180 bhp, 331 cu. in. FirePower hemispherical head V8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor, Fluid-Torque Drive four-speed transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 131.5"
Chrysler's reputation was built on solid engineering, and that was the marketing emphasis for its first new postwar cars, which incorporated a great many advancements. Consequently, advertising copy was filled with many catchy names to sell these engineering features, and thus Americans were told that the 1951 cars had Fluid-Torque transmissions, Hydra-Guide power steering, Cycle-Bonded brake linings, Safety-Rim wheels, Full-Flow oil filters, Hydra-Lizer shock absorbers, and Safety-Level ride.
Marketing hyperbole aside, the new "FirePower" overhead valve V8 engine was truly revolutionary. With its hemispherical combustion chambers, the new engine offered improved volumetric efficiency and outstanding power output. Although Cadillac and Oldsmobile had been the first to introduce modern short-stroke overhead valve V8 engines in 1949, the "Hemi" engine was a worthy answer to that opening volley. Also new for 1951 was Hydra-Guide power steering. A passenger car first, this new convenience would prove so popular that within just a few years, every major American car offered a variation on it. In essence, power assist combined quicker steering ratios with "one hand" effort, and greatly improved drivability.
The fully restored 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible offered here sports a lovely light yellow exterior finish, and features a tan power-operated canvas top with a glass rear window. In addition, twin spotlights and period-style Mopar fog lights, as well as wide whitewall tires and a new set of Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, complement this top-of-the-line Chrysler. The handsome interior features dark red and blue plaid Highlander upholstery, a padded dash, and such amenities as a radio, heater, and a clock. For enhanced safety, this car has been retrofitted with rear seatbelts. Underhood, the engine bay reveals the legendary "FirePower" V8 engine, which is presented in well-detailed and period correct condition, mated to a four-speed Fluid-Torque Drive transmission. In addition, the well-detailed trunk area is trimmed with red carpeting, and contains a whitewall spare tire.
This 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible remains a very fine example of the first production year of the legendary Hemi engine. While many automobiles are historical, only a few are historically significant. This Chrysler combines the best of both worlds, and consequently offers a unique opportunity to the astute collector.
Chrysler's reputation was built on solid engineering, and that was the marketing emphasis for its first new postwar cars, which incorporated a great many advancements. Consequently, advertising copy was filled with many catchy names to sell these engineering features, and thus Americans were told that the 1951 cars had Fluid-Torque transmissions, Hydra-Guide power steering, Cycle-Bonded brake linings, Safety-Rim wheels, Full-Flow oil filters, Hydra-Lizer shock absorbers, and Safety-Level ride.
Marketing hyperbole aside, the new "FirePower" overhead valve V8 engine was truly revolutionary. With its hemispherical combustion chambers, the new engine offered improved volumetric efficiency and outstanding power output. Although Cadillac and Oldsmobile had been the first to introduce modern short-stroke overhead valve V8 engines in 1949, the "Hemi" engine was a worthy answer to that opening volley. Also new for 1951 was Hydra-Guide power steering. A passenger car first, this new convenience would prove so popular that within just a few years, every major American car offered a variation on it. In essence, power assist combined quicker steering ratios with "one hand" effort, and greatly improved drivability.
The fully restored 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible offered here sports a lovely light yellow exterior finish, and features a tan power-operated canvas top with a glass rear window. In addition, twin spotlights and period-style Mopar fog lights, as well as wide whitewall tires and a new set of Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, complement this top-of-the-line Chrysler. The handsome interior features dark red and blue plaid Highlander upholstery, a padded dash, and such amenities as a radio, heater, and a clock. For enhanced safety, this car has been retrofitted with rear seatbelts. Underhood, the engine bay reveals the legendary "FirePower" V8 engine, which is presented in well-detailed and period correct condition, mated to a four-speed Fluid-Torque Drive transmission. In addition, the well-detailed trunk area is trimmed with red carpeting, and contains a whitewall spare tire.
This 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible remains a very fine example of the first production year of the legendary Hemi engine. While many automobiles are historical, only a few are historically significant. This Chrysler combines the best of both worlds, and consequently offers a unique opportunity to the astute collector.
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Auction details
RM - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
8:00 AM PT - Aug 2nd, 2008
offered by
RM Auctions
5 West Forest Ave
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
