Chrysler’s “Forward Look” lineup for 1957 were gorgeous to look at and were a far cry from just a few years prior. With Elwood Engel on board whipping up designs sharp enough to cause havoc and hell over in General Motors’ design studios, you could be forgiven for thinking that Chrysler was trying to advance their standing in the automotive world. Unfortunately, 1957 Chrysler products, while pretty, suffered from some of the worst quality control practices and rust issues of the time period and as a result, ended up as engine donors for hot-rodders with the bodies left to rot. As a result, seeing any 1950s Mopar product outside of the rare 300 series or a Christine replica Plymouth Fury is a fairly rare occurrence, and finding one that is a solid driver for an entry-level price is just about impossible. So when we found this 1957 Chrysler New Yorker station wagon on Ebay, our initial thought was, “Cool!”. Then we looked a little closer at the roofline…
We wish we had the story on what actually happened to this Colorado-sourced example here, but the photos will tell you everything we know. What we do know is that the car is now packing a mid-70s 400 Chrysler mill, an automatic, and an 8 3/4 rear end, probably from the same car that donated the engine. We’re sure there is rust somewhere, and though the car has been running, it apparently has a failing carburetor or fuel system on it, because it hasn’t run since the current owner brought it to their house. We wouldn’t know where to start with this thing…what say you, readers?
eBay Link: 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Station Wagon
Dig this kinda thing! There was a similar ’57 Chevy wagon runnin’ around Houston back in the early ’80’s that was well done and had NO trouble yankin’ the front tires at the drop of a hat!
I know where to start – find the bastard who mutilated this fine car and perform the same gruesome surgery on him!
This car has the most psychotic “face” I have ever seen and would make Christine dribble water from her exhaust pipes – just imagine it full size dumped in the weeds with a new-gen Hemi in it and painted satin black. Now where’s my chainsaw…
I’m choking on these words but….I agree with you.
I just vurped (vomit-burp). Chop should have been done behind the door, not in the middle. However, nuff room under the hood for a big block with a couple of huge turbos.
Chop the roof,and make it a roadster pick up..it could have been looking better,if they had left 2 feet more in the wheelbase.
Move the rear axle back about 10″, lengthen the door closer to stock, move the b pillar back about the same and than turn it into a hardtop. It could look more like a factory prototype
Agree with all those things.
Blah! It could still be used fro parts