Chrysler New Yorker - Early History

Early History

The New York Special model was originally introduced as a distinct sub-series of the 1938 Chrysler Imperial. It was available in 1938 as a 4-door sedan with a 323 CID Straight-8 and a generous amount of comfort and space to the passengers. For 1939, it was expanded with 2 more coupe versions and a 2-door sedan and took on the "New Yorker" name. The first convertibles were introduced with the all-new body-design of the 1940 models.

1940 also saw the introduction of Fluid Drive, a fluid coupling between the engine and the clutch. The only transmission available was the basic three speed manual.

Completely new bodies were introduced for 1941, with the business coupe now being of the three window design. Another new model was the Town Sedan with the rear doors having the hinges at the forward edge of the doors. This year, the Vacamatic was made available, although unlike the version sold on six-cylinder models, the Saratoga/New Yorker version was a three speed transmission with overdrive.

With America entering World War II on 7 December 1941, all automobile production came to an end at the beginning of February, 1942. Thus, the 1942 model year was roughly half the normal length.

Chrysler would produce and experiment with engines for tanks and aircraft during World War II. One post-war application of this would lead to the creation of the first generation Hemi of the 1950s.