There’s still nothing else like the ride of a big American luxury sedan. Soft, but not sloppy, composed but not firm, there’s some ideal combination that gives cars like this 1962 Chrysler Newport the ability to cruise hundreds of miles in a single day without wearing out their occupants. Chrysler more than the others seems to have given their cars a great blend of comfort and composure, perhaps attributable to the innovative torsion bar front suspension or their light but strong unibody construction. Regardless of the reasons, any early ‘60s Chrysler is a fantastic cruiser.

This Newport boasts a fantastic black-over-red color combination that really makes it stand out. In addition, it shows just 56,004 original miles, a figure we have no problem believing given the state of preservation and the quality of the ride. The Newport was the entry-level Chrysler, but you got full-sized comfort and space, all wrapped in a handsome body that eschews the over-indulgence of the 1950s and gives it a crisply tailored look instead. Fins are gone, replaced by cool wrap-over taillights and deeply sculpted quarter panels, which, of course, remain in fantastic condition. The car has been repainted just once, perhaps 10-15 years ago, but it’s holding up very well, with a great gloss and no signs of botched bodywork underneath. All four doors open and close easily with a precision that belies the car’s very reasonable sticker price, and with all that black sheetmetal, it looks very impressive indeed. All the chrome and stainless trim is likely original, and given the fact that it’s nearly 55 years old, it’s very impressive, with clear bumpers, a beautiful grille, and, of course, those canted headlights that define Chrysler in the early ‘60s. The whole car has a fantastic all-of-a-piece look.

The bright red interior is an unusual choice in a conservative 4-door sedan, but it looks fantastic here. The seat upholstery is new, correctly stitched using fabrics that match the original stuff, but the rest appears to be vintage 1962. Black carpets match the dash pad and help keep it from being red overload inside, and they, too are in very good condition with a correct heel pad for the driver. The door panels show some discoloration on and around the arm rests, which shouldn’t be a surprise, but that’s just about the only demerit in an otherwise first-rate interior. Of course, all 1962 Chryslers received the awesome Astra-Dome instrument panel, and in this car it’s 100% functional, including the awesome turquoise iridescent lighting scheme. You also get a pushbutton TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a matching set of buttons on the right for the heater/defroster controls. The squared-off steering wheel manages to feel substantial in your hands and guides the car effortlessly. Even the original “Golden Tone” AM radio is fully operational here. The back seat looks like it’s never been used and you get a gigantic trunk for long road trips, complete with what might very well be the original Goodyear spare tire.

Big cars get big engines, and this Newport moves effortlessly thanks to Chrysler’s well-respected 361 cubic inch V8. Smooth, torquey, and unobtrusive, it’s everything you want in your luxury car powerplant. With just over 56,000 miles on the clock, it runs superbly and has never been opened up, starting quickly and idling easily even when it’s cold. It wears correct corporate turquoise engine enamel with gold valve covers and air cleaner, which dressed up the Chrysler motors so they would stand apart. The paint is obviously not original under the hood, but it looks good and accentuates the clean firewall and inner fenders. Only the original exhaust manifolds, which are a little scaly, detract from the presentation. You also get a recent tune-up, including plugs, wires, points, cap, and rotor, a rebuilt carburetor, fresh belts and hoses, and a new battery, so the car is turn-key and ready to enjoy. Underneath, there’s a new exhaust system that gives it a muted exhaust note that’s completely appropriate for a heavy cruiser such as this. The transmission is a TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic, legendary for its reliability, and out back there are 3.23 gears, so it’s a superlative highway cruiser. The car has spent all its life in a warm climate, so the underside is quite clean, and having been undercoated since new, there are no problems lurking for a new owner. New shocks maintain that hovercraft-like ride, and it sits on a set of factory 14-inch wheels and hubcaps with recent 225/75/14 whitewall radials.

This Newport also includes an original owner’s manual and owner service book.

We love cars like this because someone obviously loved them all their lives. It’s easy to drive, comfortable, powerful, and unique, especially in this color combination. And there’s always a little part of us that wonders how it might look with a set of 15-inch Magnums or Rallyes and blackwall tires, just to inject a little attitude. I suppose that’s for the next lucky owner to decide.