1940s
| Production | 1940–1941 |
|---|---|
| Body style | 4-door Dual Cowl Phaeton |
| Engine | 324 cu. in. (5.3 L) L-head Straight-8, 143HP, Chrysler Spitfire dual carburetors |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 3-speed Fluid Drive with overdrive 3-speed 'Vacamatic' overdrive (allowing clutch-less shifting between standard and overdrive ratios in second and third} |
| Wheelbase | 145.5 in (3,696 mm) |
| Related | Chrysler New Yorker |
The first Newport, known as the Chrysler Newport Phaeton, was produced in 1940-1941, and was a low-production dual-cowl Phaeton that used an L-head straight-8 engine coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission. The Newport was based upon the Chrysler New Yorker of the time, and designed by LeBaron / Briggs Manufacturing Company designer Ralph Roberts. Only six were built. Actress Lana Turner owned a Newport Phaeton, as did Chrysler founder Walter Chrysler, who used it as a personal car. Five are known to exist today.
The Newport Phaeton served as the pace car for the 1941 Indianapolis 500 race. This pace car, chassis number C7807503, was the only one that did not have hide-away headlights and was the personal property of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. after the race.
Read more about this topic: Chrysler Newport