A classic piece of American luxury is currently available for bidding on BringATrailer.com: a 1979 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue Edition. With just 30,000 miles on the odometer, this well-preserved example is a time capsule of late-1970s premium automotive design. Featuring two-tone Designer’s Cream and Designer’s Beige exterior paint, this Fifth Avenue Edition showcases the luxurious style and attention to detail Chrysler was known for during the era.
Exterior and Design –
Chrysler introduced the R-body platform for the 1979 model year, downsizing the New Yorker by about 9.5 inches compared to its predecessor, yet keeping its upscale appeal intact. The Fifth Avenue Edition, like this example, featured an exclusive paint combination of Designer’s Cream and Designer’s Beige, paired with a padded landau roof in Parchment vinyl. The roof covers the rear section, giving the car a distinct, elegant profile.
Quad headlights, concealed behind retractable doors, lend the front end a sleek appearance, while cornering lights and a crystal-style hood ornament enhance its premium persona. Unique to the Fifth Avenue, the rear quarter windows feature etched script identifying the special edition. The car’s styling is completed by accent stripes, simulated fender louvers, and chrome bumpers with beige-colored guards.
Interior and Features –
Inside, this Chrysler Fifth Avenue stays true to its luxury sedan roots. The bench seats are upholstered in beige leather, and the dashboard and door panels are accented with woodgrain trim, creating a warm, sophisticated cabin. The front seats are power-adjustable, while amenities like power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo were all standard fare in 1979.
Some minor issues are noted: the air conditioning struggles to keep cool at low speeds or when idling, the horn is non-functional, the driver’s visor has separated, and a seatbelt shows some staining. Nevertheless, the car’s original appointments remain largely intact, preserving the luxurious ambiance.
Performance and Powertrain –
Under the hood sits Chrysler’s 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) E57 V8, equipped with a two-barrel carburetor and rated at 150 horsepowerand 265 lb-ft of torque. The engine, paired with a TorqueFlite 727 3-speed automatic transmission, sends power to the rear wheels. Though known for its reliable cruising power, this V8 features Chrysler’s Electronic Spark Control System, a technology introduced to help meet emissions standards but sometimes causing minor low-RPM hesitation—an issue reported with this car.
Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums, while 15-inch steel wheels with faux-wire covers are mounted with Hankook Optimo whitewall tires. Some corrosion is visible on underbody components, as expected with a car of this age, though the vehicle’s overall condition reflects careful use.
Fifth Avenue Edition and Legacy –
Chrysler first introduced the Fifth Avenue Edition in 1979 as an upscale variant of the New Yorker. This package not only added unique styling elements like the Designer’s Cream-on-Beige paint but also emphasized color coordination throughout the car, down to the beige bumper rub strips. Even the quarter windows featured integrated courtesy lights, adding an extra touch of luxury for passengers.
Despite its downsized body, the R-body New Yorker retained V8 power and rear-wheel drive, competing directly with downsized luxury models from Cadillac and Lincoln. The Fifth Avenue Edition, available only as a sedan, helped maintain Chrysler’s reputation for offering stylish, well-equipped vehicles with a smooth, comfortable ride.
Available at No Reserve –
This low-mileage 1979 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue Edition is currently listed without reserve on BringATrailer.com, with bidding set to end on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 1:18 p.m. EDT. The car is located in Florida and comes with an owner’s manual, spare parts, and Alabama registration.
A perfect Mopar for someone looking for something different, without breaking the bank.
1979 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue Edition Image Gallery:
No replies yet
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →