1955 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe Series

Chrysler discontinued its six-cylinder engine after 1954, and all 1955 Chrysler models were powered by V8s, topped by the Model C-300 with its industry-leading Hemi 331.1 CID V8 delivering a staggering 300 horsepower. The Windsor models came with a 301 CID overhead valve Spitfire V8 that was rated at 188 horsepower, an increase of nearly 70 horsepower over the prior year's model.

The entire 1955 Chrysler line was restyled, featuring designed by Virgil Exner and the '100 Million Dollar Look' that used more rounded and graceful bodies and wrap-around windshields. These new bodies had more aerodynamic shapes and were sleeker and more modern than the prior K.T. Keller tall and boxy cars of the past. Exner's design skills and the range of potent V-8 engines earned Chrysler a banner year for 1955 with 152,77 cars sold.

Body styles on the Windsor were similar to the New Yorker, consisting of a convertible, sedan, 2 hardtops, and a Town and Country wagon. In comparison, the Windows were approximately $800 less than the higher-priced New Yorkers and accounted for roughly 65 percent of the company's overall sales. The lower-priced two-door hardtop was called the Nassau while the higher-priced version was named the Newport. Another Newport joined the lineup later in the model year, wearing slightly modified trim sourced from the New Yorker St. Regis. Depending on the color scheme selected, the late versions were named 'Blue Heron' or 'Green Falcon.'

The sedans were very popular with 63,896 examples sold, far exceeding the total New Yorker sales of 52,178. The second most popular Windsor body style was the Nassau which was priced at $2,700 and 18,474 examples were sold. The Newport accounted for 13,126 sales and the convertible found 1,395 willing buyers.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020