1955 CHRYSLER New Yorker 5.4

Vehicle Overview

The fourth generation of the Chrysler New Yorker was launched in 1955 and became the premiere sedan of its time, and it was a significant step forward in terms of design.

Sharing its platform with the likes of the Chrysler 300 and the DeSoto Firedome, the New Yorker was available as a sedan, convertible, hard top, or station wagon with two or four doors. Its design was penned by no other than Virgil Exner, with cues inspired by the Imperial Parade Phaeton.

Its look was a departure from its predecessor, with a flatter hood and horizontal chromed grilles. The mid-50s were the years when chromed elements were a luxury status, and the New Yorker had plenty of these. Not only the bumpers but also the headlights’ surroundings and pillars featured shiny trims. At the back, the vertical taillights were also adorned by chromed surroundings.

In terms of luxury, the New Yorker boasted features such as power windows, power steering, power brakes, and even a power seat. In addition, the vinyl seats were designed for comfort over long distances.

Under the hood, the New Yorker received a 5.4-liter powerplant or a 5.8-liter unit with hemispherical pistons, which later on became known as Hemi-engines. That V8 developed 250 hp and was paired with a two-speed PowerFlite automatic transmission. In 1956, the New Yorker also received a three-speed automatic gearbox, also known as TorqueFlite.