1975 Chrysler New Yorker in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Vehicle Description

'70s luxury cars are heating up in collectors' minds, and while the regular contestants from Lincoln and Cadillac are easy to find, Mopar guys will be delighted to discover behemoths like this 1975 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham, which was unquestionably every bit a match for the heavy-hitters from the other brands.

Showing a remarkable originality, this handsome 2-door coupe is the last of the really big land yachts, the likes of which we'll never see again. The top-of-the-line New Yorkers featured more features, options, technology, and were built to a higher standard to justify their price. Their exclusivity was assured, and the big coupe shows off the usual fashion accessories of the period, including opera windows and fender skirts, and the grille remained metal, not plastic, showcasing Chrysler's dedication to quality. Finished in bright white, this heavy cruiser has a light-hearted attitude that suits its warm-climate home, and demonstrates remarkable preservation. It's wearing an older repaint that's in excellent condition, and despite presenting one of the biggest targets on the automotive landscape in 1975, it's remarkably free of dents, dings, and other mishaps. Both of those giant doors fit well, the fender skirts line up flush with the body and show no rust in this trouble-prone area, and the vinyl top is nicely preserved.

1970s luxury cars are all about hedonistic interiors, so sofa-like leather seats and acres of stretch-out space are the fitments of choice. Off-white seats against gold carpets and dash provide a great contrast that works well with the bright bodywork, and the seats themselves remain in excellent condition. Sure, they're soft and pillowy, but that's entirely the point, isn't it? Matching door panels show minor signs of use and some light cracking in the usual spots, but as an all-original survivor it would be a crime to replace those items. The New Yorker offered standard equipment like A/C, power seats, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, and the AM/FM/8-track stereo system was state-of-the-art in 1975. The back seat offers spacious accommodations, and the trunk will carry just about anything you'll need on a long road trip with space to spare.

The power comes from Chrysler's 440 cubic inch V8, and with smoothness and torque production at the top of the wish list, Chrysler engineers hit the mark. Well maintained but not restored, the engine bay is tidy and shows signs of life in a warm climate, meaning no rust or other trouble spots. Sure, the paint's a little chipped, but it starts quickly and runs smoothly, and when paired to a freshly rebuilt TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic and a 2.70 axle out back, highway performance is serene. Chrysler's torsion suspension system improved handling versus the Lincoln and Cadillac competition without a ride sacrifice, and the brakes have been recently serviced and are almost entirely new throughout. A recent muffler and tailpipe give it a muted hum that sounds appropriate, and big 15-inch whitewall radials look 70's perfect.

An unusual luxury car, there's a growing appreciation for these forgotten trend-setters. Cutting-edge in the 1970s, this New Yorker coupe remains a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy first-class accommodations. Call today!