1954 Chrysler New Yorker Club Coupe

The La Carrera Panamericana lasted from 1950 until 1955 and was one of the most fiercely contested events on the motor racing calendar. Many of the United States and European manufacturers sent factory-backed teams to compete in the grueling event. The course was very demanding and rough meaning only the most worthy were able to finish the race.

The La Carrera Panamericana race has been revived in the 1980s. It is now an annual event, run in the fall, and has returned to being one of the premier road racing events in the world.

This 1954 Chrysler New York has been fully-race prepared and competed in the Carrera Panamericana Retrospective. It finished third in the Original 1949-1954 class in 1999 and won the class in 2001.

This car was built to racing standards by Lem Tolliver in San Luis Obispo. It is fitted with a highly tuned 331 Hemi engine with electronic ignition, a 727 Chrysler transmission, a modern steering box, highly modified suspension, and a Ford 9-inch rear end. There is modern safety equipment including a fuel cell, 4-wheel disc brakes, window nets, and a roll cage.

This 125 mph monster was brought to the 2008 Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $110,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $68,200 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009