When we say ‘rare 60s Mopar, ’ we tend to think of some low-number series of a unique (perhaps high-performance) breed of cars. A HEMI might also be part of that mental association or something else out of the ordinary. But a wagon wouldn’t be the first image portrayed by the rarity reference. Yet, there is such a thing as the 1965 Chrysler New Yorker Town and Country wagon.
In 1965, Chrysler produced 153,319 automobiles – that would be the division, not the Corporation – and the New Yorker series pushed around 20% of the total volume, with 31,044 units. There is a vast discrepancy between the body style sales figures: the sedan and hardtop four-doors were the main preferences (15,443 and 10,887, respectively). At the same time, the wagons only totaled 2,793 units (six- and nine-passenger versions combined).
Only 1,190 Town and Country Wagon examples left the factory, while the family hauler Station Wagon climbed slightly higher, at 1,603. At nearly two tons in weight, the cars were quite the hefty pieces of U.S. steel, so the powerplants were adequately big. The Fire-Power 340, with 413 cubic inches and 340 horsepower (345 PS), was the selected motor to push the big Chryslers around.
I mean ‘push’ literally: A standard push-button TorqueFlite tranny was installed in the barge-sized wagons – at 219.4 inches (or 18.2 feet, or 5.57 meters), they were the longest of the New Yorker family (but shared the 122-inch / 3.098 mm wheelbase). With so few produced, it’s anybody’s guess as to how many are left today, but here’s one from Cave Creek, Arizona, coming up on Craigslist, searching for a new owner.
Photo: craigslist.org
The seller states the 90,000 miles (144,8k kilometers) on the car are original, but the Wedge engine – also original – still runs. With the factory-installed air conditioning, this already elusive 1964 Mopar wagon is even more of a unicorn. The car is incomplete – the rear seat is missing altogether – and shows signs of wear and tear, with mismatched fenders and a shabby paint job on the passenger’s side doors.
The seller doesn’t beat about the bush and asks a moderate $6,275 for this ‘fair condition’ Chrysler New Yorker. My guess is there aren’t many interested gearheads now any more than 60 years ago when this car was new. However, every vehicle has a fan base, no matter how small, and the wagons certainly are appreciated by a select group of piston addicts.
As a bonus, this particular Chrysler sports the Aero steering wheel, although calling it a wheel isn’t precisely befitting, given its squared-off shape. Still, the important thing is the car sat under a roof for ‘many years’ (what’s many in Cave Creek, Arizona, is a question best addressed directly to the seller) and still has its original – and complete – luggage rack on the roof and the bumperettes (front and rear).
The current owner is considering taking ‘part trade’ into consideration for the sale of this 1964 Chrysler New Yorker Town and Country Wagon, which he deems a ‘great rare project to fix up.’ If for rarity alone and nothing else, this car would deserve its second chance, even if the old motor probably wouldn’t sprint to 125 mph (201 kph) as it used to do six decades ago.
After nearly two decades in news television, Răzvan turned to a different medium. He’s been a field journalist, a TV producer, and a seafarer but found that he feels right at home among petrolheads. Full profile
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