Chrysler New Yorker 1946

The New Yorker Special model was originally introduced as a distinct sub-series of the 1938 Chrysler Imperial. The model's popularity caused the car to become its own series for 1939, based on the same platform as the Chrysler Imperial and that year's other new introduction, the Chrysler Saratoga. The New Yorker was available in 1938 as a 4-door sedan with a 323 CID Straight-8 and a generous amount of comfort and space to the passengers. For 1939, New Yorker was expanded with 2 more Coupe versions and a 2-door sedan. The first convertibles were introduced with the all-new body-design of the 1940 models.1940 also saw the introduction of Fluid Drive, a fluid coupling between the engine and the clutch. The only transmission available was the basic three speed manual.
Unlike most car companies, Chrysler did not make changes with each model year from 1946 to the first series of 1949. Thus models for 1946 through 1949 Chryslers have the same basic appearance, noted for their 'harmonica' grille, based on the body introduced with the 1941 models. 1947 saw a minor redesign in tires, trim, and instrument panel, while the first 1949s were just 1948s with no visible changes.

Postwar Chryslers continued to offer Fluid Drive, with the New Yorker now offering the true four speed semi-automatic transmission.