Driven Diary: Understated Elegance

Written by bsullan on 03.27.2025.

The 1963 Newport sedan stood out as a stylish yet affordable entry into Chrysler’s lineup.

This is the first of several planned journal entries taking a "behind-the-art" look at some of the cars featured in my Driven mashup series. In the featured work shown below, a 1963 Chrysler Newport takes center stage:

At the time, the Newport was the base model in the Chrysler lineup, offering a balance of luxury and performance in order to appeal to buyers looking for an upscale American car without the premium price tag of the New Yorker or 300 series (the base price of a Newport was $2964 compared to $4870 for a New Yorker). The Newport sedan was restyled alongside those models for 1963, distinguished by a blend of sleek lines and bold accents.

Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tailfins that were a prominent feature in previous years, including the 1961 model shown below, were eliminated in the '63 model.

JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Features

• The standard engine was a 361 cubic-inch V8 with 265 horsepower, but buyers could opt for the 383 V8 for more power.

• Chrysler’s push-button Torqueflite automatic transmission and "Astrodome" instrument cluster added to the futuristic feel of the car.

• The Newport was offered in several configurations, including sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon, and even a hardtop.

Fun Facts

• Starting in 1961, Newports were transformed into Enforcer models used by police, equipped with a wider wheelbase and high-performance engines to handle highway chases.

• Some '63 models were equipped with peculiar options like swivel seats for easier entry and exit.

• Celebrity ownerships added to the Newport's allure, with several high-profile individuals making it their ride of choice.

• Reflecting the era's geopolitical climate, the AM radio in the Newport featured markings indicating the frequencies for CONELRAD, the nuclear attack alert system.

An Elegant Mash

The base image used for the featured mashup is the photo below of a dilapidated 63 Newport, taken at French Lake Auto Parts in Annandale, MN during my trip there last fall.

The pinkish brown color tint and main texture overlays were provided by blending in the image below - a close-up detail from a different vehicle.

The completed work is shown again below, followed by an alternative version of the mashup that demonstrates how different source images and effects can create a whole different look and feel.