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Richard Arter's 1947




Here's my 1947 New Yorker.

(Webmaster) I asked Richard to help me classify some of the older New Yorkers. I'll post his reply here because I think it includes some good information that some of the owners of newer New Yorkers might not know.

That's a fine question. With minor changes, the 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1949 First Series were virtually all the same, with changes to 15" tires in mid 1947 being one of the most notable changes. The 1942's were very similar to the 1946-1948, but the trim was vastly improved (at least I think so) on the 46-48 models, and the fenders and doors were restyled, but underneath, they are very similar. I would have no problem including the 1942 models in that classification.

The Factory shop manual that everybody reproduces for sale today includes 1941-1948 models together, and, although there are some differences in service procedures, they are more similar than different. One difference on the 1941 models you had to remove the front fenders and hood to remove the radiator!

I think I could even make an argument to include the 1940 models. Chrysler went through a major redesign of the bodies starting in 1940. The body shell, if not the doors, fenders, grilles etc., resemble the later cars, and the dashboard was changed in such a way that it has more in common with the later cars than the earlier cars.

All of these cars had very similar engines and somewhat similar running gear.

So, I don't know whether I have answered your question. 1946 to 1949 1st series are virtually identical and should be catagorized together. The 42's are very similar with the notable exception of skin and trim, and are substantially similar to the 46-48. Besides, with only 5,292 1942 Chryslers being produced, you have to stick them somewhere, and they are more like the 1946 models than the 1941 models, so they could be rationally included with the 46-49 1st series cars. 1940 was the year of the redesign, so 1940 to 1949 1st series could be included.

Depending on your purpose of classification, you can keep them all together or split them apart. If it were me, I'd probably break the pre-war and post war cars apart, but I can't give you a real good reason why. You probably already know this, but just in case, the new 1949 models were late going to production, so Chrysler continued building the 1948 models at all divisions until January, 1949 (I think) when the tooling was ready for the new 1949's. Cars built between December 1, 1948 and the tooling changeover were titled as 1949 1st Series, but are considered 1948 models for service and parts purposes.

As for a 3 or 4 word title, I'd probably call my car a "Post War Boom" car, as it was a period of great optimism, the start of a huge economic expansion era, and a period when we as a country moved from the inner city to the suburbs.

If I can help you anymore, let me know.

Dick



Richard Arter