1955 Chrysler Windsor Nassau Deluxe
Exterior
Styled by Virgil Exner and his team, Chrysler had now positioned
itself at the forefront of the industry. The new look began with an
all new big split egg crate grille set below lowered front fenders
and hood lines and boasting heavy chrome. Wraparound Super Scenic
windshields were also a first for Chrysler and body sides were
smooth with few feature lines except for the simple trim spear and
the tall chrome encased Twin Tower taillights. The rear window is
also a wraparound style and has a nice downward curve to the trunk.
Plenty of chrome on this car, and it all presents in fair
condition, with some spotty pitting and dulling but this is mostly
reserved for the chrome covered pot metal pieces. Exterior paint in
red is good and covering the roof above the expansive greenhouse is
a white roof. There is some hazing to the paint finish along with a
few inclusions but mostly remaining shiny. All badging is present
and accounted for and we note the optional reverse lights in their
chrome bezels hanging just above the shiny chrome rear bumper. Wide
whitewalls are wrapping the 15" steel wheels with full size
standard issue Chrysler wheel covers.
Interior
Looking inside we are met with tri-tone door panels. These are
covered with leather patterned light gray vinyl and are bordered
above and below by white vinyl and black carpet respectively. A
fine mix for the seats with all broadcloth weave cushions in light
gray and ivory white bolsters in vinyl. Nice light gray piping
surrounds the seats, which are a split back bench in front and a
full bench in the rear. Carpeting is a nicely preserved black and
floods all the floors. Upfront is a wonderfully curved downward
dash, featuring a black padded topper and a white full metal jacket
face with more plentiful chrome trim accents throughout. The
placement of the transmission selector, dubbed the Fingertip
PowerFlite range selector, is now located on the instrument panel
rather than in the standard steering column position. A lineup of
stove style round knobs with chromed turns is above the factory AM
radio. Some gauges show corrosion at the bezel surround where it
meets the glass as does some of the chrome trimmings. The original
steering wheel with its black rim and full horn ring and shines
brightly in front of the dash and the headliner of gray broadcloth
is clean and tight.
Drivetrain
A 301ci Poly engine in V8 form is within the well restored engine
bay, The engine is believed to be original to this car, and
presents well with its silver block, intake, valve covers and black
air cleaner assembly. A single 2-barrel carburetor is on top and a
2-speed automatic Powerflite transmission is on back sending power
back to a 3.54 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust abounds under here, however it appears to be
structurally sound. Body hangers have surface rust, as are the
inside of the exterior rockers, but it is not invasive unlike the
flooring. The flooring has suffered from many areas of invasive
rust and has been amateurly patched from above with galvanized
sheeting. Not aesthetically pleasing, but functional for the time
being. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners and providing the
signature Chrysler ride is an independent coil spring front
suspension and a traditional leaf spring arrangement in the
rear.