Classic recollections: 1953 Chrysler New Yorker convertible coupe
Bestowing a nickname to an automobile is a timeless tradition dating back to the earliest days of motoring when the reliable Ford Model T was affectionately dubbed the “Tin Lizzie.” For Bob and Joanna Vroman, their beloved '53 Chrysler New Yorker remained nameless until a friend saw the sparkling red ride and blurted out the chorus from the Beatles tune “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
The “Lucy” name stuck.
The couple's Chrysler drop top has since been joined by a cast of other classic characters inspired by a 1950s-era sitcom that starred another lovable redhead. Lucy now shares garage space with “Ricky the Riviera” (the Vroman's 1967 Buick) as well as “Ethel” (another '53 convertible).
The Fox Lake couple had always talked about getting a vintage vehicle, so when Bill happened to find a bit of bonus money burning a hole in his pocket, they sprung for the scarlet beauty — albeit in a much rougher condition.
The first item of restoration business was to get the car's underside ready for Midwest winters, notoriously harsh to rolling iron. Taking the challenge on themselves, the Vroman's sprayed rust inhibitor — a preventive coating that dries to a rock-hard finish — under Lucy, but got the durable elixir on more than just the heavily oxidized frame.
“Despite careful precaution and masking, my wife got some in her hair and couldn't wash it out. Even after cutting off some locks we could find evidence of the black goop for weeks!” Bill chuckles.
The condition of the New Yorker's body on the other hand was no laughing matter. It was promptly sent to a Volo-area paint shop, Rainbow Auto, where it was stripped down to bare metal, repaired and repainted a crimson Rangoon Red, highlighted by the rechromed bumpers and beltline trim.
Once the exterior was gleaming like a polished precious stone, the couple turned their attention to the less than stellar two-tone cabin.
“We were out on a weekend drive and from under the dash heard a loud ‘snap, crackle, pop,' followed by a puff of smoke. Right then, I turned to my wife and said ‘Its time to rewire,' ” Bill recalls. Rewire they did, ripping out the entire web of fraying lines and throwing in a new harness for trouble-free operation. Bill made the wise decision to run a heavier gauge to the headlights, providing the needed electrons for modern halogen bulbs and making for brighter and safer after-dusk cruising.
Factory “safety features” you'll find inside are a padded dashboard and window cranks that fold flush against the door panel when not in use. Despite the forward thinking, Chrysler overlooked seat belts, so the couple bolted in a pair to keep them firmly planted in the black vinyl bench seat.
With original power steering and power brakes, the Vromans happily report Lucy is a pleasant boulevard tourer who is right at home on the open road.
“Lucy is very drivable and quite comfortable. During the warm summer months, the power top is always down more than it's up!”
Keeping the wind in their hair and Lucy in forward motion is the stock, unmolested 331 cubic-inch displacement Hemi engine, which retains a single factory two-barrel carburetor, all of which produces a light-trotting 180 horsepower. And, being part of the Antique Automobile Club of America gives the couple plenty of opportunities to keep those horses galloping as they travel throughout the area to shows and events.
Just 950 of these rare coupes rolled off the assembly line, and with only a dozen or so still around, Lucy is a very special gal. So no matter what name you choose to call the Vroman's rosy New Yorker, with its timeless styling and classy demeanor, she's sure to look — and drive — just as sweet.