People from New York City have two distinct reputations: being aggressive and being snobby. The latter was likely the inspiration for Chrysler’s New Yorker nameplate, as the Big Apple was one of the top cultural centers of the world, full of demonstrable sophistication when its residents weren’t vacationing in the Hamptons. Our Pick of the Day is one of the earlier versions to use this nameplate. This 1942 Chrysler New Yorker Club Coupe is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Torrance, California.
The original New Yorker was a special 1938 sub-model named the Chrysler New York Special, though interestingly, it was based on the C19 Chrysler Imperial Touring Sedan and powered by the higher-horsepower engine that powered the Custom Imperial. The sub-model was produced only as a four-door sedan with the choice of two colors (or four two-tone combinations) and a fancier broadcloth interior. For 1939, the name evolved into “New Yorker” and the sub-model expanded to four different body styles, including a two-door sedan and two coupes.
For 1940, the New Yorker (as well as the new Traveler and almost-new Saratoga) became a stand-alone model, absorbing the Imperial and leaving the Crown Imperial as the premium offering within the Chrysler fold. Available body styles were expanded to include a convertible and a formal sedan. Unlike the Royal and Windsor, the New Yorker was powered by a straight-eight.
Styling was much more massive for 1942. The grille consisted of five chrome bars that ran across the front end and wrapped around the fenders to the wheel wells; the same fender treatment was repeated at the rear. Running boards were semi-concealed by the doors for a more streamlined appearance. New Yorkers rode on a 127.5-inch wheelbase and were powered by a 323.5ci “Spitfire” straight-eight offering 140 horsepower with a Stromberg two-barrel. Three-speed Fluid Drive was standard, with an available Vacamatic semi-automatic as an option. As in previous years, a Highlander plaid or Navajo “Thunderbird” upholstery was available for a $20 upcharge.
“Blackout” trim was instituted for cars built after December 1941, with production ending at the beginning of February 1942 so factories could devote themselves to the war effort. That makes cars like this pre-blackout 1942 Chrysler New Yorker Club Coupe an interesting footnote on several levels. Yes, the design was used from 1946 until 1948, but the Thunderbolt-influenced styling of the ’42 was unique, lacking the baroque grille of the later cars. The Club Coupe was positioned as a swanky personal car, perhaps a coupe version of the dashing convertible. It features “luxury appointments including the marbled Bakelite dashboard with a detailed instrument panel and rare factory options of its day including the original radio and heater, indicating a loaded and no-expense focus on basic, durable luxury by its original owners,” says the seller. “The cloth upholstery is original spec, as is the carpets and dashboard plastic. The brightwork is all very good quality, and the car is a wonderful driving older restoration that performs as good as it looks with recent extensive servicing including a full engine tune up, brake overhaul including master cylinder and wheel cylinders.”
This example is one of only 1,234 built for the abbreviated 1942 model year, the third most popular New Yorker for ’42. For $35,500, you can own this stylish, upmarket coupe, but don’t be surprised if admirers are hesitant in approaching you—they won’t know whether you’re a sophisticate or just irascible.
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