This week on the KMOX Classic Car spotlight, we profile the 1956 Chrysler New Yorker!

The 1956 New Yorker sported a new concept in vehicle design. The new design was created by Virgil Exner, and was called “Forward look styling,” this included flight swept tail fin rear fenders, with twin tower taillights, a lowered roof line, longer hood lines and a short deck lid. 
This made the cars look sleeker, smoother and more aggressive. 

Exner had a passion for tail fins and thought they not only looked great but helped with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Of course the New Yorker was equipped with Chrysler’s 280 horse power 354 cubic inch, dual quad carbureted “Hemi” engine. 

This came standard with a push button Powerflite automatic transmission, yes I said push button, instead of a gear shifter you pushed the buttons on the dash to put the vehicle in park, reverse, neutral or drive. 

Here\'s a few of the options that were available, Power Pilot Full Time power steering, Air suspended brakes, Life guard Door latches, This is a quote from the Chrysler sales brochure, Seat Belts “for those who desire them” Electrically- driven windshield wipers, independent hand brakes “Chrysler-matic” 15 jewel self winding steering wheel clock and the “Hiway Hi-Fi” A fully functional Record player mounted under the dash in a shock proof cabinet under the center of the dash. They were only dealer installed and not available in the after market. Here\'s the catch, they could only play Chrysler CBS records, which as you guessed only available at your local neighborhood Chrysler dealer. Well talk more about this Hiway Hi-Fi system in a future classic car spotlight. 

          

Questions, Comments? kmoxautoguy@charter.net