1959 Chrysler Windsor

The 1959 Windsor retained the signature Virgil Exner-designed look that had been used for all the high-line Chrysler cars since 1957 and would continue through 1961. They had beautiful styling that was complimented by Mid-Century openness and comfort throughout the car's interior.

Chrysler began using the Windsor name prior to World War I, beginning in 1939, and it would remain part of the lineup through 1966. From 1939 to 1950, the Windsor was positioned above the entry-level Royal, and after the departure of the Royal in 1951, the Windsor moved downmarket, becoming the entry-level Chrysler. It would continue to occupy that position within the Chrysler lineup through 1960. With the introduction of the Chrysler Newport in 1961, the Windsor once again moved back upmarket, but only briefly, as it was replaced in 1962 with the non-lettered series Chrysler 300.

1959 would be the final year that Chrysler would use a separate body and frame construction, and it was the first year for the 'B' block engines.

For 1959, the Chrysler Windsor retained the same body structure as the previous year but with several modern design changes. The overall design theme was 'toned down' for 1959. Changes were made to the bumpers. The rear license plate holder was moved from the trunk lid to the center insert of the rear bumper. Unlike previous designs, the taillights were placed in a notched housing.

A new feature for 1959 was the optional 'outline' roof treatment which could be ordered in colors that matched the body side sweep inserts.

A new, wedge-like combustion chamber 'Golden Lion' V8 engine was used on all 1959 Chrysler's. It was a derivative of the B-block that was introduced in 1958 for DeSoto, Plymouth, and Dodge. It had a cast-iron block with a displacement size of 383 cubic inches. The bore measured 4.03 inches with a stroke of 3.75 inches. It had a compression ratio of 10.1:1, hydraulic valve lifters, a Carter Type BBD two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 305 brake horsepower. Comparatively, the B-block in the Dodge had a bore of 4.25 inches, a stroke of 3.38 inches, a Carter four-barrel carburetor setup, five main bearings, and delivered 320 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. In the DeSoto FireFlite, it had a Carter two-barrel setup and delivered 305 horsepower at 4,600 RPM, and the DeSoto Adventurer came standard with a two-Carter four-barrel setup with 350 horsepower at 5,000 RPM.

Body styles included a sedan, 2- and 4-door hardtop, convertible, and a 6- and 9-passenger Town & Country Wagon. The most popular body style was the Sedan which found nearly 20,000 eager buyers. Just 961 examples of the convertible were built, adding to their rarity in modern times.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020