1951 Chrysler Cars Fact Sheet
Chrysler Outdoes them
All for 1951
The big news for 1951 was the introduction of the new 180 HP Hemi-head V-8 engine and the demise of the L-head 8, that had been introduced in 1934.
General Year Information
From a styling point of view, the Chrysler line was revised in 1951 with only minor changes, but the result was a much more modern look. The grille lost the costly egg-crate styling look. Parking lamps were now located directly below the headlamps within the top grille molding. The top grille molding also wrapped completely around the front end and ran rearward to the middle of the front door.
The rear window was three-piece and now wrapped around the rear roof area, emulating the style and theme of the 1950 Newport hardtop. Rear styling did duplicate the 1950 Chrysler look, with the exception of a new bumper design. Interiors remained little changed and the dash panel continued its padded design similar to the 1949-50 cars.
Of course, the big news for 1951 was the introduction of the new Hemi-head V-8 engine. The hemispherical combustion chamber V-8 was the only engine produced in America with this revolutionary design. Its 180 horsepower rating was the top for any V-8 produced that year – and with only a 2-barrel carburetor and single exhaust!
The L-head 8, around since 1934 was gone, and the venerable L-Head 6’s days were numbered, to be replaced by a larger six in 1952, and then in 1955 by a “Poly” head V8 based on the then older Hemi. Poly heads were “semi-hemi, and used a single rocker shaft with only the intake was inclined toward the carburetor and the exhaust valve like a common wedge head.
Models Offered
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SERIES C51: Six Cylinder – The Windsor was now the lowest-priced Chrysler and for the most part, replaced the Royal in the linup. “Windsor” nameplates were located on the front fenders, above the trim moldings. Town & Country station wagons were a part of the Windsor Series. A 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, Station Wagon and Ambulance were offered, along with the long wheelbase 4-door sedan. Standard equipment was as had been in place for the 1950 Royal line. Fluid Drive was optional in this series.
SERIES C55: 8-Cylinder – The Saratoga took a new path for 1951. It combined a Windsor series chassis with the new Hemi V-8 engine. Its wheelbase was a full six inches shorter than the New Yorker, at 125.5″, and weight was about 250 lbs. less. The Saratoga was a late addition to the line and was introduced to the public more than three months after other 1951 Chryslers. As such, the Saratoga has a separate sales brochure.
“Saratoga” nameplates were located on the front fenders and a new “V” ornament graced the hood and deck lid. The Prestomatic Fluid Drive transmission was standard equipment. The Saratoga could also be had on the 139.5″ long wheelbase, making a V-8 powered Limo available. A Town & Country wagon was a part of this series and was the first of this nameplate with V-8 power – also on the 125.5″ short wheelbase.
SERIES C52: 8-CYLINDER – The New Yorker was the first Chrysler to use a V-8 engine, since the Saratoga did not arrive until January 1951. Wheelbase was longer than the Windsor or Saratoga models by six inches at 131.5″. The V-8 powered New Yorker was identified by large “V” ornaments on the hood and deck lid. “New Yorker” nameplates were placed on the front fenders.
As on other 1951 Chryslers, styling changes were for the most part in the area in front of the cowl. Side trim on the rear fender began above the stone shield, then dipped abruptly before continuing, horizontally, to the rear. Town & Country rear fenders matched those of the Windsor and Saratoga in design. The dash panel continued its padded design and remained similar to the 1949 type.
The new Hemi V-8 was called the “Firepower” engine. Also new was power steering, which was an industry first. Oriflow shock absorbers were now available. A Town & Country wagon set on the 131.5″ wheelbase was introduced in January and only 250 were sold.
Engines
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Windsor and Windsor DeLuxe Series Engine.
L-head six-cylinder. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250.6 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.438″ x 4.5″. Compression ratio: 7.00:1. Horsepower: 116 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 214 ft. lbs. @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Mechanical lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 236°, Exhaust 236°, Overlap Unk°, Lift (Intake) 0.375″ (Exhaust) 0.375″.Carburetor: Standard shift – Ball and Ball Model Ball or BallEX1R or EX2R. Fluid Drive M-6 transmission – Ball and Ball model E9A1.
Saratoga and New Yorker Series Engine.
V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Double rockers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 331.1 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.81″ x 3.63″. Compression Ratio: 7.5:1. Horsepower: 180 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 312 ft. lbs. @ 2000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap Unk°, Lift (Intake) 0.375″ (Exhaust) 0.362″. Carburetors: Early: Carter 2-barrel WCD 830S, 830SA. 830SB or 931SC. Late: Carter 2-barrel WCD 931S, 931SA, 931SB or 931SC.
Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Wheelbase: Windsor, Windsor DeLuxe and Saratoga: Long wheelbase models – 139.5″ Others – 125.5″. New Yorker: Wheelbase: 131.5″.
- Overall length: Windsor: 202.5″; Windsor DeLuxe and Saratoga: 207.8″; Long wheelbase cars: 222.1″ ; New Yorker: 214.0125″.
- Front tread: All except Limousine: 57.25″,
- Rear tread: All except Limousine: 58.282″, Limousine 66.0″.
- Overall width: All except Limousine: 75.125″ Limousine: 80.875″.
- Tires: Windsor, Windsor DeLuxe, Saratoga, long wheelbase cars and Station Wagon: 8.20 x 15, Windsor, Windsor DeLuxe and Saratoga short wheelbase cars: 7.60 x 15. New Yorker: 8.20 x 15. White walls available at extra cost.
Significant Options
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- Electric windows lifts
- Exhaust deflector.
- Fluid-Torque Drive (Prestomatic).
- Fog lamps.
- Heater.
- Locking gas cap.
- Outside rear view mirror.
- Power steering.
- Radio.
- Sun visor.
- Vanity mirror.
- White side wall tires.
- Windshield washer.
Powertrain Options
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- Windsor. Three-speed manual transmission standard with Fluid Drive optional.
- Windsor DeLuxe, Saratoga and New Yorker. Fluid Drive hydraulically operated M-5 transmission standard.
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1951 Chrysler
| 01 Black | |
| 05 Haze Blue | |
| 06 Ecuador Blue | |
| 07 Newport Blue | |
| 20 Foam Green | |
| 21 Juniper Green | |
| 22 Continental Green | |
| 35 Quebec Gray | |
| 36 Stone Gray | |
| 37 Gunmetal Gray | |
| 45 Arizona Beige | |
| 46 Buckskin Tan | |
| 47 Indian Brown | |
| 60 Crown Maroon | |
| 61 Holiday Red | |
| 65 Belvedere Ivory |
1951 Chrysler –
Current Market Values
- 1951 Chrysler Windsor Valuation Tool
- 1951 Chrysler Saratoga Valuation Tool
- 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Valuation Tool
Related Document
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1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
The 1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible was the most expensive Chrysler, listing at $3,916, a lot of money in 1951. But the new V-8 power made owning one very prestigious.
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1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe Convertible
The 1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe convertible was distinguished from it big brother by the absence of V8 power. 1,260 people purchased it.
1951 Chrysler Windsor Newport 2-door Hardtop
The 1951 Windsor Newport Hardtop was also I-6 powered. Both it and the Convertible also sat on the shorter 125.5″ wheelbase. 3,060 of these hardtops left the showroom.
1951 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Sedan
1951 Chrysler Windsor 4-door sedan was roomy, practical and as a Chrysler, inexpensive. As a result, 27488 were sold.
1951 Chrysler Windsor 2-door Club Coupe
1951 Chrysler Windsor Club Coupe was a popular buy for salespeople and businesses. 10,386 were delivered.
1951 Chrysler Windsor Long Wheelbase Sedan
1951 Chrysler Windsor Long Wheelbase Sedan could also be had as a limo. 152 were so ordered. The remainder amounted to 910 units – many used in train station and airport service.
1951 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country Station Wagon
The Windsor Town & Country station wagon was differentiated from the Saratoga by its I-6 power. All steel bodies were the norm in 1951. 590 were manufactured.
1951 Chrysler Windsor Traveler 4-door Sedan
The 1951 Chrysler Traveler offered a station wagon-like pass through w/fold down rear seats – something reinvented in the 1990s. 50 were sold.