C Body One: 1968 Chrysler Newport Convertible – Sold?

May 26, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this C-Body Chrysler “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Chrysler’s rear-wheel-drive “C” Platform, produced in several wheelbase lengths, formed the basis for the company’s full-size offerings from 1965 through 1978.  While Chrylser reserved the longest 127-inch version for Imperials, the 124-inch wheelbase underpinned luxury cars such as this red-over-black 1968 Newport Convertible originally listed in April 2021 on Craigslist in Milford, Connecticut for $14,500 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Newport priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $11,400 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $17,200.  A look at the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the asking price is a bit more optimistic as it falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $13,100 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $20,800.

While Chrysler’s “Newport” brand name dates back to the early 1940’s, it did not become a distinct line of cars until 1961.  Chrysler later introduced the second-generation Newport line in 1965 on its then-new C-Platform, which it produced for four model years through 1968. For the ’68 Newports received only a minor facelift from its 1967 counterpart including new grilles and taillights. All body styles were carried over on both the base Newport and Newport Custom lines. The standard 383 cu in two-barrel V8 found in the example featured here received a 20 horsepower increase to 290.

The Osborne Tramain YouTube Channel provides this 1968 Chrysler commercial that ironically features actor William Conrad talking up how big Chryslers were that year:

With only a two-owner provenance, the current one of which has been for nearly forty years, there is likely very little history lost about this good-looking Newport. We’re dying to take our steam cleaner to the interior of this car and the paint shows so well we wonder whether the car has been restored at some point, but you’ll need to confirm that with the second owner. 

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Good Shape, No rust, Running great, 383 big block, recent tune up new carb, new muffler, restored fuel tank, electronic ignition. newer tires. Many extra parts. original documents, shop manual. I bought this car in 1982 from original owner. Car never saw a winter, always garaged.“

Show or go: what would you do with this Chrysler Newport?  Comment below and let us know!