The 1955 model year marked a dramatic turning point for Chrysler-an era proudly launched under the new marketing slogan ""The 100-Million Dollar Look."" This bold campaign introduced Virgil Exner's visionary ""Forward Look"" styling, replacing the conservative designs of earlier years with sleek, modern lines, lower roof profiles, and elegant tail fins that hinted at the jet age. Chrysler's investment in fresh engineering and styling paid off handsomely, as the 1955 lineup ushered in a new identity for the brand-one that exuded sophistication, performance, and innovation marketed as ""America's Most Smartly Different Car!"" The New Yorker Town & Country wagon stood at the pinnacle of this transformation, combining luxury and practicality with unmistakable presence.
This well-kept 1955 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country exemplifies that breakthrough year with its factory-original, numbers-correct 331 cubic inch Hemi V8, paired with the smooth PowerFlite automatic transmission. It retains all the hallmark features that made the New Yorker Chrysler's flagship wagon: power steering and brakes, tinted glass, push-button Town & Country signal-seeking radio, reverse lights, and factory dual exhaust. Finished in its correct Code-1 Black exterior, refinished years ago with an updated two-tone addition of Sunburst Yellow as a contrasting color. It presents an elegant contrast to its original Code-24 Gold and White cloth-and-leather interior, a rich and inviting combination that epitomizes 1950s luxury.
Further refinements include chrome wire spoke wheels, dual outside mirrors, day/night rearview mirror, and a folding rear seat that expands cargo space with a touch of practicality. This example hails from its former owner of 18 years who routinely used it for many trips from his home in Ohio to Hershey, PA for annual swap meet events on over 5 separate occasions. It wears an older exterior paint finish on a body that does possess some bubbles on the lower doors and metal fatigue in the rear quarter panels. It shows as a very original example that survives well over the years without having any major restoration.
Upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum, we opted to have all new 3"" wide whitewall tires installed, as well as new spark plugs/wires, rebuilt carburetor with new electric choke added, new motor/transmission mounts, valve cover gaskets, drive belts, water pump, boiled the radiator with renewed coolant, radiator hoses, & heater hoses; new front wheel bearings/seals, tie-rod ends, front brake hoses & wheel cylinders, flushed the braking system with new fluid, engine oil/filter, along with a few other gaskets and refinements under the hood. It continues to run and drive extremely well, just improved with the peace of mind of these new components!
This Town & Country wagon embodies the best of Chrysler's mid-century craftsmanship-equal parts design statement and collector's treasure. A rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of the ""100-Million Dollar Look"" era, this 1955 New Yorker Town & Country wagon represents one of only 1,036 ever produced and is more than just a classic; it's a symbol of Chrysler's rebirth and enduring pursuit of excellence! You'll be hard-pressed to find another!
