Feature Car Aug. 18-Oct 1/01

1956 CHRYSLER NEW YORKER ST. REGIS

By Ken Bergunder
North Okanagan Chapter  
As told to Jim Macdonald

I first became aware of this car when some members from our chapter attended the Christina Lake Campout. During the Car Show Event, one of the spectators invited them to see his car. Trevor Gill and some others went for a look. They all agreed someone in their Chapter would be interested in and have parts for his car. They gave him my name and address.

Some time later, a 56 Chrysler drove up to the house. And the owner said he needed a passenger door window and stainless trim for the inside of the door. The stainless was in the car all the time, behind the rear seat, along with a box containing 5 Hi-Fi records. I didn't know this until I started restoration and removed the seat. Anyway I said I had a window but would have to go out to my other property and remove it from a car. He said ok and would be in touch. Next thing I know, I'm contacted by a car dealer now looking for a window, and that the car was for sale. After I had sold him the window, I took the car for a drive.  I always wanted one of these so we agreed on a price and on the 6th of July 1990 it was mine.

I drove the car for the next 2 years before deciding to do something with it, and took it off the road for the next 2 years. Luckily, the car was quite solid and it was apparent the original owner (in Kalispell Montana) took good care of it.  After he passed away, it spent some time in Spokane (judging by the many credit card copies found for gas purchases) and was then purchased at an estate sale.  The next home, Grand Forks, then Vernon, then to Falkland, at last.

Restoration work included the following:

Replaced: Engine timing set, all engine components-plugs, wires, etc., windshield, passenger window, front

body panel, lower gravel panel, inner left fender, both side panels, front park signal lens, both rear brake drums, both axles and bearings, all wheel cylinders, all brake shoes, front wheel bearings, all wheel and axle seals, turned front drums, front brake lines. Many small parts too numerous to mention. Both front and rear bumpers re chromed. All other trim is original. Engine, transmission, floor mats also all original. Front seats and door panel fabric replaced this year after acquired from SMS. The colours are original. Black, Cream, Salmon.

New Paint

TECH INFO:

1956 Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis 2 Dr. H.T.

Production 6686

Engine: 354 C.I.D. Fire power 280 H.P. Hemi. V-8
Transmission: Powerflite 2 speed automatic
Brakes: Power
Power steering
Wheels & tires: 800 x 15 now 235 x 75 x 15 Radial
 -Prismatic Mirror  Custom Steering wheel
- "Solex" glass 4 way power seat
- Power antenna
- Electro touch tuner radio with foot control w/rear speaker.
- Hiway Hi-Fi Record Player
-Registered mileage at time of purchase was 53,003.
- Now has 77,000. runs smooth and powerful at 20-22 MPG @ Highway speed. 

I know of only 2 others in Canada. One in Alberta, and one in New Brunswick.

The WPC Club Roster lists a total of 15, including mine and the one from Alberta.