1950 Chrysler Windsor Newport 2 Door Hardtop Prestomatic
The Newport 2 door hardtop body exemplified new American car styling trend transforming a sedate mid model city car into a sleek cruiser ready for the open road. With a pillarless roofline that gave the car a streamlined appearance, the Newport also offered unique curved glass rear quarter windows that improved its curvaceous styling. Designed to mimic the top-of-the-line Chrysler Imperial, the Windsor lineup kept the car affordable with Chrysler’s 205 cubic inch straight 6 cylinder engine despite America’s appetite for bigger V8s. This proven powerplant was shared with Dodge and Plymouth products and Chryslers dating back before the war. A 3-speed manual transmission with steering column shift lever came standard on this car but added comfort by offering overdrive gearing for highway use. Still, there was an upscale aura to the Windsor Newport, with plenty of chrome trim from the signature egg crate cast grill to the shiny metal highlights of the interior. This car came with an optional radio and electric clock, both of which still operate on the cars 6 volt electrical system.
Finished in white with a cherry color roof and a matching cherry/gray vinyl/cloth interior, the vehicle on display underwent a complete frame off restoration and won its class in the Illinois Lake Forest Concours d’Elegance. One of the unique features of this year’s Chrysler Windsor Newport was the safety oriented padded dashboard, color matched to the car’s interior. It turned out to be a very popular feature, liked by 98% of first-time buyers.
This was truly an “Aspirational” car for many young couples and families in the post war era, carrying the prestigious Chrysler badge and Imperial model styling but allowing the buyer to stay within a more modest budget. While in the 50’s, automotive brand recognition was often a measure of success, this 6 passenger 2 door showed the neighbors that the owner was climbing to bigger and better things.
Specifications
Engine: Chrysler L-Head Spitfire 251 Inline Six
Transmission: Prestomatic 4-speed gearbox
Power: 116 hp @ 3600 RPM
Torque: 208 ft lbs @ 1600 RPM, 282 Nm
Length: 208.5 in
Width: 76.0 in
Height: 64.8 in
Wheelbase: 125.5 in
Weight: 4060 lbs
Speed: 0-60, 23.4 mph; 0-1/4 mile, 23.3 sec
Top Speed: 83 mph
Fuel Economy: 10.2-12.3 mpg