Imagine cruising down a freshly paved interstate in 1959. Nothing quite screamed American confidence and prosperity like the sight of a massive Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country wagon. This car was not just transportation. It represented the peak of mid-century design and engineering. The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker wagon holds a special place in history. It masterfully blended the practicality of a station wagon with the unmatched luxury of Chrysler’s top-tier line.
Virgil Exner’s Visionary ‘Forward Look’
The defining feature of this period for Chrysler was the “Forward Look.” Design chief Virgil Exner conceived this dramatic new direction for the entire lineup. His vision focused on making cars lower, longer, and sleeker than the competition. The 1957 models introduced this philosophy. By 1959, the New Yorker amplified the look with even bolder design elements. You immediately notice the soaring tailfins and the extensive brightwork. Consequently, the car had an almost jet-age, ready-for-takeoff appearance.
A Wagon That Defined Luxury
Station wagons, by their nature, are meant to be utilitarian family machines. However, the New Yorker Town & Country elevated the concept to a luxury status. It stood proudly at the very top of Chrysler’s wagon offerings. Inside, the cabin offered an opulence typically reserved for high-end sedans and hardtops. This model was a deliberate statement. It suggested that a family car could also be a prestige vehicle. This combination of space and sophistication is what really sets it apart.
Town & Country: A Storied Nameplate
The “Town & Country” name itself carries a significant history for Chrysler. It first appeared on wood-bodied vehicles back in the early 1940s. By 1951, the wagon adopted all-steel construction, losing its wooden panels. Nevertheless, the name continued to denote Chrysler’s premium wagon models. The 1959 version, built on the New Yorker chassis, truly embodied this heritage. It offered two-row, six-passenger seating and a three-row, nine-passenger option. Therefore, it was perfect for large families or simply hauling plenty of cargo in style.
The Power of the Golden Lion Engine
Beneath that expansive hood sat Chrysler’s new and mighty “Golden Lion” V8 engine. Chrysler had moved away from the complex and expensive Hemi design for its mainstream models. The new 413 cubic inch Golden Lion V8 engine provided formidable performance. It delivered a substantial 350 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was seamlessly managed by the innovative, push-button-operated three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The New Yorker rode on a long 126-inch wheelbase. Its “Torsion-Aire” torsion bar front suspension provided a remarkably smooth, comfortable ride. This engineering ensured the luxury experience extended well beyond the interior.
Legacy and Automotive Icon Status
The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker wagon remains a striking example of the late 1950s excess. It captures a moment in time when American cars ruled the road with sheer scale and extravagant design. Production numbers were quite low, which makes the remaining examples even more special. Only 444 six-passenger and 564 nine-passenger New Yorker Town & Country wagons left the factory that year. This low volume ensures its place as a rarely seen icon. It is a genuine piece of art, showcasing a fleeting yet unforgettable era of automotive history.
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Source: Stellantis