1959 Chrysler Cars Fact Sheet
1959 Chrysler Facts, Figures, and Specifications
A new, wedge-like combustion chamber engine was used on all 1959 Chryslers. This engine was a derivative of the B-block introduced in 1958 on the DeSoto, Dodge, and Plymouth. The new engine was a raised block (raised deck height) allowing for a longer stroke and was known as a “RB” or “raised deck B Block”.
1959 Chryslers – The “Wedge Era” Begins
1959 Chryslers looked much like 1958s – but under the hood sat a new 413 CID single rocker shaft, wedge combustion chamber V-8!
General Year Information – 1959 Chrysler
Although continuing the dart-like shape Virgil Exner’s famous design theme, a new look was achieved by the design staff. The grille carried forward its horizontal flair, but the lower section now wrapped around the fender and ran back to near the wheelhouse opening. Bumpers, front and rear, were noticeably different and the rear license plate was no longer embedded in the deck lid – it was now positioned at the center inset of the rear bumper. Tail lamps were placed in a “notched” housing unlike the 1957-58 designs. A unique feature was the “outlined roof” paint treatment which, as an option, could be ordered in colors that matched the body side sweep inserts.
A new, wedge-shaped combustion chamber V-8 was used on all 1959 Chryslers. This engine was a derivative of the B-block introduced in 1958. The “Town and Country” nameplate continued to for all the station wagons. All hardtops and convertibles now used the dome-like windshield introduced on 1957 convertibles. Interior upholstery came in 14 color and fabric choices using “Times Square” metallic threaded cloth with pleated vinyl inserts. Swivel seats were available on all body styles except the wagon, and were standard on Chrysler 300Es.
Production Was Up – But only a Bit
There was a strong recession beginning in 1957 and running through1960. It hampered all automakers and Chrysler was still suffering in 1959, but up from 1958’s 63,671 to 69,970. The 300E sales continued to drop, from 809 in the previous year down to 690, some of which was attributed to the resistance to the change from Hemi to wedge power.
1959 Chrysler Factoids
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The RB engines were taller versions of the B engines. All RB engines have a 3.75″ stroke and have a deck height of 10.725″ with 6.768″ long connecting rods. The bore center distance is 4.80″. See the 1959 AMA Specifications Sheets detailing this engine HERE.
1959 Chrysler Facts – Models Offered
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1959 WINDSOR SERIES MC1-L: The Dodge 122.0″ chassis continued under the Windsor’s sheet metal. The 1959 style grille was adapted to the Dodge chassis. Side trim was a single molding at mid-level, running horizontally from the front then dipping lower at the midpoint of the front door. Three gold crowns or the Golden Lion was inserted below the trim just before the dip. A “Chrysler” in script was located just forward of the tail lamp housing and in some cases, the Golden Lion was found there.
The Windsor Convertible returned. Windsors used Jacquard and metallic vinyl interior trim combinations.The 3-seat nine-passenger station returned and was accompanied by the 2-seat, six-passenger model. The third seat faced to the rear.
1959 SARATOGA SERIES MC2-M: The Saratoga used the long wheelbase chassis of 126 inches. From the cowl area back. the sheetmetal was identical to that of the Windsor. However, the front end sheetmetal was four inches longer. A new color sweep began at the lower rear quarter panel and arched upward, in a graceful manner, to a mid body location. It then ran forward to the tip of the front fender.
Standard two-tone color combinations had the body and roof panel insert in the same color and contrasting finish on the color sweep, roof outline and C-pillar. The Saratoga nameplate, in script, was located just forward of the tail lamp housing. A Golden Lion medallion was used on the front door in Chrysler’s new promotional theme; “The Lion-hearted Car”. An array of options included the unique swivel seat. Interiors were all-vinyl. Optional were seat inserts made of Jacquard material called “Mayfair.”
1959 NEW YORKER SERIES MC3-H: The new RB-series engine was used for the first time in a New Yorke, with the Hemi engine retired. Horsepower was up slightly, as was cubic inch displacement from 392 to 413 CID. Engine weight, simplicity of design and lower manufacturing costs were the principal reasons for the change in power plant.
The New Yorker used a spear-like color sweep with horizontal top trim. The lower trim molding dipped and broadened, at the rear, running to bumper level height. An anodized insert ran from front to rear, within the color spear, and seven slash type strips were added at the rear. They continued the same pattern used on previous New Yorkers.
The Golden Lion insignia was placed below the New Yorker script at the rear portion of the front fender. Upholstery options consisted of 22 combinations of vinyl and Jacquard fabric. The instrument panel and dashboard were relatively unchanged from the two previous years.
1959 CHRYSLER 300E SERIES MC3-H: Considered a part of the New Yorker series, the big brute continued the tradition of luxurious, high-performance driving pleasure. Minor styling revisions to the body were made. Now the 413 CID a wedge-shaped combustion chamber engine was now fitted. A revised grille, on the familiar theme, eliminated the vertical bar look. A “300” insignia was placed on the driver’s side of the hood, in line with the headlamps. The red-white-blue 300 medallion was positioned on the rear fender, but moved forward past the wheel well close to the door. The letter “E” was added to the medallion to signify the new model.
Swivel bucket seats were available, and the red-white-blue medallion was positioned in its usual place. This was the last year for separate body and frame design.
The following colors were available on the 300. No two-tone colors were available.
- A – Formal Black
- K – Turquoise Gray
- R – Radiant Red
- W – Cameo Tan
- X – Ivory White
- Z – Copper Spice
1959 Chrysler Facts – Engines
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Windsor Series Engine. V-8 overhead valve, wedge combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 383 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.03″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 10.1:1. Horsepower: 305 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 410 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″. Carburetor: Ball and Ball two-barrel, Type BBD Model 2872S.
NOTE: This was an interim engine used because there was not enough capacity on the Trenton B engine line to supply “B” 383 CID blocks. It was a de-bored RB block built on the RB engine line. It was a two-year wonder, disappearing in 1961.
Saratoga Series Engine. V-8 overhead valve, wedge combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 413 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.03″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 10.1:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel, Type Model AFB 2797S.
NOTE: This was an interim engine used because there was not enough capacity on the Trenton B engine line to supply “B” 383 CID blocks. It was a de-bored RB block built on the RB engine line. It was a two-year wonder, disappearing in 1961.
New Yorker Series Engine. V-8 overhead valve, wedge combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 413 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.18″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 10.1:1. Horsepower: 350 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 470 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″. Carburetor: Carter Four-barrel, Type Model AFB 2797S.
300E Series Engine. V-8 overhead valve, wedge combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 413 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.18″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 10.1:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 425 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 260°, Exhaust 260°, Overlap 42°, Lift (Intake) 0.390″ (Exhaust) 0.390″. Carburetors: Two Carter Four-barrels, Model (front) AFB 2798S (rear) AFB 2799S.
1959 Chrysler Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: Windsor 122.0 All other models – 126.0″. Separate body and frame construction.
- Front tread: Windsor and Saratoga 60.9″, New Yorker and 300D 61.2″
- Rear tread: Windsor and Saratoga 59.8″, New Yorker and 300D 60.0″
- Overall length: Windsor 216.6″ Windsor T&C 215.9″, Saratoga 220.6″, New Yorker and 300E 220.9″, Town & Country 220.1″.
- Overall width: Windsor and Saratoga 79.3″; New Yorker and 300E 79.5″
- Overall height: Windsor 56.8, Windsor T&C 57.4″, Saratoga 57.2″, New Yorker 57.5″, 300E 55.3″, Town & Country 57.8″
- Tires: Windsor – 8.00 x 14, Saratoga – 8.50 x 14, New Yorker and 300E – 9.00 x 14.
1959 Chrysler Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-Temp air-conditioning.
- Antennas (including power antenna).
- Auto-Pilot Speed Control
- Backup lights (Windsor).
- Differential, Sure-Grip
- Hand brake warning lights.
- Heater.
- Mirror, remote control.
- Power brakes (optional on Windsor).
- Power seat.
- Power steering (optional on Windsor).
- Power windows.
- Radios.
- Rear window defroster.
- Sill moldings (Windsor).
- Solex glass.
- Stainless steel wheel covers on Windsor (standard on Windsor Town & Country).
- Swivel Bucket Seats (standard on 300E).
- Tires, custom super soft cushion rayon
- Tires, Nylon and Captive Air.
- Torqueflite (optional on Windsor).
- Two-tone finish (not available on 300E).
- Undercoating.
- White sidewall tires.
- Windshield washer.
1959 Chrysler Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
NOTE: The following colors were the only ones available on the 330E: A – Formal Black, K – Turquoise Gray, R – Radiant Red, W – Cameo Tan, X – Ivory White, and Z – Copper Spice.
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1959 Chrysler
| A Formal Black | |
| B Normandy Blue | |
| C Nocturne Blue | |
| D Empress Blue | |
| E Ballad Green | |
| F Highland Green | |
| H Silverpine | |
| I Tropical Turquoise | |
| J Aqua Mist | |
| K Turquoise Gray | |
| L Spanish Silver | |
| M Storm Gray | |
| N Persian Pink | |
| P Carousel Red | |
| R Radiant Red | |
| S Gray Rose | |
| T Deep Ruby | |
| U Sandstone | |
| W Cameo Tan | |
| X Ivory White | |
| Y Spun Yellow | |
| Z Copper Spice |
1958 Chrysler Facts –
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1959 Chrysler Facts – Power Train Options
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- Windsor. Three-speed manual transmission standard with Torqueflite automatic transmission optional.
- Saratoga and New Yorker. Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission standard.
- Chrysler 300E. Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission standard.
1959 Chrysler Facts – Power Trains
- Three Speed Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.45:1, 2nd – 1.45:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.20:1
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Windsor V-8: 1st – 2.12:1, 2nd – 1.43:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.73:1
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- Torqueflite 3-Speed AMT – 2.93:1, Optional 3.31:1.
- 300E Torqueflite 3-Speed AMT – 3.31:1.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.76:1 to 6.17:1. Sure Grip available in all ratios.
1959 Chrysler Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1959 Chrysler Car Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1959 Chrysler Brochure – All Lines
1959 Chrysler Car Print Advertisements
1959 Chrysler 300E Print Advertisements
1959 Chrysler Car All Lines AMA Specifications Sheets
1959 Chrysler 300E Service Supplement
1959 Chrysler 300E Owners Manual
1959 Chrysler 300E Convertible Press Photo
1959 Chrysler 300E Road Test – Speed Age Magazine
1959 Chrysler 300E Road Test – Sports Cars Illustrated Magazine
1959 Chrysler Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1959 Chrysler Line will appear below
1959 Chrysler 300E Convertible
The 1959 Chrysler 300E Convertible was a “beautiful brute”, but its price tag dissuaded many from taking delivery. Only 140 found customers.
1959 Chrysler 300E Hardtop Coupe
The 1959 Chrysler 300E Hardtop Coupe was the most expensive but highest performing Chrysler. With 380 horsepower, it was an impressive performer. Tough times resulted in only 550 deliveries.
1959 Chrysler Swivel Bucket Seats
1959 Chrysler Swivel Bucket Seats were an option on all Saratoga and New Yorker models. They were standard on the Chrysler 300E.
1959 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible sat just under the 300E Convertible. It was flashy and had plenty of “go” with 350 HP on tap. But the Recession dampened sales with only 286 customers taking delivery.
1959 Chrysler New Yorker 4-door Hardtop
The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker 4-door Hardtop was the most luxurious 4-door Chrysler in this year. Surprisingly, 4,805 were sold, the second highest New Yorker sales this year.
1959 Chrysler New Yorker 2-door Hardtop
The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker 2-door Hardtop was the sporty New Yorker, falling just under the 300e Series. The tough financial times dampened sales, with only 2,435 finding customers.
1959 Chrysler New Yorker 4-door Sedan
The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker 4-door Sedan was the least expensive and most practical New Yorker – this resulted in 7,792 deliveries.
1959 Chrysler New Yorker Station Wagon
The 1959 Chrysler New Yorker Station Wagon was the top wagon in the line. Offered in 6- and 9-passenger configurations, 444 and 564 were sold, respectively.
1959 Chrysler Saratoga 2-door Hardtop
If you wanted the sporty look and the 126″ wheelbase, the 1959 Chrysler Saratoga 2-door Hardtop was for you. 3,753 were sold.
1959 Chrysler Saratoga 4-door Hardtop
The 1959 Chrysler Saratoga 4-door Hardtop was the best buy if you were looking for this body style and a 126″ wheelbase this year. 4,943 customers agreed.
1959 Chrysler Saratoga 4-door Sedan
The 1959 Chrysler Saratoga 4-door Sedan was the least expensive full size Chrysler this year. 8,783 were delivered.
1959 Chrysler Windsor Convertible
The 1959 Chrysler Windsor Convertible was built on the Dodge Full Size Chassis and was more affordable than the New Yorker version. 961 were delivered.
1959 Chrysler Windsor 2-door Hardtop
The 1959 Chrysler Windsor 2-door Hardtop was the sportiest Windsor. 6,775 were sold.
1959 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Hardtop
The 1959 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Hardtop was the least expensive 4-door hardtop offered by Chrysler in 1959. 6,084 found buyers.
1959 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Sedan
The 1959 Chrysler Windsor 4-door Sedan also sat on the smaller 122″ wheelbase. It was the most popular Chrysler this year – attracting 19,910 customers.
1959 Chrysler Windsor Station Wagon
1959 Chrysler Windsor Station Wagon was the least expensive wagon offering for Chrysler in 1959. It was available in 6- or 9-passenger configurations. 992 6-passenger and 751 9-passenger wagons were sold.