1958 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
Beyond the new-for-1958 styling cues, one is immediately drawn to the Matador Red paint, contrasting black top and accessory equipment. Under the hood was the largest iteration of the first-generation 392 CI Hemi engine rated at 346 HP with its Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor. The engine is backed by the TorqueFlite 3-speed transmission, which utilizes the dash-mounted push-button shifter, and this New Yorker features power steering and brakes. Inside this car’s well-upholstered interior are power seats and windows, Air-Temp factory air conditioning, tinted glass and the Auto Pilot cruise control. For audio equipment, it features the AM radio with a power antenna and rear speaker plus the very desirable Highway Hi-Fi in-dash record player.
Overall, Virgil Exner’s flight-sweep styling perhaps reached its epitome in the Chrysler lineup during this model release, creating exclusivity in this popular arena of ownership today. With a record of excellence on the show field and a gorgeous 9,000-hour restoration that took three years to complete, this Hemi-powered New Yorker is documented with a copy of its original build card and more than 4,000 photos of the restoration.
