Chrysler New Yorker of the 1980s: The Quirky Luxury Sedan With a Banker’s Desk Dashboard

An Unconventional Take on American Luxury Sedans: Chrysler New Yorker of the 1980s

During the 1980s, Chrysler reimagined its long-running New Yorker nameplate to meet changing market demands and evolving automotive technologies. The result was an iconic sedan, best remembered for its radically unorthodox interior—especially its dashboard, which strongly resembled the work desk of a 1980s bank employee. This bold design choice set the New Yorker apart from its rivals, making it both a fascinating conversation starter and a nostalgic symbol for car enthusiasts.

Design & Interior: Bringing Office Vibes to the Road

What immediately defined the 1983-1987 Chrysler New Yorker was its wood-effect dashboard and central console, which looked as if Chrysler had literally transplanted an office desk inside the vehicle. The effect was striking—a cabinet-like dashboard with intricate trim and practical controls, offering a surreal blend of luxury and functionality that echoed the personal luxury car trends of the era. Despite downsizing compared to its predecessors (shedding over 420 kg and 510 mm in length), the New Yorker retained classic cues such as a vinyl roof, wire-spoke wheels, and chrome fender trims, honoring its premium lineage.

Vehicle Specifications & Performance

The 1980s Chrysler New Yorker marked a major shift in powertrain philosophy. Moving away from the traditional V8, rear-wheel-drive setup, Chrysler opted for a 2.2-liter inline-four engine driving the front wheels, producing just 90 horsepower—a significant downgrade in power. Buyers could also opt for a 2.6-liter Mitsubishi-sourced four-cylinder, which offered 89 hp but provided 20 Nm more torque. Both engines struggled to keep up with the standard of the decade, with a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 13.9 seconds, making performance one of the sedan’s weak points.

Market Positioning and Collectibility

Despite its unique charm and luxury appointments, the 1980s Chrysler New Yorker remains a rare find on today’s market, and values have not surged. For instance, an exceptionally well-kept 1985 New Yorker equipped with a 146-hp turbocharged 2.2-liter (not offered in 1983) sold at auction for just $6,100 in 2022. Apart from this, almost no clean examples have surfaced in major auctions over the past three years, succinctly reflecting the model’s niche appeal among collectors.

Legacy and Comparison

While the Chrysler New Yorker of this era lacked in speed and dynamic performance compared to European or Japanese luxury sedans, it stood out with signature American design flair and an ambitious attempt to incorporate new technologies of the time. Its office-inspired dashboard remains a testament to Chrysler’s willingness to take risks—making this sedan a memorable chapter in automotive history.