1940 Chrysler New Yorker

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $60,000 - $80,000 USD

• One of 87 New Yorker Convertibles built with the Highlander interior, according to the consignor
• A long-term part of The Michael Leith Collection, with fascinating history
• Attractive and well-preserved older restoration with numerous accessories
• Past AACA Senior and Grand National First Prize winner

Chryslers 1941 line offered buyers the Highlander, an interior package that incorporated a combination of rich leather with inserts of tartan plaid wool cloth. In advertising, somewhat overheated copywriters described the Highlander package as being as bonnie as the Blue-bells and the Heather and as thrilling as the blood-tingling music of the bagpipes a breath of auld Scotland that carries the charm and beauty and romance of the Highlands. It was one of the most striking options of any automobile from this era.

The car offered here was one of only 845 New Yorker Convertibles built in 1940 and, according to Mr. Leith, one of 87 delivered with the Highlander interior. It is believed to have been originally owned by B.F. Greenwald, whose name appears on the original Philco-Chrysler radio warranty tag, included along with other original tags in the accompanying file, which also contains a maintenance log from Reading, Pennsylvanias Hettinger Brothers dealership. This is indicative of how well-kept and preserved the Chrysler remained with its subsequent owners, Edith C. Coburn of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania to whom it was registered in 1960 and Charles F. Minamyer of Marietta, Ohio, who acquired it from Mrs. Coburn in 1967.

Michael Leith first purchased the New Yorker in December 2000 from Dennis E. West of Chesapeake, Virginia, in whose ownership it had achieved an Antique Automobile Club of America Grand National First Prize the prior year. An accompanying copy of its Virginia title at the time logs 72,456 actual miles, while a maintenance and driving log on file records the continuous pleasure that it gave in occasional use around the Raleigh area. It was sold several years later to an enthusiast in New York City, but was missed and reacquired for The Michael Leith Collection in early 2014.

Photographs on file document a frame-off restoration some years ago. The car still presents nicely in its subtle Federal Gray livery, a wonderful counterpoint to the striking Highlander interior. It is equipped with both Fluid Drive and overdrive, as well as front and rear bumper guards, chrome fender guards and rocker panel trim, wind wings, backup lamp, fog lamps, and chrome hub caps and trim rings for the wheels, which wear whitewall tires. Most importantly, in typical Leith fashion, it has been well-kept and continues to run and drive beautifully as it awaits its next proud owner.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.