in great shape, and the carpets are pretty clean, too. There is some mold on the headliner which should be cleaned; the headliner itself is in good shape.
All glass is intact and door panels and switchgear are in good condition; the same goes for both armrests. The rust is contained to the leading edge of the hood and the panel between the bottom of the rear glass and the trunk lid. I was not able to get into the trunk, either, but keys are included; the lock cylinder would likely come free with some spray lubricant, which I did not have with me on my short visit with the car. As a bonus, I am happy to help with the logistics of getting the car off of the island for our Barn Finds readers – just contact me via the form below to set a plan in place.
- Price: $4,500
- Title Status: Clean; bill of sale only
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Comments
Great car with great styling, however….. this is the kind of MoPar you want to buy in nice shape and drive, not restore. They just aren’t worth the effort otherwise.
I remember riding as a youngster sitting on the center arm rest in a Chrysler similar to this
I have very fond memories of riding in my Dads 64 Imperial Crown Coupe, he bought new with me by his side! I remember late night runs home from the beach with my two younger siblings, on occasion I would lay across the rear window shelf looking up at the stars on dark back roads and street lights on main roads.
If it spent it’s entire life on the Vineyard, the visible rust is just the beginning.
Salt air is a car killer, especially a poorly rust protected, 60’s, Mopar.
Fifty odd years of it is the kiss of death.
Even if you attempted a restoration, where would you get parts for it?
Engine parts are no problem. They made the 413 from 1959 through 1965. Exterior trim parts would take longer to find. I have a ’63 New Yorker 4-dr. sedan and it is a wonderful, well built automobile
Like these as they’re the last of the “Forward Look” Mopars and got a lot of their period concept car features, except the flush glass.
You can find these in much nicer shape for not much more. I’ve recently seen way nicer for way less. Cool cars, too me, but even when nice, they usually sit for sale for a long time. Too bad. This one did have good colors and it’s a hardtop, but that Dutchman panel, mold and rust all over tells me she’s been damp and is rough!
Did Edward Kennedy ever drive it!?!
Chappaquiddick?? Is this the car Teddie knocked off Mary Jo in?? Inquiring minds want to know!
That was a ’67 Olds 88.
“…stored indoors until recently.” I’m having serious doubt about that statement. IMG-1083 is very telling. Pine needles in the trunk seal area. Those rust holes below the rear window scare me off. Might be a pretty nice parts car. A PPI would certainly be in order.
No title?
After living on The Vineyard, year round for a couple decades, before moving to a more tax friendly Florida, I can tell you that to get a non running car, off of the two islands won’t be cheep! At least we are in the off season, but that also means there are less boats to get an off Island round trip reservation, for a car carrier! That is gonna cost you up to $400-500+$24 each passenger, just for the truck itself! Then the little Chappy Ferry will be another $20+$2 each passenger! Even living there cost you over $100 each time you want to take a trip off Island. Sure it’s a beautiful place, but the liberal political climate and taxes and homeowners insurance are out of sight!