(as you can probably tell, I’ve finally caught up and back-filled… So scroll up to see the models you missed!)
Ardent Manhattan
1960 - 1964
Late prototype shot of the Ardent Manhattan taken in early 1959. Paint scheme is Aquamarine Metallic with Marigold wheel trim
After acquiring a majority stake in Townsend Coachworks in 1953, Ardent took advantage of their newly acquired engine designs. Cross-design and integration started to an extent a few year laters. Short on design talent, Ardent brought into their own bureau a young talent by the name of Warren Cole. Jack Chancellor saw great potential, and immediately set him to work on a new Ardent project codenamed “A7”, with oversight provided by Stanton Glass.
Cole adapted quickly to Glass’s ideals. The resultant car utilized unibody construction, an unusual feature for a car of its massive size. Its engine was directly taken from Townsend’s repertoire, and a new automatic transmission was developed to handle the specifications that Cole demanded.
This car was the Manhattan. It was Ardent’s first full-on luxury car, and incorporated a number of never-seen features on an Ardent vehicle. Hydraulic power steering and front disc brakes were first seen on this model, as was a 3-speed version of the earlier ShiftGuard automatic transmission.
The S trim was also the first to come with power windows and full leather seating surfaces. A 20 watt 2-speaker AM radio system was also introduced here. On the outside, care was taken to hide some small details. The keyhole for the trunk was under the badge, which swung to one side to reveal it, and the license plate flipped down to reveal the gas cap. A limited range of metallic paints were offered for a modest premium.
Power came from a new variant of the Toldedo Iron Eight that displaced 333 cubic inches. This “Triple Three” would evolve over the years and be used on some very high profile models, including the Townsend Templar. For the Manhattan, it utilized a single 2-barrel carburetor, and put out 171 horsepower.
Trim pricing in 1960:
Manhattan L, MSRP $2999
Manhattan S, MSRP $3499
Notable options:
Air Conditioning ($35, Standard on S)
Wheel skirt chrome package ($20)
Wheel trim contrast paint ($10)
Metallic paint ($25, see below for selections)
Available colors:
Pure White
Ink Black
Flame Red
Lemon Creme
Light Mint
Caribbean Blue
Dark Sandstone
Copper Cream Metallic (Premium)
Aquamarine Metallic (Premium)
Fuschia Metallic (Premium)
1960 Ardent Manhattan L in Pure White with Flame Red wheel accents