1956 Chrysler Windsor for sale $59,900

Virtually every classic car enthusiast knows about Chryslers letter cars. And while the brand was originally envisioned as an upmarket purveyor of lush Detroit luxury it also spawned economy models to fend off intense competition from Ford and GM. That means the 50s power monsters MoPar enthusiasts know and love often have more focused counterparts like this stylish Windsor Newport. Wrapping a hot Spitfire V8 and stout PowerFlite transmission in a tailored interior and acres of stylish steel this all-American cruiser HAS to be some of the coolest metal on the planet! And with two consecutive years of AACA honors stoking its prestige its an exclusive Exner era Chrysler thats poised to gain value. If youre a discerning collector whos itching for a big-fin MoPar thatll be the star of every cruise night in town this tailored hardtop is your ticket to greatness!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Based on legendary designer Virgil Exners Forward Look body the 1956 Chrysler Windsor was positioned low to supplement the brands hot 300 series. The spectacular and correct Sand Dune Beige and Rosewood example you see here currently wears a high quality frame-up restoration that has been exceptionally maintained. Owned by one family for over 40 years and never separated from its chassis the cars 100% original body exhibits minimal signs of wear and still proudly displays original service stickers in unrestored door jambs. Re-chromed original bumpers and polished original stainless look almost as good as the day they left the showroom. And it all adds up to one hot coupe that considering its restoration history exhibits impeccable fit and finish.

The futuristic feel of Chrysler PowerStyle the brands detailing of Exners Forward Look bodies helped mark the debut of jet-age Detroit design that would continue for several years. And although Chryslers aerodynamic ingenuity proved especially useful in motorsports it was the firms style quotient that quickly sent the market into frenzy. At the front of this classics rounded body a chrome silver-detailed grille hangs an AACA Senior National First plaque between clear marker lamps a thick bumper chrome-trimmed headlights and a small header shield. Above that grille a streamlined hood topper leads the eye to a SuperScenic windshield pillarless greenhouse glass and a Clearbac backlight. At the sides of that greenhouse stamped fenders flow into smooth fins behind textured spears concise door handles and classy Chrysler emblems. And at the back of those fenders Twin-Tower tail lights center a simple trunk shield and ornate Chrysler emblems above a second wraparound bumper.

ENGINE

In the early 50s Ma MoPars interest in 6-cylinders began to wane in favor of the power and appeal of proven 8-cylinders. Given that the Newport was the Windsors ultimate offering our coupe moves thanks to an original Spitfire V8 which carries a correct WE56 assembly stamp. In factory-equipped 2-barrel form this polyspheric mill twisted 8.5 to 1 compression into a healthy 225 horsepower. And clocking in at 331 cubic inches it was a relatively easy way for a prestigious brand to compete with more pedestrian competitors. Nicely upgraded with a Hemi intake Carter carburetors and Hemi heads the engine appears to wear a roster of era-correct components from its bat wing air cleaner and dent-free oil pan all the way to its heavy duty radiator and MoPar Jiffy-Jet washer bag. Fire is provided by a traditional Chrysler distributor which sequences sparks between a vintage generator and fresh Taylor plug wires.The blocks clean Aluminum paint contrasts