National Award Winning Windsor Newport 331 Spitfire HEMI Dual Quad V8 Powerflite

1956 Chrysler Windsor Description

SUMMARY

Original 331 cubic inch Spitfire V8
Dual Carter carburetors
Original PowerFlite 2-speed automatic transmission
Correct PowerPilot power steering
Correct PowerSmooth power drum brakes
15-inch wire wheels
Original sheetmetal / Correct Sand Dune Beige and Rosewood paint
Mostly original interior
Never separated from its frame
AACA Junior First and National Senior First award winner

Virtually every classic car enthusiast knows about Chrysler's letter cars. And while the brand was originally envisioned as an upmarket purveyor of lush Detroit luxury, it also spawned economy models to fend off intense competition from Ford and GM. That means the '50s power monsters MoPar enthusiasts know and love often have more focused counterparts like this stylish Windsor Newport. Wrapping a hot Spitfire V8 and stout PowerFlite transmission in a tailored interior and acres of stylish steel, this all-American cruiser HAS to be some of the coolest metal on the planet! And, with two consecutive years of AACA honors stoking its prestige, it's an exclusive Exner era Chrysler that's poised to gain value. If you're a discerning collector who's itching for a big-fin MoPar that'll be the star of every cruise night in town, this tailored hardtop is your ticket to greatness!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Based on legendary designer Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' body, the 1956 Chrysler Windsor was positioned low to supplement the brand's hot 300 series. The spectacular and correct Sand Dune Beige and Rosewood example you see here currently wears a high quality, frame-up restoration that has been exceptionally maintained. Owned by one family for over 40 years, and never separated from its chassis, the car's 100% original body exhibits minimal signs of wear and still proudly displays original service stickers in unrestored door jambs. Re-chromed original bumpers and polished original stainless look almost as good as the day they left the showroom. And it all adds up to one hot coupe that, considering its restoration history, exhibits impeccable fit and finish.

The futuristic feel of 'Chrysler PowerStyle', the brand's detailing of Exner's 'Forward Look' bodies, helped mark the debut of jet-age Detroit design that would continue for several years. And, although Chrysler's aerodynamic ingenuity proved especially useful in motorsports, it was the firm's style quotient that quickly sent the market into frenzy. At the front of this classic's rounded body, a chrome, silver-detailed grille hangs an AACA Senior National First plaque between clear marker lamps, a thick bumper, chrome-trimmed headlights and a small header shield. Above that grille, a streamlined hood topper leads the eye to a SuperScenic windshield, pillarless greenhouse glass and a Clearbac backlight. At the sides of that greenhouse, stamped fenders flow into smooth fins behind textured spears, concise door handles and classy Chrysler emblems. And at the back of those fenders, Twin-Tower tail lights center a simple trunk shield and ornate Chrysler emblems above a second wraparound bumper.

ENGINE

In the early '50s, Ma MoPar's interest in 6-cylinders began to wane in favor of the power and appeal of proven 8-cylinders. Given that the Newport was the Windsor's ultimate offering, our coupe moves thanks to an original Spitfire V8 which carries a correct "WE56" assembly stamp. In factory-equipped 2-barrel form, this polyspheric mill twisted 8.5 to 1 compression into a healthy 225 horsepower. And, clocking in at 331 cubic inches, it was a relatively easy way for a prestigious brand to compete with more pedestrian competitors. Nicely upgraded with a Hemi intake, Carter carburetors and Hemi heads, the engine appears to wear a roster of era-correct components, from its 'bat wing' air cleaner and dent-free oil pan all the way to its heavy duty radiator and MoPar Jiffy-Jet washer bag. Fire is provided by a traditional Chrysler distributor, which sequences sparks between a vintage generator and fresh Taylor plug wires.The block's clean Aluminum paint contrasts well against the car's Sand Dune engine bay. And little details like "Chrysler FirePower" valve covers, old school fuel bowls and a MoPar green cap battery round out a heavy dose of eyeball appeal.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

According to Chrysler marketing, the 1956 Windsor was "The Finest of the Fine Cars". Not surprisingly, that statement still holds a lot of weight, as this classy boulevard king rides on a clean chassis that veils pothole-shattering solidity in a silky smooth ride. Behind the Spitfire eight, an original PowerFlite 2-speed twists torque to a correct rear end. That tough driveline spins in a PowerStyle undercarriage that's complete with robust control arms, stiff leaf springs and PowerPilot steering. At the corners of that chassis, PowerSmooth drums ensure solid, fade-free stops. Between those drums, aluminized, true-dual exhaust employs fresh turbo mufflers that sound deep and civilized. And all this road-worthy hardware rolls on old school wire wheels which spin meaty 7.60-15 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls.

INTERIOR

Take a look inside this coupe and you'll find a mostly original interior that has enough room to haul the whole family in comfort! Front and rear bench seats, which still feel firm to the touch, hang attractive white covers under silver pipes and plaid centerpieces. Like-new carpet, which is protected by cool Forward Look floor mats, does an excellent job of highlighting rich, luxurious ambiance. Above that carpet, a two-tone dash founds a fresh pad over fully rebuilt gauges, pushbutton transmission controls and a correct AM radio. At the sides of that dash, fantastic door panels display prominent '50s design behind fresh stainless trim, bright chrome handles and sculpted armrests. Above those panels, painted A-pillars lead the eye to a tight, white headliner. In front of the driver, a two-tone steering wheel spins a chrome horn ring around a gold centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a fifth wire wheel and fifth whitewall tire ride inside a giant, fully restored trunk that features echo-inducing cargo space.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION IS INCLUDED WITH THE SALE

Original owner's manual.
AACA paperwork.

This incredible Chrysler is a super cool cruiser that's easy to imagine as the focal point of a national show. With its burly V8, tailored interior and dramatic styling, it represents the pinnacle of American design and manufacturing dominance. If you're looking for a top-notch classic that'll draw a crowd wherever it goes, your search is officially over!