Late 70s New Yorkers

[walyfd]

So, I'm done with the 62 cadillac. Actually considering selling it...

We had a 77 Newport when I was 12. God I loved that car. It was a slug but the styling was beautiful. But I always lusted for a New Yorker Brougham. Our Newport had the 400 but I'd want the 440. Our car was black starfire, a black metallic with gold fleck.

Anyone have any stories of these beasts? Overall, the styling with the Hooper swoop sides, full skirts, hardtop roof and those sumptuous interiors were the epitome of luxury.

I remember it was silent on the road. The front torsion and rear Hotchkiss was a nice combination.

[electra225]

Our song leader at church when I was a kid was a WW2 vet, mega decorated Air Force veteran and POW. He always drove beaters, a '52 Chevy, a '60 Dodge sedan with a slant six. In the fall of 1966, he heired a farm when his parents retired and moved into town. He sold that place and bought the farm next to his. In the process, he promised his hard-working, long-suffering wife he would buy a NICE new car. He bought a new '67 Chrysler New Yorker four door hardtop, dark gray with a black vinyl top and broadcloth interior. What a car that was. From 1966 to about 1971 is so, the big Chryslers were about as nice of looking big cars as anyone built.

If I may ask, why are you "done with" your Cadillac?

[walyfd]

Long story that really has nothing to do with the car itself. I think it belongs with someone who'd truly enjoy it. I've always liked the looks of those New Yorkers and I don't need 3 old cars so one's gotta go...

[electra225]

The time to "choose" comes to all of us eventually. I sold two Buicks, my truck, the tractor most of my radios at our auction. I thought I'd be sad to see all my toys go. I wish lots of time I had let it all go, everything. As I get older, it takes longer to do things.....

[TC Chris]

I just looked at internet photos of the 67s and 77s. Then I watched Jay Leno's video on his '67 Imperial, which he felt was a better car in design construction than the Cadillac or Lincoln. That reminded me of my parents' '66 Plymouth wagon, a delightful car to drive.. It was a 383 2 bbl, a big Fury III with a sport suspension and front disc brakes (first year as an option). It was a very assured vehicle with surprisingly agile handling. I was always tempted to drive it too fast.

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

Willard's '67 New Yorker had the dual-snorkel air cleaner 440 in it with limited slip rear end and dual exhausts. It was a hot rod for such a big car. The build quality was exceptional for being a Chrysler product, not known for quality construction. It was hard on premium gas, but nobody cared back then. Chrysler had the best air conditioning going back in those days. I'd agree with Leno. Certainly better put together than a '67 Cadillac, or even (gulp!) a Buick......

[TC Chris]

I'm not jealous of most celebrities,who lead fairly wretched lives from what we read. But Jay Leno, he knows how to enjoy life. All those cool cars and all that space to keep 'em, and a staff (I assume) to keep 'em in top condition. He likes all kinds and shapes and finds something to admire in them on their own terms. Yeah, I'm jealous.

Chris Campbell

[Dr. Radio]

I'll have to see if I can find that youtube video on the last of the "big" Chrysler luxury cars.

My favorite line was (if i remember correctly):

"It was the last gasp for post-war American opulence."


Even as a die-hard GM guy, I will say Chrysler had some very nice, seeming impossible "combination" cars--you know, both luxurious and muscular. Many magazine articles referred to as such as "A banker's muscle car", or a "Gentleman bomb". Formal roofs, courtesy lights, rich interiors and a 440 under the hood with a 727 torqueflight.

[walyfd]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=btVewnkzU ... 4xvhL9TMO0

Jack Jones did the commercials. "It's the Talk of the Town"...

Remember he also sang "The Love Boat" theme Saturday night and "Fantasy Island" with Ricardo mantalban was on next so you got bombarded with "rich Corinthian leather" and all sorts of Mopar stuff. Remember the Volare surrey station wagons with no doors on the iand???

[Ken Doyle]

I give Chrysler credit for continuing to build hardtops after the other makes dropped them.

[electra225]

Four-door-hardtop was my favorite body style. Side-impact regulations is what did them in.