The 1950’s were arguably some of the finest design years for the American car industry; particularly for Chrysler. In the past, American cars had done very little for us, as we find ourselves getting a bit older, however, there is a possibility that we may have dismissed some pretty neat cars; or is it really just age? We have almost always been focused on European cars; why? To us, they were far more attractive, they handled better, they performed better; hell let’s face it- they were simply better cars. 

A couple of years ago we were given the opportunity to spend a little more time around great old American built automobiles; Packard’s, Lincoln’s, Cadillac’s etc. They were however, pre-war cars and one could argue that by comparison, America was indeed manufacturing some of the finest automobiles in the world and American automotive craftsmanship was on par with some of the great European marques; perhaps even better. The time we had spent with these great cars opened our eyes to some of the later cars from this side of the pond, but, what really did it was spending more time with and driving some of the fantastic Chryslers belonging to John and Christie Lazenby. This story will focus on just one of their magnificent cars; the 1955 Chrysler New Yorker deluxe wagon.

In the mid 1950’s Chrysler started producing truly great American cars. Chryslers Design staff was headed up by Virgil Exner and with Exner’s excellent eye began producing fantastic looking cars, perhaps the best looking cars offered by any US manufacturer at the time. Included in the 1955 model year line-up was the 1955 New Yorker Deluxe wagon.

The 1955 New Yorker wagon was built in very limited numbers as only 1036 were manufactured. They were also very expensive. In 1955 this car would have cost a hefty $4,800. If we consider that an average home could be bought for about $12,000, this was one very, very expensive station wagon and most certainly not intended for the masses. There may only be a handful of these cars left; some suggest about 10.

The car was equipped with a 331cid V8 hemi that put out a pretty stunning (for the time) 250 horse power coupled to a Powerflite transmission with a dash mounted gear selector.

This car:

John and Christie’s New Yorker is finished in its correct Canyon Tan with Desert Sand interior, is believed that the 53,000 showing are correct and the car may have more of a story to tell as it seems a certain Cecil B. DeMille may have owned this very car. He was known to have had one and this car was found in Studio City – seems to fit. What is also interesting is that the car was found with a holster mounted under the diver’s seat; Coincidence? This wagon drives like….well… a wagon, but, a very stately wagon… it is such a great looking car and has so much presence….we like it – a lot!

O.C.C.E

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