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Chrysler – named after the company founder, Walter P. Chrysler.

Chrysler was one of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers in the United States, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The original Chrysler Corporation was founded by Walter Chrysler from the remains of the Maxwell Motor Company in 1925. In May 2014, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was established by merging Fiat S.p.A. into the company.

Headquarters Detroit, Michigan, United States

imperial town car 1937-1939

The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was Chrysler's top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, and again from 1990 to 1993. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque to rival Cadillac, Continental, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord, and Packard.

There were three Imperial models in this generation.: the C-14, C-15 and C-17. The Series C-14 offered the straight eight, shared with the Chrysler Royal C-16 . The Series C-15 was the Imperial Custom and the Town Sedan Limousine, with blind rear quarter panels and was available on request.

Chrysler Imperial Town Car (youtube.com)

new yorker ghia coupe 1954

Based on the 1953 Thomas Special Chrysler Ghia, the Chrysler Ghia GS-1 cars were designed by Virgil Exner at Chrysler and built by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin during the mid-1950s. A production run of 400 was the target, but in fact, only 12 were ever built - and all were slightly different.

During the early years of automobile production, especially in Europe, it was not uncommon for an automobile maker to supply only the chassis and mechanical components to the customer, who would then select a coachbuilder to complete the bodywork. By the 1940s, this practice had all but vanished in the United States but in Europe, it was still being utilized by companies such as Ferrari.

In 1950 Chrysler Corporation approached Pinin Farina, one of the more reputable custom coachbuilders, to produce a prototype body. Negotiation did not progress fruitfully, so Chrysler tasked Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin in 1951 to build a series of cars based on designs by Virgil Exner, Chrysler's chief stylist. This transatlantic agreement between Ghia and Chrysler lasted for fifteen years.

Chrysler's Export Division sent two 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe chassis to Ghia to be clothed with variants of the Special design. These two cars were unique from other Ghia Specials by their four-passenger interiors and flat exhaust tips. Numerous Chrysler components and design cues were used throughout, including the taillights, bumpers, dashboard gauges, wire wheels, and steering wheel. It is believed that these two GS-1 Specials toured the European continent as promotional vehicles for Chrysler, including a visit to the Turin Show of 1954.

In 1954, the limited-production Chrysler Ghia GS-1 coupe was introduced and sold exclusively in Europe by Societe France Motors. The vehicle was built atop a Chrysler 125.5-inch chassis, the same used on most Chrysler automobiles. Power was supplied by a Chrysler Hemi 331 cubic-inch V8 engine with overhead valves and 180 horsepower. It was backed with either a Fluid Torque transmission or the newer PowerFlite two-speed automatic. The front suspension was independent with coil springs while the rear used a live axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power. Over a two-year period, approximately twelve GS-1s were built and only six cars are known to exist today.

Chrysler New Yorker Ghia - YouTube

300b 1955-1965

The Chrysler 300 "letter series" are high-performance personal luxury cars that were built by Chrysler in the U.S. from 1955 to 1965 and were a sub-model from the Chrysler New Yorker. After the initial year, which was named C-300 for its standard 300 hp 5.4 L FirePower V8, the 1956 cars were designated 300B. Successive model years were given the next letter of the alphabet as a suffix (skipping "i"), reaching the 300L by 1965, after which the model sequence was discontinued while the "300" remained. At its introduction it was advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car".

The 1956 300B was externally distinguished by a new tailfin treatment, with larger engines, and a choice of two versions of the 5.8 L Hemi V8 producing either 340 or 355 hp.

A companion of this generation was introduced as the DeSoto Adventurer and the Dodge D-500 that were less luxurious, while still sharing much of the mechanicals, giving DeSoto and Dodge a performance enhanced model, while the 354 CID engine was exclusive to the 300, New Yorker and Imperials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozru8JPLJ0c&ab_channel=thebiggarage

dual ghia l6.4 1956-1958

Dual-Ghia is a rare, short-lived, automobile make, produced in the United States between 1956 and 1958.

The idea for a sporty limited production car came from Eugene Casaroll, who controlled specialized vehicle builder Dual-Motors Corporation based in Detroit, Michigan; the name Dual-Ghia is representative of the collaborative efforts between the two builders. 117 examples were built.

The design for a luxurious sports car was to be a modified version of the Ghia-built 1954 and 1955 Dodge-based concept cars known as the Firearrow I, II, III, IV and the nearly production-ready Firebomb; which had all been designed by Luigi Segre with some possible influence from Virgil Exner. With so many cars designed along the same theme, Chrysler may well have intended to produce the Firebomb and/or the Chrysler Falcon as a response to the Ford Thunderbird and Chevrolet Corvette; for whatever reason neither made it to production.

The "world's longest assembly line" involved transporting a Dodge frame and drivetrain to Italy, where the bodywork and interior was fabricated by the coachbuilders at Ghia; once the partially completed vehicles were back in the U.S. Dual-Motors handled the rest.

Performance was excellent, due to the cars being powered by the 5.2 L Dodge hemispherical-head short-stroke V-8 engine. Not all were built with the 315 CID Dodge hemispherical head engine. Some 1957s were built with the Dodge D-500 5.9 L dual quad carburetor.

The cars were mostly bought by American celebrities, such as Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden and Richard Nixon. Desi Arnaz owned one, but he wrecked it. Dean Martin had one at one point as well.

Chrysler Dual Ghia (youtube.com)

imperial

"The adjective ‘imperial’ according to Webster's Dictionary means sovereign, supreme, superior or of unusual size or excellence. The word imperial thus justly befits Chrysler's highest priced model."

Chrysler Corporation advised state licensing bureaus that beginning in 1955, the Imperial was to be registered as a separate make. It was an attempt to compete directly with GM's Cadillac and Ford's Lincoln distinct luxury-focused marques. With the new "Imperial" make, Chrysler Corporation's intention was to create an individual line of luxury cars, above and distinct from Chrysler branded vehicles. Imperial was the Chrysler Corporation's luxury automobile brand from 1955 to 1975, and again from 1981 to 1983.

crown mkII 4d southampton 1957-1966

For the 1957 model year, the Imperial received its own platform, setting it apart from any other division of Chrysler and shared the all-new "Forward Look" appearance, showing many styling features introduced with the concept car Chrysler Norseman. Overall, this made the front end loosely resemble the smaller 1957 Plymouth Savoy.

Unlike the rest of the Chrysler Corporation makes (Chrysler, De Soto, Dodge, and Plymouth) that began unibody construction for 1960, the Imperial retained separate full perimeter frames for rigidity through the 1966 model year.

Imperial's handling was better than its competitors of the time due to its stiffness from the torsion-bars combined with a thick anti roll bar in the front. Pillarless hardtops, in both two and four-door configurations, received the Southampton designation.

1966 was the final year for the Imperial platform that was first introduced in 1956 for the 1957 model year. All subsequent years through 1966 used this same basic platform with annual changes to the body sheetmetal. However, the Imperial still used the wrap-around windshield that had been dropped by most other makes for entry and exit room when they almost all simultaneously downsized for 1961.

The Imperial served as the basis for the Hongqi CA72 Chinese state limousine. In 1966 the car was modernized as the Hongqi CA770 however it used a 340 which was not available in the Imperial. The car continued production in various guises until the mid-1990s. After this, it was replaced by a range of licensed produced vehicles based on the Audi 100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHVrDImcLYM&ab_channel=thebiggarage

imperial sedan mkIV 1968-1973

The "Fuselage Look" was how Chrysler described its new styling for 1969. Instead of the square lines of 1964-1968 models, the new Imperials featured rounded "tumblehome" sides, bulging at the beltline like an airliner’s "fuselage" and tucking in down to the rocker panels. The new styling made the cars look longer and wider, and strongly curved side glass increased shoulder room without expanding overall body width compared to the previous C-body.

To reduce development and tooling costs, and bring overall expenditures more in line with actual sales, Imperial began to share some of its bodyshell with the Chrysler New Yorker for the first time since 1956. Consequently, glass and roofs were common with the entry-level Chrysler Newport.

1969 was the final model year for pillared sedans, and it was also the first year for the Imperial LeBaron coupe. At 5.834 mm, the Imperial once again became the longest non-limousine car made in America, and would remain so through 1973 when it would set the post-WW II record for non-limousine car length.

With future sales forecasts likely to remain low, Chrysler had planned on discontinuing the Imperial at the end of the 1973 model year. While image and appearance were an important part of luxury car appeal, without sales Chrysler could not afford to build an Imperial with a unique bodyshell. Yet without one, it would be difficult to compete with rivals Cadillac and Lincoln. For 1974, the Crown Coupe nameplate returned as the most expensive model to compete with the Cadillac Eldorado and the Continental Mark IV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-90M0lx8Vx4&ab_channel=thebiggarage

imperial sedan mkV 1974-1975

With the full effects of the 1973 oil crisis being solidly felt, a bad year for both the U.S. economy and its auto industry was in store for 1974 - cruel timing for Chrysler's 50th anniversary year. The 1974 Imperial was the first regular American passenger car to offer 4-wheel disc brakes since the 1949–1954 Chrysler Imperials, the 1950–1952 Crosleys and the 1965-on Chevrolet Corvettes. The "by Chrysler" script was removed from the car for 1974. The Imperial's electronic ignition system was a U.S. market first, as was the optional car alarm.

The last Imperial, a black LeBaron hardtop, rolled out of the factory on 12 June 1975. However, only the name disappeared, as the same basic car was offered rather more cheaply, less some of the Imperial’s features, as the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham for model years 1976 through 1978.

In 1981 when the successor appeared, a 2-door coupé riding on an intermediate J platform, it was marketed simply as Imperial, and, harking to Imperial's days as an independent marque of the manufacturer, the Chrysler name did not even appear on the car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF-JJMGjU14&ab_channel=thebiggarage

300f 1960

The 1960 300F introduced a new 6.8 L Wedge engine delivering 375 hp in standard form.

The bodywork was also redone for 1960, using Chrysler's new lightweight unibody construction and given sharper-edged styling with outward-tilting fins that were visually separated from sides. The "toilet seat" trunk lid contributed to a demeaning opinion of the 300F and was done away with after this one year of production.

Chrysler 300F (youtube.com)

newport sedan 1961-1964

The Newport was a name used by Chrysler for both a hardtop body designation and also for its lowest priced model between 1961 and 1981. Chrysler first used the Newport name on a 1940 show car, of which five vehicles were produced.

Chrysler revived the Newport name for their new, full-size entry-level model for 1961. The Newport was the least expensive Chrysler model, intended to appeal to owners of the discontinued DeSoto brand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56yAd4KA3xg&ab_channel=thebiggarage

lebaron convertible 1986-1995

The Chrysler LeBaron (or Chrysler Imperial LeBaron) was originally a classic luxury car of the 1930s, the body manufactured by LeBaron, its chassis manufactured by Chrysler, which competed with other luxury cars of the era such as Lincoln and Packard.

LeBaron was purchased by Chrysler in 1953 along with its parent Briggs Manufacturing Company. The LeBaron has become one of the longest running nameplates in Chrysler history.

After discontinuing the first generation LeBaron coupe and convertible in 1986, Chrysler released a new LeBaron for 1987, built on the J platform (a K platform derivative) and available as a coupe or convertible. The all-new LeBaron looked modern and aerodynamic compared to its boxy predecessor and was quite stylish for its day, featuring headlights hidden behind retractable metal covers and a waterfall grille, steeply raked windshield, full-width taillight lenses though only the edges actually lit up, and curved (Coke bottle) style rocker panels.

The available engines were the stock 2.2-liter and 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and for the 1990 model year, a 3.0-liter Mitsubishi V6 became available, although the Mexican Chrysler Phantom R/T DOHC 16V also offered the same 2.2-liter turbo engine as used in the U.S. market Dodge Spirit R/T.

In 1992 for the 1993 model year, the LeBaron received a slight facelift. The hidden headlamps of the 1987-1992 models were deleted in favor of less costly flush-mounted replaceable-bulb headlamps.

The coupe was discontinued after 1993. In 1994 the 3.0 was the only available engine. The convertible was discontinued after 1995, to make way for the new Chrysler Sebring coupes and convertibles, for 1995 and 1996 respectively.

Chrysler Lebaron Convertible (youtube.com)

atlantic concept 1995

The Chrysler Atlantic was a retro concept car created by Chrysler. It was first shown in 1995. The Atlantic was designed by Bob Hubbach and inspired by the Bugatti Atlantique. Its styling is also more than a little inspired by the Talbot-Lago T150 SS Coupe that was constructed in 1938, such as the shape of the side windows and the curved boot

Some of the retro details include a straight-8-engine that was actually constructed from two 4-cylinder Dodge Neon engines with an S configuration 4.0 L., which is rarely used in modern cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzCYia6lfg&ab_channel=thebiggarage

300m 1999-2004

The Chrysler 300M is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced from 1999 to 2004. It is a front-wheel drive, 255 hp V6 engined car using the Chrysler LH platform. Versus its platform mates, the 300M was roughly 254 mm shorter to make it more easily exportable to Europe. Priced above the Concorde and identically to the LHS, the 300M shared Chrysler's flagship position with the LHS until the LHS's discontinuation after 2001, upon which it became Chrysler's sole flaghip model.

Chrysler 300M (youtube.com)

chrysler 300 2005-2010

The Chrysler 300 is a rear-wheel-drive, front-engine, full-sized luxury car manufactured and marketed as a four-door sedan and station wagon in its first generation.

The second generation 300 was marketed as the Chrysler 300C in the United Kingdom and Ireland and as the Lancia Thema in the remainder of Europe.

The top-of-the-line 300C version uses a 5.7 L Hemi V8 which produce 340 hp. The SRT-8 model was equipped with a 6.1-liter Hemi engine producing 425 hp.

Chrysler 300C (youtube.com)