Pick of the Day: 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible

sometimes you have to I don’t know why the 1957 Chevrolet is so popular. Sure, it has strong styling, an engine that most people will like (or enough room for an engine you prefer), and it’s ample enough that anyone can find one if they want one. However, as a kid, once I explored beyond the cliche cars of the 1950s, I caught wind of cars like our Daily Pick and fell in love with it. This 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible is listed on ClassicCars.com for sale by a dealer in Volo, Illinois. (Click the link to see the list)

It’s a shame that a company known for producing cars with good engineering principles also produced cars with boring styling – that company was Chrysler from 1949-54. Of course, somewhere between the years, manufacturers got the hint and started adding colors and styles to their portfolio, but the styling was nothing compared to the cars produced by GM and Ford (if not standalone cars). Looks pale and weak.

By 1955, Chrysler’s outlook showed that the manufacturer was cleaning up and moving in the right direction. All of the cars—from Plymouths to Dodges, DeSotos, Chryslers, and Imperials—had styling that rivaled others in the industry, and there were engineering advances that made Chrysler’s cars superior to some. The 1957 redesign brought more surprises.

Chrysler’s 1957 car was so compelling that General Motors Know It lost its leadership position in style – not to be arrogant, but GM really wasn’t at the top. In addition, Chrysler now offers a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, Torsion-Aire Ride, and quad headlights, three features that set it apart from the competition. However, it’s the looks across all brands that are the big news.

In particular, Chrysler offers three mainstream models that share the same design except for minor trim changes: Windsor, Saratoga and New Yorker; in addition, the performance-focused 300-C is equipped with a unique front grille. A towering spoiler, tall taillights, large expanses of glass, and the 392 Hemi offering more horses than its competitors are just some of the features Chrysler offers.

This 1957 Chrysler New Yorker convertible was Chrysler’s top-of-the-line model except for the 300-C. Painted Cloud White with Gauguin Red on the sides, this is a beautiful ’57! The top is also white, and the wire wheels make it clear that this isn’t a lower-end Mopar. The interior is a surprise – mocha and red! It’s a rather unusual combination, surrounding red and white vinyl and cloth seats with a center armrest in front. You’ll also find power steering, power windows, power seats, a power roof and dual antennas. Under the hood, 325 horsepower from a Firepower V8 means this Mopar isn’t demure.

In 1957, only 1,049 New Yorker convertibles were produced. This is a tank among tanks, a cruiser in the best sense of the word. In order for the world to think you’ve done it, it costs $144,998.

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