Studebaker was "First by far with a postwar car." Chrysler was last. In fact, Chrysler's 1949 models, including the 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible, were identical to the 1948s. It wasn't until the spring of 1949 that Chrysler introduced its "Second Series" models -- the "real" 1949s.

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1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible full view.
The 1949 New Yorker Convertible was
an attractive car with many safety features. See more classic car pictures.

Those expecting something totally new and exciting from Chrysler were disappointed. President K. T. Keller had decreed that Chrysler would shun fads in favor of stolid practicality. Excitement was not part of the formula.

1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible front view and grille.
The New Yorker featured Chrysler's most ornate
grille -- two heavy chrome tiers bisected by
smaller horizontal and vertical bars.

Still, the new Chrysler was a handsome car in its own way, and recognizably a Chrysler. Befitting its price, it wore the company's most ornate grille: two heavy tiers of chrome bisected by smaller horizontal and vertical bars.

1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible rear view.
The car's unique taillights were tall, narrow lenses mounted on chrome bases.

At the rear, the 1949s bore unique taillights with tall, narrow lenses mounted on chrome bases -- somewhat similar to Cadillac's already famous tailfin lamps. A massive rear deck "console" carried stop and backup lights, along with the license plate and decklid handle.

The 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible instrument panel.
The key-start ignition was waterproofed.
Mechanically, both Chrysler engines got higher compression, the six now rated at 116 horsepower, the 323.5-cubic inch straight eight holding steady at 135.

The semi-automatic Fluid Drive, renamed Prestomatic, required no use of the clutch except to downshift or to enter reverse, but it faced stiff competition from GM's automatics.

The new key-start ignition was waterproofed for wet-weather reliability. And in an age when manufacturers gave most everything trick names, Chrysler wooed its buyers with Safety-Level Ride, Hydra-Lizer shock absorbers, Safety-Rim wheels, Full-Flow oil filters, and Cyclebonded brake linings.

The 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible rear view.
The large rear deck featured stop and backup lights, the license plate, and decklid handle.
The Chrysler lineup was altered somewhat to upgrade the make's image. Aside from the Imperials and the Town & Country convertible, the New Yorker reigned at the top of the line.

The 1949 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible engine.
A peek at the New Yorker's engine.

The ragtop, at $3,206, was the most expensive New Yorker, and the heaviest at 4,277 pounds.

Of course, not many people could afford a New Yorker ragtop back in 1949, so it's not too surprising that only 1,137 were built.

The New Yorker was a class act in 1949 -- even the name implies that this was Chrysler's finest.

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