Having been in the auto industry for more than four decades only proves Chrysler New Yorker’s success. From its introduction in 1950, together with the Dodge Coronet, DeSoto Custom, Chrysler Windsor and the Town & Country models, this two-door hardtop consistently belonged to Chrysler’s top-notch vehicles until the 90s. The first New Yorkers were equipped with big-block V8 FirePower engine, Chrysler’s first V8. It had hemispherical combustion chambers, the reason why it was also referred to as the early Hemi engine. On its second year, the New Yorker’s FirePower engine was replaced by a 331-cid Hemi V8, designed to provide better airflow and fuel/air mixture ignition. Its hemispherical cylinder head design reduced thermal energy loss and improved airflow, making the engine more efficient.
Launched in 1979 was an upmarket sub-model of the New Yorker, the Chrysler Fifth Avenue. It debuted after the New Yorker used the Dodge Coronet’s platform and after it was redesigned with a squared-off body. It easily went up rungs of the mid-size luxury car market, though the Chrysler New Yorker continued to be one of Chrysler’s best-sellers. It carried the old V8 engine and was offered in a rear wheel drive. A New Yorker Fifth Avenue Edition featured a two-tone beige finish that accentuated well the leather trims inside, landau vinyl roof and the unique opera windows that opened with the rear doors.
In 1982, the New Yorker was made smaller again, however, it was still offered in rear wheel drive. The Fifth Avenue model continued; this time, it’s based on the Dodge Aspen. It resembled Chrysler’s top-selling convertibles produced from 1977 until 1981 but it featured different rear end styling, vinyl roof and opera lamps. In the following year, it finally went on its own way as a different Chrysler model. It enjoyed its own victory in the luxury market for six years and was last V8 rear drive Chrysler until Chrysler 300’s revival in 2004. As a top-class vehicle, it flaunted plush interior highlighted by the button-tufted pillow-like velvet or leather-covered seats.
The New Yorker on the other hand, continued to be offered in new front wheel drive V6-powered vehicles. The last generation New Yorker came out in 1993 using the LH platform, Chrysler’s second most famous auto platform after the Chrysler K. It boasted of a “cab-forward” design characterized by the short sloping hood and long windshield. This new design was a great success that it influenced other cars in the 90s. It was adopted by the Chrysler LHS, which closely resembled the last Chrysler New Yorker produced in 1994.
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