Pick of the Day: 1965 Chrysler Newport, a family heirloom after 56 years

Sometimes selling a classic car is akin to putting puppies up for adoption.  You want it to go to a good home.

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Chrysler Newport 2-door sedan being offered by a private seller whose father was the original owner; he ordered it new November 10, 1965.  The car has stayed in the family for the subsequent 56 years and is now offered up for adoption – but only to a worthy new home. 

“I purchased this car from my father in 1974 for my enjoyment,” says the Las Cruces, New Mexico, private seller advertising the Chrysler on ClassicCars.com.  “It will be sold with a collection of service and personal papers I call its baby book.

“It is important to me that the third owner of this Newport appreciate and enjoy it as I have these many years.”   

This Chrysler is a two-door hardtop model wearing what is reported to be its original coat of baby blue paint.  Understandably, that half-century-old finish shows some wear and tear. 

“There are nicks, scratches, chips, minor rust, hood dent and bent antenna,” the seller says.  Detailed images are shown in the photo gallery with the ad.

The Newport name dates back to 1940 when it was first applied to the Chrysler Newport Phaeton, a rounded roadster with what became known as ponton styling.  A decade later, Newport referred to two-door hardtop body styles of the Windsor, Saratoga, New Yorker and Imperial models.  It wasn’t until 1961 that the Newport became a model all its own, repurposing the grille from a 300F and assuming the position as Chrysler’s lowest-priced offering at the time. 

The 1965 model year brought about an all-new Chrysler C-body platform, with squared-off styling said to resemble the upmarket Lincoln Continental of the time.

Blemishes aside, this one-family Newport carries ownership history that sets it apart from most cars half its age.  The seller is including a trunk full of goodies including spare parts, tires and other items.  The original buyer’s order paperwork and window sticker are also available for the next owner.

While the listing doesn’t go into detail about the car’s mechanical roadworthiness, the powertrain consists of a 383cid V8 that became standard for the 1965 model year, while a three-speed Torqueflite automatic sends power to the rear wheels.

The seller is asking $20,000 for this family heirloom.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.