We have seen a lot of vintage Mopar race cars over the years, but this one may be one of the coolest. This 1954 Chrysler New Yorker was driven in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions of the Carrera Panamericana road rally.
Powered by a 5.4-liter (331 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 rebuilt by The Pit Stop in Brisbane, California in 2013, the HEMI has been heavily upgraded. The HEMI now features things like an Isky camshaft, Nitrided crankshaft, adjustable rocker arms, Smith Brothers pushrods, Edelbrock intake manifold, Speedway Hot Rod aluminum cylinder heads, MSD ignition and electronic distributor, Quick Fuel 750 cfm carburetor with vacuum secondaries, and custom-built full-length exhaust headers.
The HEMI is mated to a 5-speed Tremec TKO manual transmission fitted with a custom gear ratio. Both the flywheel and clutch were replaced last year.
The New Yorker retains much of its classic looks but has been finished in a two-tone Gray with a Red roof paint scheme. Of course, there is the huge chrome bumpers and trim that we have come to know from the era, but it also has been fitted with hood and trunk pins and racing graphics.
The car sits on painted 15-inch Aero racing wheels wrapped with 245/60 Avon CR6ZZ racing rubber. Behind those wheels are a set of Wilwood performance disc brakes, which have been rebuilt just a few months ago. A spare matching Aero wheel is included in the sale of the car as well.
Inside the car, its a mix between 50s styling and modern race car. A set of Sparco Pro 200 racing seats and harnesses have been equiped. There is also a full red-painted roll cage, Hurst shifter, Terratrip rally computer, intercom, fire suppression system, and window nets.
The factory three-spoke steering wheel remains, but has been wrapped in Gray leather. A set of AutoMeter guages including a 10,000 rpm tach, 160 mph speedo, and coolant, oil, amperage, and fuel are all insight of the driver. The odometer reads 20,000 miles, 11,000 of those have been added by the seller. Total mileage on the chassis is unknown.
A 25-gallon fuel cell has been mounted in the trunk.
The car is reportedly equipped with AFCO shocks, Coleman lower front control arms, front and rear sway bars, and a reinforced rear frame area with a Panhard rod.
The New York currently up for auction on BringATrailer.com. While it won’t appeal to everyone, it should be a tempting purchase for those who either love vintage racecars or who are looking for one to race themselves.
It is now offered at no reserve by the seller on behalf of the owner with the removed factory cylinder heads, spare wheels, and a clean California title in the owner’s name.
