1938 Chrysler New Yorker

This 1938 Chrysler Series C-19 New York Special Business Coupe is a highly documented, ultra rare pre-war Chrysler that underwent an extensive professional quality restoration and is believed to have been perhaps just one of only a few New York Specials ordered in this configuration. After a promising 1937 model year, Americas automakers were hopeful that the economic effects of the Great Depression was in the rearview mirror. However, in 1938 American automobile sales and production fell across virtually every marque. Chrysler, which achieved 10th place among the highest producing American manufacturers in 1937 actually fell out of the top ten in 1938. Although Chrysler did manage to outsell Cadillac in 1938, its production figures were internally disappointing. Likely explaining this step backwards is that a weakened American economy had not fully recovered from the Depression contrary to expectations or perhaps, at least in part, the drop in Chrysler production could be attributed to the fact that 1938 was a bit of a transitional year for Chrysler. For starters, the Chrysler Airflow was replaced with a brand new series, it named the New York Special. Interestingly, New York Special moniker would serve as the inspiration for Chryslers New Yorker line in the years that followed. The New York Special was an intermediate model in Chryslers lineup, more plush than the entry level Royal but not quite a full blown Imperial despite sitting on an Imperial Chassis, utilizing an Imperial engine and wearing Imperial trim. Both inside and out, it was evident that the New York Special cars were quite an automobile to behold. Items like dual side-mounted spare tires and a unique New Yorker-only grille gave the cars a more upscale look and helped differentiate itself from lower Chrysler models. The interiors were also considered to be much more plush than entry level Chrysler products with special upholstery options and beautiful carpeting, What makes this particular C-19 Series Chrysler so interesting is the fact that it is believed to be one of very few (if any others) built in the Business Coupe body style. The reason for the rarity is the fact that despite its plans to do so, Chrysler did not build any Business Coupe New York Special models for widespread distribution. Rather it is believed that the only surviving New York Special Coupes are those that were specially built for display at events and shows, such as the New York Auto Show. This heavily documented New York Special Business coupe comes to us after having been completely restored by professionals and was most recently owned by long-time owners who stewarded the car for nearly 15 years. Powering this 38 Chrysler New York Coupe is a 323.5 Cubic Inch Inline 8 cylinder fed by a single barrel carburetor. The 324 straight 8 is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission with Overdrive that is shifted via a column-mounted three-on-the-tree shifter. This pre-war Chrysler Coupe is particularly well optioned! This New York Special rides on a set of brand new Coker wide whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels that are accented with full wheel discs and trim rings that together give this rare Mopar a truly upscale look whether youre parked at the local car show or cruising down the road. Adding to the luxurious look of this Chrysler New York Special Coupe is a pair of side-mounted covered spare tires that are both functional and further elevate the exterior appearance of the car. The front and rear chrome bumpers show particularly well and each sport a pair of gorgeous chrome bumper guards. The drivers side mirror is another wonderful addition to this pre-war classic as it makes squeezing into a tight parking spot much easier and as an added bonus, the support arm has an integrated Joma thermometer. The trunk on this Chrysler C-19 Business Coupe is quite roomy and is particularly well detailed. The all steel body on this New Yorker has been refinished in beautiful black paint that completes the exterior appearance of this wonderful pre-war classic. The interior of this 1938 Chrysler Series C-19 New York Special Business Coupe is gorgeous! As was typical on the New York Special models, this 38 Business Coupes split bench seat has been reupholstered in two-tone beige cloth. The color-matched door panels, saddle carpeting, woodgrain styled dash and 3 spoke banjo-style steering wheel are all in great shape as well, retaining a wonderful period-correct look. The interior is well-optioned as well! Evening or even late-season cruising is much more comfortable with the inclusion of an optional under-dash heater helping you stay warm. You will also be delighted with this 38 Chrysler Coupes AM radio mounted in the center of the dash. This New York Special comes equipped with an impressive array of instrumentation including a 100 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished off with a glovebox, cigar lighter and accompanying ash receiver, and a few other lighting and engine controls. Whether youre buying your very first pre-war car or youre adding to your existing collection of pre-war Coupes, this 1938 Chrysler Series C-19 New York Special Business Coupe would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!