'61 Chrysler Newport Station Wagon

There is a story behind my '61 Chrysler Newport station wagon . Several years ago my wife and I attended a picnic sponsored by the club we are members of, San Joaquin Valley Mopars. Some friends of ours pulled up in a '59 Desoto wagon, pink and white. This car was beautiful. Nancy stood there with her mouth wide open, staring at that car. I asked her if she liked it, I really didn't have to. I started watching Hemmings, Plum Krazy classifieds, etc. for a "tailfin station wagon." I even placed a wanted add in the "Goldstar classifieds." About a year later I found the car pictured in a small add along with several other Chrysler cars for sale in Hemmings Motor News. It was in Sacramento California. Mechanically it seemed in good shape, I drove it 200 miles home without incident. But it needed EVERYTHING as far as cosmetics go. The original color was sort of a tan metalic with a brown interior. Obviously you can see that I changed the color to red and white both inside and out. The only work I had to hire done is the actual reupholstery of the seats. I layed the carpet, painted '94 Viper red inside and out, fabed a new headliner etc., and added a Vintage Air Supercooler. This took a leisurely 1 1/2 years. Still a few details to take care of but it is on the road as Nancy's daily drive now.

I drove it to Los Angeles (another 200 miles, 400 round) to attend Chrysler Performance West's Spring Fling Car show and won third place in "C" body "stock." Last weekend Nancy and our two kids drove to Morro Bay. (260 miles round) Morro Bay was having their anual car show, we didn't enter but just spectated. The car got a very acceptable 16.5 MPG with the original 361 2V. Lots of people asked questions about the car, mostly wanting to know what year model it was. This car is a keeper and I intend to continue upgrading as funds allow.
Best regards, Jeff Warkentin     AKA 'quikshft'

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