Signature 1:18 1948 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible John on words, Mike and Christopher on pics. This model's so cool that three people wanted to lend a hand in the review. Review by John Richards

Overview

Photography by Mike De Torrice and Christopher Moroni

It was the longest continuously used model name in American automotive history, spanning 58 years from its introduction in 1938 as the “New Yorker Special.” By 1948, the New Yorker ranked high in the Chrysler pantheon, being marginally surpassed in size and prestige by the incomparable wood-bodied Town & Country. Some may feel that a Town & Country would have been a more compelling subject, but Motor City Classics has that territory pretty well covered with images in a variety of attractive colors. Recently I revisited that model and found a new appreciation for it, even adding two more color variants. With its real wood panels, it admirably depicts one of the great ‘40s icons. Still the New Yorker was certainly a premier vehicle, very similar to the T&C. With MCC’s many versions of the latter car, it could be said that they “own” it in 1:18 scale. Signature’s decision to issue a New Yorker was a laudable one: it makes the perfect companion to the T&C. They look splendid together, and as it turns out, the Signature is unquestionably the finer model of the two.

Whether on display or “up close and personal,” this is one handsome model. The shape, scale and stance look fine (though some collectors have taken issue with the rear fender proportions) and the overall fit and finish are top-notch. The beautiful blue paint is smoothly and evenly applied, the hood scripts are crisp and clear and the exterior chrome lustrous and superbly scaled. With the exception of the headlight mounting posts (when will these ugly and distracting things become a thing of the past?) and painted-on red taillights, the lenses all around, including those used in the bumper-mounted fog lights, dual spotlights and minute back-up lights are excellent. The windshield and window glazing is admirable, too. The doors open smoothly and properly on nicely designed hinges. Other well-executed exterior details include a functional segmented antenna, embossed wheel covers, a refined open grill, visible “bolts” on the bumpers and separately modeled wipers, hood and trunk emblems. Under the trunk lid is a carpeted compartment with spare tire and jacking tools.

The image would have popped a bit more (OK, a lot more) had Signature chosen a plaid-accented interior rather than the two-tone blue and white one here, but it is authentic and though the seats are a little too shiny, they are soft and well textured. Together with the blue boot (white or maroon would have been preferable), the whole package is rather sedate and monochrome. Otherwise the interior is impressive. Starting with the dashboard, one appreciates the nicely done “jukebox” center module flanked by a readable clock and dials, and a well-scaled and detailed wheel. Under-dash detail is pleasing, with the dual heating elements and handbrake very well done. The front windows, operable via the door panel cranks, function smoothly and go all the way up and down. It’s the most convincing feature of its kind I’ve seen, even if it’s a little gimmicky with no rear quarter windows or convertible top to complete the effect. Full carpeting, moveable visors, tilting front seats and beautifully scaled hardware (including the control levers for the spotlights) add to the convincing package. About all that’s missing in this impressive compartment are doorsills.

The depiction of the 323 c.i. flathead straight eight motor has a lot going for it, with well-scaled individual components, battery cables and relief painting to bring nice depth to the radiator. There’s decent detailing on the firewall, too. Regrettably the effort is marred by the over-scale, bright red ignition wires leapfrogging incongruously from plug to plug. As they’re easily accessible, this is probably easily remedied by even the casual do-it-yourselfer. For the rest of us willing to overlook it, there’s still plenty to admire under the hood. The undercarriage, like most recent Signatures, is more than adequate without being exceptional. All major engine, suspension (simplistically functional), drive train, exhaust and frame components are there in separate, nicely modeled parts. And the plinth mounting stubs are discreet…not always the case with Signature replicas.

With most releases in the “Charlestown Collectibles” line so far, the only immediately apparent “upscale” elements have been a larger window box to accommodate an outsize, simulated wood-grain (plastic) display base and an attractive bronze-hue coin. But it’s the models themselves that count, and while there’s still work to be done on detail and finesse to make them really worth their asking price (in the $50 to $70 range), this New Yorker is certainly a big step in that direction. In terms of overall execution and refinement of detail, it’s the best “Charlestown” replica yet and should please all but the most fastidious collectors...and perhaps even some of them! A lovely model, warmly recommended.