1955 Chrysler Windsor Nassau hardtop, Virgil Exner forward look 

Today on what it’s like it’s 1955 and Chrysler gets totally redesigned courtesy of Virgil Exner these cars would be known as forward look from 1955 -1961 some sources say1963, conflicting. 1955 Chrysler model lineup was broken down into three model lines Windsor is in the basement, followed by New Yorker in the middle 300 was at the top 1955 was a big year for Chrysler now having five brands to compete with GM Plymouth Dodge, De Soto Chrysler imperial .

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[charlesdalton]

For the song - Beach Boys, Santa’s Beard. thank you for all you do, and merry Christmas once again!.

[markw]

Merry Christmas Jay & Merry Christmas to all of the subscribers & visitors. The Chrysler family of cars in 55 are good looking. The change from 54 to 55 was a big step towards longer, sleeker and as you said, plenty of room inside. The door panels and seat fabric seem very basic for a Chrysler. The second comparison of “would you rather” is a very interesting comparison of a very modern looking Studebaker, the improved Chrysler and the very distinctive Nash, which has a clean and smooth look that some like and others compare to a bathtub

[danap]

1955 Chrysler cars are a favorite of mine. My first car was a 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer convertible with a Super Red Ram-it was ancient, but a head turner in "regal burgundy", white and black. My Aunt and Uncle next door had a 1955 Chrysler Windsor sedan, red/black with red interior, and my third car was a 1955 Imperial in two-tone green with a green interior. All three had very similar curved dashboards with a shift selector handle coming out of it. The rotating switches/knobs were the same and had a smooth, solid action. Despite the engines being different displacements and only the Dodge and Imperial being hemi-type, they had a soft, low rumble that even non-car people recognized. Very comfortable, smooth (despite their age) and had a type of elegance. Great video; brings back some good memories.
edit: When it comes to "rather have", the Mercury, Studebaker and Nash models you chose all are very appealing, but my familiarity and affection for the Chrysler line gives it my vote. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[joebutchko]

I say you're right- the '56 and '57s were their high point. After that, they started swirling off into outer space, and when they got back to reality, their styling was ok I guess, certainly not ground breaking ever again. But those 2 years really shook up Detroit, which they sorely needed.

[billolsen]

Such a change from the 54's. As Chrysler bragged, lower and longer! Strange they didn't feature the Chrysler Building in their TV commercial in NY City...the most beautiful skyscraper there is. You're right, this car is very skillfully engineered. Exner was able to give the buyer such a big trunk as well as such a roomy rear seat area, right up there with the 55 Coupe Deville that a friend had in the 60's. WYR 1. Buick 2. Studebaker.

[jerrycallender-qmzr]

The red 1954 you're showing as a comparison has the flat head 6 engine, which was the last year it would be in a Chrysler, however it continued in Plymouth and Dodge for a number of years, to be replaced by the epic Slant 6.

[andreamills]

Love all the cars, Thanks Jay 🎄Merry Christmas

[waggitnshaggit]

Merry Christmas 55 Buick and that iconic Nash

[tigre]

Love the Chrysler designs for '55, they are some of the most beautiful ever IMO! 🤩 I would pick this both times! Hilarious take on Twas the night before Christmas!😄 It should be the new classic! Merry Christmas to your family! 🎅☃️🎄❄️

[bparksiii]

Love the first forward look cars, and the 57 Dodge truck. First pick both Buick and Chrysler, second Studebaker Speedster. Merry Christmas.

[ColtonRMagby]

WYR: All 3 in the first scenario, all 3 in the second scenario.
Merry Christmas, Jay.

[dougabbott]

Merry Christmas Jay . I would like that Merc and Stude for Christmas. Have a good one.

[Radiowild]

55 was a huge year for Mopar in general. That was a stunning example you featured. In your senarios. I'd take the Buick, and the Chrysler. Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas! RW

[lanedexter]

Those valve covers remind me of the 348 and 409 Chevy engines people called “W heads.”

[JamesAllmond]

55 Chrysler
55 Stude (every time)
Merry Christmas Jay! Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good drive!

[donalddesnoo]

My best friend had a 300e. ? convertible with twin 4s wasn't that fast from start but. Would go 130mph probably 10mpg once we went 70miles in 45 minutes probably was 500$ used 1961❤

[dalegereaux]

I'd have to pick the Studebaker because in 1955 I was brought home from the hospital in a 1953 Studebaker Champion. 😉

[davidpowell]

I think the 55's were the best looking cars that Exner styled.
Some of these cars have a sort of resemblance to the Karmann Ghia that was based on the Volkswagen.
Did this smaller V8 engine in 1955 have the same claimed horsepower as the first year "Firepower" engine in the New Yorker? (1951)
would still rather have the "B" pillar, seatbelts and that horrible "flight control lever" is enough to make one order the manual transmission.

[josephcrafa]

A Beautiful car to be sure but, not my favorite of the year of ‘55. By coincidence I was born and raised in NYC and just returned from a trip to Santa Claus Indiana .

[joeseeking]

I've forgotten the exact details but the "100 million dollar" figure represented I believe a loan from Prudential to enable Chrysler to completely overhaul all the 55 lines - they just didn't have enough money to finance that internally. But it did enable them to achieve a much needed modernization: chrysler in particular had fallen behind Buick and Olds for 54, and the 53-54 Plymouth and especially Dodge were just too small and too bland to be a real success. (Plymouth got a lot brighter and more visually interesting for 54, but the 53 - ugh)