Chrysler Windsor

{{Use American English|date=May 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Windsor | image = File:60 Chrysler Windsor (9123351854).jpg | caption = 1960 Chrysler Windsor hardtop coupe | manufacturer = [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]] | production = 1939–1942 1946–1961 1961–1966 ([[Canada]] only) | class = [[Full-size car]] | body_style = | layout = [[FR layout]] | assembly = [[Jefferson North Assembly#Jefferson Avenue Assembly|Jefferson Avenue Assembly]] [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]], United States [[Los Angeles (Maywood) Assembly]] (starting 1948) [[Windsor Assembly]], [[Windsor, Ontario]], Canada (1961–1966) | predecessor = [[Chrysler Royal]] | successor = [[Chrysler Newport]] }}

The '''Chrysler Windsor''' is a [[full-size car]] which was built by [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]] from 1939 through to the 1960s. The final Chrysler Windsor sold in the United States was produced in 1961, but production in Canada continued until 1966. The Canadian 1961 to 1966 Windsor model was for all intents and purposes the equivalent of the [[Chrysler Newport]] in the United States.

The Windsor was almost identical to the more luxurious [[Chrysler New Yorker]] in terms of size, interior and standard features except that it was only available with the [[Chrysler flathead engine#Straight-6|Chrysler Straight Six]] that originally started the company in 1925, which offered customers a luxurious car with a more modest and economic engine. As the years progressed and technology and manufacturing costs improved, the Windsor offered items that were initially optional as standard equipment while maintaining a market position lower in the Chrysler product hierarchy.

The Windsor was mechanically similar to the [[Chrysler Royal|Royal]] from 1939 to 1950 and offered more standard equipment and an upscale interior to the well equipped Royal while both vehicles came with the Chrysler Straight Six. As the Royal nameplate was discontinued for the 1951 model year the Windsor became Chrysler's six cylinder coupe until 1955 when the [[Polyspheric#Chrysler|Poly V8]] was introduced. For the 1961 model year the [[Chrysler Newport]] assumed the market position originally held by the Royal, keeping the Windsor positioned one level above the Newport. Chrysler replaced the Windsor name in 1962 with the introduction of the non-lettered series [[Chrysler 300 non-letter series|Chrysler 300]].<ref name=Standard_Catalog>Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946–1975 (Revised 4th Edition)</ref>

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== 1939–1942 == {{Infobox automobile | image = 1942 Chrysler Windsor coupe C34 front left.jpg | caption = 1942 Windsor Club Coupé | name = Chrysler Windsor (C-22/C-25) | production = 1939–1942 | manufacturer = [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]] | class = [[Full-size car]] | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine]], [[rear-wheel-drive]] | body_style = 2-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<ref name="kimes1996"/> 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<ref name="kimes1996"/> 2-door [[coupe]]<ref name="kimes1996"/> 2-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]]<ref name="kimes1996"/> | related = [[Chrysler Royal]] [[DeSoto Series S-10]] | engine = {{convert|241.5|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler flathead engine#Straight-6|Chrysler I6]]<ref name="kimes1996">{{cite book|last=Kimes|first=Beverly|title=standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942|year=1996|publisher=Krause publications|isbn=0-87341-428-4}}</ref><ref name="oldcarbrochures1940">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure/1940%20Chrysler-38.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | transmission = 3-speed manual<ref name="kimes1996"/> | wheelbase = {{convert|119|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1939) {{convert|122.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}(1940-42) {{convert|139.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1940-42)<ref name="oldcarbrochures1940"/> | length = {{convert|202.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | width = }} [[File:Chrysler Windsor Coupe 1940.jpg|left|thumb|1940 Chrysler Windsor Coupe]] [[File:1941 Chrysler Windsor Highlander (14480373181).jpg|left|thumb|1941 Chrysler Windsor Highlander 4-door sedan]] The Series C-22 Windsor first came out in 1939 as the senior model to the Series C-22 Chrysler Royal, and was called the [[Chrysler Royal|Royal Windsor]] while only having the Chrysler Straight Six available. It shared the available wheelbase and extended wheelbase with the Royal and offered more standard equipment than the Royal, while the Series C-23 [[Chrysler New Yorker#1940–1942|New Yorker]], C-23 [[Chrysler Saratoga#1939–1942|Saratoga]] and C-23 [[Chrysler Imperial#1937–1939|Imperial]] came with the Chrysler Straight Eight. The Royal Windsor was offered in three two-door, with either two passenger or four passenger coupe body styles called Business Coupe, Victoria Coupe and Club Coupe, while the four-door Sedan accommodated five passengers. On vehicles equipped with rear quarter windows they operated like [[Quarter glass|vent windows]] for additional ventilation. Prices listed were US$1,185 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1185|1940}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) for the Club Coupe while the Sedan was listed at US$1,175 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1175|1940}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}). The cowl and chassis was available for custom coachwork and shows 394 were produced.<ref name="kimes1996" />

In 1940, the Series C-25 model nameplates were updated to Royal, Royal Windsor and Windsor Highlander, which came with moleskine leather and Scottish [[tartan]] interior, while both the Royal and Royal Windsor continued to be offered in either long or short wheelbase versions<ref name="kimes1996"/> as a 6-passenger sedan, a 6-passenger coupe, a convertible,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure/1940%20Chrysler-22.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> a 2-door Victoria sedan, or an 8-passenger sedan and limousine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure/1940%20Chrysler-19.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> New this year were sealed beam head lights.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1940_Chrysler/1940_Chrysler_Brochure/1940%20Chrysler-30.html | title = 1940 Chrysler Brochure | publisher = Oldcarbrochures.com | access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> The front grille introduced a wider, simplified grille shared with all Chrysler products and the Royal and Royal Windsor shared an independent front suspension, 11" brakes, and a "X girder" truss type chassis with the other Series C-25 products.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1940"/>

New for 1941 was the [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)#1941–1950|Chrysler Windsor Town and Country]], a station wagon designed by David A. Wallace, who was the president of Chrysler at the time, and the Windsor name was now separate from the Royal.<ref name="kimes1996"/> Fog lights and bumper crash bars were optional, while the grille appearance remained unchanged.<ref name="kimes1996"/>

Production ended in January, 1942,<ref name="kimes1996"/> as all automobile companies in the USA switched to war production. The 1942 heralded post-war design, with fenders being better integrated into the overall bodywork. {{Clear}}

== 1946–1948 == {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Windsor (Series C-38) | image = Windsorav.jpg | caption = 1948 Chrysler Windsor 4-door sedan | production = 1946–1948 | manufacturer = [[Chrysler (division)|Chrysler]] | class = [[Full-size car]] | body_style = 2-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<ref name=Standard_Catalog/> 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<ref name=Standard_Catalog/> 2-door [[coupe]]<ref name=Standard_Catalog/> 2-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]]<ref name=Standard_Catalog/> | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine]], [[rear-wheel-drive]] | related = [[Chrysler Imperial#1940–1948|Chrysler Imperial]] [[Chrysler New Yorker#1946–1948|Chrysler New Yorker]] [[Chrysler Saratoga]] [[Chrysler Royal#Chrysler Royal (six cylinder engine)|Chrysler Royal]] [[DeSoto Series S-10]] [[Dodge Custom]] [[Plymouth De Luxe]] | engine = {{convert|250.6|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler flathead engine#Straight-6|Chrysler I6]]<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1946_Chrysler/1946_Chrysler_Brochure_1/1946%20Chrysler-09.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1946_Chrysler/1946_Chrysler_Brochure_1 |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | wheelbase = {{convert|121.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (6 passenger)<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/> {{convert|139.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (8 passenger) | length = {{convert|208.25|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/> {{convert|226.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (8 passenger) | width = {{convert|77.75|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/><ref name="flory2008">{{cite book|last=Flory Jr.|first=J. "Kelly"|title=American Cars, 1946–1959 Every Model Every Year|year=2008|publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers|isbn=978-0-7864-3229-5}}</ref> | transmission = 3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] w/optional [[Fluid Drive]] [[Presto-Matic]] 4-speed semi-automatic }}

After the war, the Windsor was put back into production. While the underlying technology was based on the pre-WWII vehicles when production ended in 1942, the exterior styling for the front fenders and grille were all new. The Windsor offered the appearance and interior refinement of the more expensive New Yorker, sharing the wheelbase, but offered the six-cylinder engine for buyers who wanted better fuel economy and didn't need the more powerful eight- cylinder engine. As a result, the Windsor made up 62.9% of the company's sales, listing the six-passenger sedan at US$1,711 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1711|1947}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) before optional equipment.<ref name="flory2008"/>

For 1947 the [[Presto-Matic]] semi-automatic transmission was offered with the traditional three speed manual transmission.<ref name="flory2008"/> The Town & Country station wagon became its own model line but the six-cylinder engine used the Windsor wheelbase as before. New features included a [[handbrake]] warning signal that warned that the [[handbrake]] was not fully released,<ref name="oldcarbrochures2">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1946_Chrysler/1946_Chrysler_Owners_Manual/1946%20Chrysler%20Owners%20Manual-04.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1946_Chrysler/1946_Chrysler_Owners_Manual |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> and a new die-cast [[grille (motor vehicle)|grille]]. The Windsor Traveler nameplate returned and consisted of a full-length [[roof rack]] installed as standard equipment. Tank capacity was {{convert|17|usgal}}.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/> There was full instrumentation.<ref name="oldcarbrochures2"/>

Retooling at Chrysler was delayed going into the 1949 model year.<ref name=stlouiscarmuseum>[https://www.stlouiscarmuseum.com/vehicles/1142/1949-chrysler-windsor-first-series-c38 1949 Chrysler Windsor First Series C38 Sedan, www.stlouiscarmuseum.com] Retrieved 28 November 2024</ref> For this reason, the 1946-1948 C38 model was kept in production through to December 1948 as the 1949 First Series and production of the 1949 Second Series was started approximately January 1949.<ref name=stlouiscarmuseum/>

<gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:46 Chrysler Windsor (5886595894).jpg|1946 Chrysler Windsor 4-Door Sedan File:1947 Chrysler Windsor Club Coupe (33977433853).jpg|1947 Chrysler Windsor Club Coupe File:1947 Chrysler Windsor Highlander Club coupe (8449316877).jpg|1947 Chrysler Windsor Highlander Club Coupe interior File:Windsor ar.jpg|1948 Chrysler Windsor 4-door sedan File:CHRYSLER WINDSOR-4752.JPG|1948 Chrysler Windsor Club Coupe File:Chrysler Convertible 1948.jpg|1948 Chrysler Windsor Convertible File:Four States Auto Museum February 2017 3 (1948 Chrysler Traveler).jpg|1948 Chrysler Windsor Traveler </gallery> {{Clear}}

== 1949–1952 == {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Windsor | image = 1951 Chrysler Windsor De luxe photo-2.JPG | caption = 1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe sedan | layout = FR | related = [[Chrysler Imperial]] [[Chrysler New Yorker]] [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]] [[Chrysler Saratoga]] [[DeSoto Series S-10]] [[Dodge Meadowbrook]] [[Plymouth Cranbrook]] | body_style = 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]] 2-door [[coupe]] 2-door [[hardtop]] (Newport) 2-door [[convertible (car)|convertible]] 4-door [[station wagon]] | engine = {{convert|250.6|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler flathead engine#Straight-6|Chrysler I6]]<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Popular Mechanics|author=Hearst Magazines|title=Popular Mechanics|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=49gDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA102|date=September 1951|publisher=Hearst Magazines|page=102}}</ref> | wheelbase = {{convert|121.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/> | length = {{convert|208.25|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/> 207.3"(1951)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1951_Chrysler/1951_Chrysler_Brochure/1951%20Chrysler-16.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1951_Chrysler/1951_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | width = {{convert|77.75|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures1946"/> | transmission = Prestomatic 4-speed semi-automatic<ref name="flory2008"/> | model_years = | manufacturer = [[Chrysler]] | production = 1949–1952 }} In 1949, for Chrysler's 25th anniversary, Windsors were updated and shared a corporate appearance with the all-new [[Chrysler Imperial#1949–1954|Chrysler Imperial]] sedan along with the limousine as the top luxury car for Chrysler in 1950.<ref name="flory2008"/> New this year was a padded dashboard with sponge rubber for safety while the Windsor continued to offer only a six cylinder engine which was shared with DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth products.<ref name="flory2008"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1949_Chrysler/1949_Chrysler_Brochure/1949%20Chrysler-03.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1949_Chrysler/1949_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> The 1949 through 1952 Chryslers continued the Highlander trimmed cars which added an interior trimmed in a tartan fabric and leather, available on all bodies except the station wagon. The Highlanders came with most options standard, including full wheel covers and radio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allpar.com/cotm/12-08-highlander.html|title = Car of the Month, December 2008: Bob Underwood's| date=14 January 2021 }}</ref>

In 1950, the Windsor Traveler Sedan which had a standard equipment [[roof rack]] installed continued until the Town & Country was added to the Windsor product line.<ref name="flory2008"/> The Windsor still had full instrumentation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1950_Chrysler/1950_Chrysler_Brochure/1950%20Chrysler-15.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1950_Chrysler/1950_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> The "[[Chrysler Newport#1950s|Windsor Newport]]" hardtop coupe bodystyle, seating six and with a three-piece wraparound rear window was new for the year and reserved for the Windsor and [[Chrysler New Yorker|New Yorker]].<ref name=Schrysler>{{Cite book | ref = SCchr | title = Standard Catalog of Chrysler, 1924-1990 | first = John | last = Lee | publisher = Krause Publications, Inc. | location = Iola, WI | pages = 158–159 | date = 1990 | isbn = 0-87341-142-0 }}</ref>

1951, the Royal was dropped, and the Windsor became Chrysler's entry-level car, while still higher in standard equipment and interior treatment above DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth.<ref name="flory2008"/> The costly egg crate-style grille was deleted in favor of painted metal and two broad chrome strips. The Windsor DeLuxe had an electric clock standard, while electric windows were optional.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://oldcarbrochures.org/New-Brochures---December/1951-Chrysler-Windsor-Brochure-788767471/1951-Chrysler-Windsor-12-13 |title=1951 Chrysler Windsor-12-13 |access-date=2016-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220123855/http://oldcarbrochures.org/New-Brochures---December/1951-Chrysler-Windsor-Brochure-788767471/1951-Chrysler-Windsor-12-13 |archive-date=2016-12-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the September 1951 issue of Popular Mechanics, readers reported getting an average of 14.1 mpg with the Windsor and 98 percent reported liking the padded dashboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=49gDAAAAMBAJ&q=Chrysler+Windsor&pg=PA105|title=Popular Mechanics|first=Hearst|last=Magazines|date=1 September 1951|publisher=Hearst Magazines|via=Google Books}}</ref>

Little changed in 1952. Power brakes were standard on the Windsor DeLuxe 6-passenger sedan.<ref name="flory2008"/> <gallery widths="200px" heights="150px"> File:1949 Chrysler Windsor (29339691130).jpg|1949 Chrysler Windsor Club Coupe File:1950 Chrysler Windsor 2-door Club Coupe, front left (Astoria).jpg|1950 Chrysler Windsor Six-Passenger Club Coupe File:1950 Chrysler Windsor Newport hardtop coupe, Schleswig-Holstein, Hohenlockstedt, Classic Motor Days (2016) NIK 1104.jpg|1950 Chrysler Windsor Newport (rear) File:1951 Chrysler Windsor De luxe photo-8.JPG|1951 Chrysler Windsor DeLuxe Six-Passenger Sedan File:Caves Freixenet - Sant Sadurní 04.JPG|1951 Chrysler Windsor DeLuxe Six-Passenger Sedan (rear) File:1952 Chrysler Windsor (28827961864).jpg|1952 Chrysler Windsor two-door Club Coupe File:1952 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country.jpg|1952 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country Wagon </gallery> {{Clear}}

== 1953–1954 == {{Infobox automobile | image = Chrysler Windsor (28872723077) (cropped).jpg | caption = 1953 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe 6 Passenger Sedan | name = Chrysler Windsor/Windsor DeLuxe | layout = FR | related = [[Chrysler New Yorker]] [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]] [[DeSoto Powermaster]] | engine = {{convert|264.5|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler flathead engine#Straight-6|Chrysler I6]]<ref name="flory2008"/> | wheelbase = {{convert|125.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|211|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1953) {{convert|215.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1954) {{convert|222.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (8-passenger sedan 1953) {{convert|229.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1954) | width = {{convert|76.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="flory2008"/> | height = {{convert|62.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="flory2008"/> | transmission = 3-speed manual<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1953_Chrysler/1953_Chrysler_Foldout/1953%20Chrysler%20Foldout-03.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1953_Chrysler/1953_Chrysler_Foldout |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> PowerFlite automatic<ref name="flory2008"/> | production = 1953–1954 | body_style = 2-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 2-door [[coupe]] 2-door [[convertible]] 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]] 4-door [[station wagon]] (Town & Country)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://barnfinds.com/scarce-town-country-1953-chrysler-windsor/|title=Scarce Town & Country: 1953 Chrysler Windsor |publisher=barnfinds |access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref> | manufacturer = [[Chrysler]] }}

In 1953, the Chrysler Windsor (along with the rest of the Chrysler line) got new sheet metal and finally a one-piece curved windshield.<ref name="flory2008"/> Power steering was a $177 option.<ref name="flory2008"/>

For 1954, the base Windsor was dropped and all that was left was the Windsor DeLuxe.<ref name="flory2008"/> The grille and the instrument panel was new.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oldcarbrochures.org/March%202020/1954%20Chrysler%20Windsor/slides/1954%20Chrysler%20Windsor-15.html |title=The Old Car Manual Project Brochure Collection |access-date=2020-06-19 |archive-date=2023-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620192622/http://oldcarbrochures.org/March%202020/1954%20Chrysler%20Windsor/slides/1954%20Chrysler%20Windsor-15.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> A Popular Mechanics Survey of Chrysler owners reported that the best liked feature for Windsor owners was the comfortable ride (53%), followed by handling ease.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Owners Report of the '54 Chrysler |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nNwDAAAAMBAJ&q=Chrysler+Windsor&pg=PA92 |access-date=29 June 2019 |work=Popular Mechanics |date=1954|publisher = Hearst Magazines}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:1953 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe Newport Coupe Passenger Side.jpg|1953 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe Newport hardtop File:54 Windsor 3.JPG|1954 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe 6 Passenger Sedan </gallery> {{Clear}}

== 1955–1956 == {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Windsor | image = 1955 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe front.jpg | caption = 1955 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe | layout = FR | related = [[Chrysler New Yorker]] [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]] [[Chrysler Saratoga]] [[DeSoto Firedome]] [[Dodge Coronet]] [[Plymouth Belvedere]] | engine = {{convert|300.5|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Polyspheric#Chrysler|Poly V8]](1955)<ref name="flory2008"/><ref name="oldcarbrochures1955">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1955_Chrysler/1955_Chrysler_Brochure_-_Cdn/1955%20Chrysler%20%20Cdn%20-06.html |title=1955 Chrysler Brochure - Canada |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> {{convert|331|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Polyspheric#Chrysler|Poly V8]] | wheelbase = {{convert|126|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="flory2008"/> | length = {{convert|218.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1955) {{convert|220.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}(1956)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1956/498095/chrysler_windsor_sedan.html |title=1956 Chrysler Windsor Sedan specs, photo & performance data (since middle 1955 for North America U.S.) |publisher=Automobile-catalog.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | width = {{convert|79.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1955)<ref name="oldcarbrochures1955"/> {{convert|78.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}(1956) | height = {{convert|60.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="flory2008"/> | transmission = 3-speed manual PowerFlite automatic<ref name="flory2008"/> | body_style = 2-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 2-door [[convertible]] 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]] 4-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 4-door [[station wagon]] (Town & Country)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/chrysler/windsor_deluxe/1955/1955-chrysler-windsor_deluxe|title=1955 Chrysler Windsor|publisher=Hagerty |access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref> | production = 1955–1956 | manufacturer = [[Chrysler]] }}

In 1955, all Chrysler cars were completely restyled with styling by [[Virgil Exner]], sharing some visual similarities with the all-new [[Imperial (automobile)#First generation (1955–1956): A separate make|Imperial]] which became its own division.<ref name="flory2008"/> The tradition of adding the [[Chrysler Newport#1950s|Newport]] as a suffix to the model name continued and a four-door hardtop was added.

The styling of the Windsor was more rounded and featured wrap around windshields. The word DeLuxe was added to Windsor again. Front head room was {{convert|35|in|mm}}. Rear axle ratio for the 3-speed manual was 3.73.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1955_Chrysler/1955_Chrysler_Folder/1955%20Chrysler-03.html |title=1955 Chrysler Folder |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> The Windsor made up 64.72% of Chrysler's sales.

For 1956, the "Forward Look" restyling came out, introducing the first tail fins on a Chrysler car.<ref name="flory2008"/> Interior trims remained mostly the same, though a new Highway Hi-Fi phonograph player was a new option on the Windsor.<ref name="flory2008"/>

The 1956 edition for the Canadian market featured the Plymouth 303 Poly V-8 Engine, the same one used in the Plymouth Fury and the Canadian Dodge Custom Royal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allpar.com/world/canada.html|title=Chrysler of Canada - the history and the cars|website=www.allpar.com|language=en|access-date=2018-02-03}}</ref>

{{gallery |File:Chrysler Windsor Newport 55.jpg|1955 Chrysler Windsor De Luxe Newport |File:1956 Chrysler Windsor (36701187781).jpg|1956 Chrysler Windsor 2-door hardtop |File:1956 Chrysler Windsor Newport (14481236435).jpg|1956 Chrysler Windsor Newport 4-door hardtop |File:1956 Chrysler Windsor Nassau dash.jpg |1956 Chrysler Windsor Nassau interior}} {{Clear}}

== 1957–1958 == {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Windsor | image = 1957 Chrysler Windsor (27494313785) (cropped).jpg | caption = 1957 Chrysler Windsor 2-door Hardtop | layout = FR | related = [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]] [[Chrysler Saratoga]] [[DeSoto Firesweep]] [[Dodge Coronet]] [[Plymouth Belvedere]] | engine = {{convert|354|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Polyspheric#Chrysler|Spitfire V8]]<ref name="flory2008"/> | wheelbase = {{convert|126|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1957) {{convert|122|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1958) | length = {{convert|219.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1957) {{convert|218|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (1958) | width = {{convert|78.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="flory2008"/> | transmission = 3-speed manual TorqueFlite Automatic<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1957_Chrysler/1957_Chrysler-Plymouth_Brochure/1957%20Chrysler-%20Plymouth-09.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1957_Chrysler/1957_Chrysler-Plymouth_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | body_style = 2-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 2-door [[convertible]] 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]] 4-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 4-door [[station wagon]] (Town & Country)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/chrysler/windsor/1957/1957-chrysler-windsor|title=1957 Chrysler Windsor|publisher=Hagerty |access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref> | production = 1957–1958 | manufacturer = [[Chrysler]] }}

For 1957, Chrysler cars, including the Windsor, were restyled again. This time with taller tailfins with vertical taillights, thinner C-pillars, and a wraparound front bumper. Mid-year, dual headlights became standard.<ref name="flory2008"/> Front head room grew to 35.7 inches.<ref name="flory2008"/> Safety equipment was optional on the Windsor. Unfortunately for Chrysler, 1957 cars were plagued with quality problems, such as breaking [[torsion bar suspension]]s and rust.<ref name="flory2008"/> 1957 Chrysler cars were redesigned with Virgil Exner's "[[Forward Look]]" at the cost of $300 million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|300000000|1957}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) when Chrysler took on a loan in 1954 from [[Prudential Financial|Prudential Insurance]] to pay for expansion and updated car designs.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yARkK-FHHO8C&q=1955+Prudential+chrysler+$250+million&pg=PA18 |page=18 |title=Mopar Muscle |first=Robert |last=Genat |isbn=9780760320167 |publisher=Motorbooks |date=2004 |access-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/managementmanage00jeff|url-access=registration|quote=1955 Prudential Chrysler |title=Management and Managed: Fifty Years of Crisis at Chrysler|last=Jefferys|first=Steve|date=1986|publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0521304415 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/managementmanage00jeff/page/107 107] |oclc=13004251}}</ref><ref>[http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1954/03/02/83747978.html?pageNumber=33 New York Times] 1954</ref>

In 1958, the Windsor (LC1-L) was moved to the Dodge/DeSoto Firesweep {{convert|122|in|mm|adj=on}} chassis.<ref name="flory2008"/> Canadian Windsors still used the longer, {{convert|126|in|mm|adj=on|abbr=out}} chassis and was essentially a rebadged Saratoga (LC2-M), a model which was not sold in Canada this year.<ref name=canadians>{{cite web | url = https://www.allpar.com/cars/production/chrysler-canada.html | first = Gerard | last = Wilson | title = Chrysler Cars and Production Numbers, Canada | work = Allpar.com | date = June 2013 }}</ref> New this year for all Chrysler cars was the new "Auto-Pilot" cruise control system.<ref name="flory2008"/> It had two features. One was the speed-warning feature that the driver would turn the knob to set a certain speed.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1958">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1958_Chrysler/1958_Chrysler_Auto-Pilot_Brochure/1958%20Chrysler%20Auto-Pilot%20Brochure-03.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1958_Chrysler/1958_Chrysler_Auto-Pilot_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> Then, when the driver would start to pass the speed, pressure would be felt in the pedal, letting the driver know that they were going too fast. The other feature was the actual cruise control. It was activated by pressing on the speed-set knob.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1958"/> The Windsor made up 42.36% of Chrysler's sales in 1958.<ref name="flory2008"/>

File:1957 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country.jpg|1957 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country Wagon File:Chrysler (41616038595).jpg|1957 Chrysler Windsor Newport 4-Door Hardtop. Dual headlight were initially an option for 1957, but became standard equipment soon after production commenced. File:1958 Chrysler Windsor (18159470039).jpg|1958 Chrysler Windsor four-door sedan (US) File:1958 Chrysler Windsor Sedan LC2-M (Canadian).jpg|1958 Chrysler Windsor Sedan (Canadian) </gallery> {{Clear}}

== 1959–1961 == {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Windsor | image = 1959 Chrysler Windsor 4-dr sedan, front left pink & black.jpg | caption = 1959 Chrysler Windsor 4-Door Sedan | layout = FR | related = [[Chrysler Town & Country (1941–1988)|Chrysler Town & Country]] [[DeSoto (automobile)#1961|DeSoto (1961)]] | engine = {{convert|383|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Chrysler RB engine#413|Wedge V8]]<ref name="oldcarbrochures1960">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1960_Chrysler/1960_Chrysler_Brochure/1960%20Chrysler-14.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1960_Chrysler/1960_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | wheelbase = {{convert|122|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|215.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="oldcarbrochures3">{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1960_Chrysler/1960_Chrysler_Brochure/1960%20Chrysler-15.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1960_Chrysler/1960_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> | width = {{convert|79.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} | transmission = TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic<ref name="oldcarbrochures1960"/> | body_style = 2-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 2-door [[convertible]] 4-door [[sedan (automobile)|sedan]] 4-door [[Hardtop#Pillarless hardtop|hardtop]] 4-door [[station wagon]] (Town & Country)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/chrysler/windsor/1960/1960-chrysler-windsor|title=1960 Chrysler Windsor|publisher=Hagerty |access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref> | production = 1959–1961 | manufacturer = [[Chrysler]] }}

In 1959, Chrysler started to advertise the car's new [[Chrysler RB engine#413|Wedge-head V8]] "B" engines as "Golden Lions" and the cars as "Lion Hearted".<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1959_Chrysler/1959_Chrysler_Brochure/1959%20Chrysler-01.html |title=Presenting the Lion-Hearted car that's every inch a new adventure: Chrysler '59 | type = brochure | publisher = Chrysler Division | id = CS-422 |date= 1958 |access-date=2015-08-29 | page = 1 | location = Detroit | ref = Chry59 }}</ref> The RB 383 produces {{convert|305|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} with a twin-barrel carburetor. Lions were used in the advertising, and the cars had lion emblems on the front doors and on the cylinder heads. Air conditioning was a US$510 option (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|510|1959}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name="flory2008"/> Starting in 1958, Chryslers were optionally equipped with [[Run-flat tire|Captive-Aire]] tires that remained inflated regardless of a tire puncture for $94 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|94|1960}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name=Schrysler/>

Canadian-built cars did not get the new RB 383 engine, but were equipped with the "Low Block" {{convert|361|CID|L|1|abbr=on}} engine as used in US Dodges and DeSotos. Thus, Canadian Windsors also did not get the "Golden Lion" decorations; instead, they were fitted with three golden crests on the front doors.<ref name=CDNchrysler>{{cite web | url = http://www.chryslerclub.org/Chryslers%20in%20Canada%20-%201955-%201962.pdf | title = Chrysler Products in Canada, Eh. (1957– 1961) | ref = ChryCan | page = 5 | last = Smale | first = Ian | location = Victoria, BC, Canada | access-date = 2015-08-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041510/http://www.chryslerclub.org/Chryslers%20in%20Canada%20-%201955-%201962.pdf | archive-date = 2016-03-04 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The B 361 engine produces {{convert|295|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} with a twin carburetor. As convertibles and station wagons were imported from the US, they did not receive differing specifications.<ref name=CDNchrysler/> Brochures for the 1959 US Chryslers actually show this triple crest being mounted on the front door, with the Golden Lion appearing on the rear fenders instead, but this is not how the finished product appeared.

In 1960, all Chrysler cars got a unibody frame. A new parking brake was also used,<ref name="oldcarbrochures3"/> and the brakes on the Windsor were 11" drums. The Windsor shared a futuristic semi-circular domed instrument cluster Chrysler called the [[AstraDome]], which housed the speedometer and all gauges in one location with the Chrysler 300, Newport, Saratoga and New Yorker. The clusters appearance was compared to a [[gum ball machine]], and the gauges at night could be viewed with electroluminescent lighting Chrysler called "Panelescent Light", a feature shared with all Chrysler and Imperial vehicles starting in 1960.<ref name="oldcarbrochures3"/>

In 1961, all Chrysler cars were redesigned. On the Windsor, standard equipment included a cigarette lighter, map lights, and new for 1961, a safety padded dash.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1961_Chrysler/1961_Chrysler_Brochure/1961%20Chrysler-08-09.html |title=Directory Index: Chrysler_and_Imperial/1961_Chrysler/1961_Chrysler_Brochure |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=2012-05-31}}</ref> 1961 was the last year of the Windsor in the United States. <ref>''[[#Chry59|Chrysler '59 (brochure)]]'', [http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1959_Chrysler/1959_Chrysler_Brochure/1959%20Chrysler-12-13.html pp. 12–13]</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="130"> File:1959 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country (14176748229).jpg|1959 Chrysler Windsor Town & Country File:1960 Chrysler Windsor Astradome Instrument Panel (7434648084).jpg|AstraDome Instrument Cluster (starting 1960) File:1959 Chrysler Windsor (6285200638).jpg|Canadian market 1959 Chrysler Windsor Newport 2-Door Hardtop. Note triple crests rather than Golden Lion badging on the front doors. File:Chrysler windsor.jpg|1960 Chrysler Windsor 4-Door Sedan File:1961 Chrysler Windsor 2 door Hardtop (32935947470).jpg|1961 Chrysler Windsor 2-door hardtop </gallery>

== Canadian models (1961–1966) == Production of a Chrysler Windsor model continued in Canada up to and including the 1966 model year.<ref>[https://www.allpar.com/cars/production/chrysler-canada.html Gerard Wilson, Chrysler Cars and Production Numbers, Canada, www.allpar.com] Retrieved 28 June 2018</ref>

File:Chrysler (38528529375).jpg|1965 Chrysler Windsor 4-Door Sedan (Canada) File:'66 Chrysler Windsor Coupe (Rigaud).JPG|1966 Chrysler Windsor 2-Door Hardtop (Canada) </gallery>

== References == {{Reflist}} ==External links== * [http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/chrysler/65chr1/65chr1.html 1965 Chrysler brochure – Canadian, www.lov2xlr8.no]

[[Category:Chrysler vehicles|Windsor]] [[Category:1940s cars]] [[Category:1950s cars]] [[Category:1960s cars]] [[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Full-size vehicles]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Coupés]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1939]] [[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in Canada]]