Here we suggest recalling the iconic Chrysler models.
The company was founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler. Throughout its history, Chrysler had a merger with Daimler-Benz in 1998-2007, and then with Fiat S.p.A. in 2011-2014 after the 2008 Great Recession effects. Currently, the brand is owned by Stellantis North America.
Chrysler vehicles are famous for their reliable performance, unique style, and simple maintenance. More than 70 models to date have come with a Chrysler nameplate, some of them are well-known and beloved, and there are unique ones, which disrupted the automotive industry. What are they – the iconic Chrysler models?
Chrysler Six
It was a series of cars, such as the Model B-70, Model G-70, Series 60 and Series 70, Series CJ, CM, CI, CO, CA, and CB. They offered advanced Chrysler straight-six engines, luxury features, and were available in several body styles at affordable prices. The engines were incredibly fast for the day and even used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1925, 1928, and 1929.
The company produced those vehicles from 1924 to 1935. Initially, a series designated the top speed a car could gain, then the company updated every series number with every new model year. The Chrysler Six models offered innovations like an instrument panel instead of individual gauges or 4-wheel hydraulic brakes.
Chrysler Airflow
Chrysler built the full-size Airflow from 1934 to 1937. The model did not succeed in sales, but it was a milestone in automotive progress as the first production car to use streamlining as a basis for making an automobile. Aerodynamics became important at that time, and the company wanted to create a vehicle that would be less susceptible to air resistance.
For this purpose, they borrowed the chassis from an airplane design, rounded the car’s front, and tapered the rear. To improve ride and handling, as well as to reduce harshness and vibration, Chrysler moved the Airflow’s engine forward over the axle so that the passenger compartment. was moved forward off the rear axle. The car received a wider, more spacious cabin due to its stiffer all-steel semi-unibody construction.
Interestingly, the Chrysler Airflow exists today as an electric crossover concept. It has nothing in common with the car from the past, except for its name.
Chrysler Town & Country
The automobile was in production from 1940 to 1942 and from 1945 to 1988.
The original 1941 model was positioned as a luxury station wagon available in 6- or 9-passenger configurations, though its design was rather a steel-roofed fastback sedan. The vehicle was expensive, for the wealthiest people. The upscale cabin featured hand-finished wood trim, the finest leather, and rounded “Barrelback” rear doors which opened in the middle. The rear bench could be moved forward to enlarge cargo space or moved back for more convenience. Exceptional examples of the 1941 Town & Country today cost $300-500K.
The Town & Country was also available in “woodie” 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop, and convertible body styles in certain years from the late 1940s to 1986. The 1988 model year was the final for the station wagon. Afterward, from 1989 until its replacement by the Chrysler Pacifica in 2016, the Town & Country was sold as a luxury rebadged variant of the Dodge Grand Caravan/Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan.
The Chrysler Town and Country minivan has gained a reputation as a dependable, true family-friendly vehicle. It offered various conveniences, like “Swivel ’n Go” or “Stow’n Go” seating, or a detachable table.
LeBaron, Windsor, New Yorker
- The Chrysler LeBaron / Imperial LeBaron line of mid-size automobiles was built in 1931-1941 and 1955-1995 in five body styles, on M, K, H, J, and AA platforms to compete with Lincoln and Packard luxury cars.
2. The New Yorker flagship car was introduced in 1940 and stayed in production for 56 years as a competitor to Buick, Oldsmobile, and Mercury vehicles. It underwent various design changes until its last (14th) generation was discontinued in 1996. This model is the longest-running American car nameplate and an embodiment of all the best Chrysler offered in terms of prestige, style, and comfort.
3. A full-size straight-six engined Chrysler Windsor was built from 1939 through the 1960s. The model is a sibling of the more luxurious New Yorker, almost identical in size, interior, and standard features.
Chrysler 300 Series
The Chrysler 300 “letter series” (Letter Cars) were personal luxury cars built from 1955 to 1965. Initially named ‘C-300’ because of its standard 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine, afterward the model received the next letter of the alphabet as a suffix with every new model year. until ‘300L’ was reached by 1965.
The 300 returned with an ‘M’ ‘nameplate in 1999 and existed till 2004. Further, the company reintroduced a new Chrysler 300 lineup in 2005. The 300 is a successor to Chrysler’s traditional large front-engine, rear-wheel drive V8-powered luxury sedans like the Saratoga, New Yorker, Windsor, Newport, Cordoba, and the Chrysler Fifth Avenue.
The manufacturer has built two generations but decided to discontinue the 300 after the 2023 model year due to poor sales and refocus on electric vehicles. Nevertheless, the 300 was an important model for Chrysler and played a role in its history. It has multiple versions and special editions, including a Motown edition, a high-performance 300C coupe that enjoyed popularity in the mid-2000s, or RST variants.
Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler launched the Sebring to replace the LeBaron and sold it globally from 1995 through 2010. When the car first arrived, it was a hit. The company released two generations of 4-door sedans, three generations of 2-door convertibles, and two generations of 2-door coupes with gasoline I4 and V6 engines.
The coupe was based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and it was mechanically unrelated to other Sebrings.
The model is one of the more popular Chrysler sedans and even more popular convertible – a memorable one, powerful and stylish, that outsold the open-top Ford Mustang in 2008.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
The PT Cruiser was produced for 10 years (2000-2010) and gained popularity among the masses for its retro-styled look evoking the 1930s. Originally planned as a Plymouth model, the car was ultimately marketed as a Chrysler.
Its worldwide production had reached 1.35 million by the end of its life cycle, and it is still a popular used vehicle for families. The model won the North American Car of the Year and several Best Car awards.
The PT Cruiser offered 4-cylinder engines: 1.6-, 2.0-, 2.4-liter gasoline ones, and a 2.2-liter diesel. The model was available in a 5-door hatchback wagon (mostly demanded) or a 2-door convertible body style over a single generation.
In addition to the notable exterior, the car features a functional interior offering such conveniences as high-roof h-point seating, removable, foldable and tumblable rear seats, and a multi-level rear cargo shelf.
Chrysler Pacifica
This model (also called the Voyager or Grand Caravan) arrived in 2016 to replace the Chrysler Town & Country. Since it has become a king of minivans that topped numerous rankings and earned around 150 honors and industry accolades.
The Pacifica is an ideal people-hauler, and it is absolutely worth considering by family buyers. A fly in the ointment is its somewhat high base price (of the latest 2023 model).
