
Sampling the Best of the Brand for Chrysler's 100th Anniversary
It's been 100 years since former railroad mechanic Walter P. Chrysler gave his last name to a burgeoning car company. Chrysler cars were upscale and technologically advanced, early adopters of safety features like non-splintering windscreen glass (1933) and padded dashboards (1949) as well as experimental designs like the wind-tunnel-tested Airflow (1934) and the radical Turbine Car (1963).
Later Chrysler cars competed with Lincoln and Cadillac to be the preferred ride for fat cats and big shots. In the '80s, Chrysler went family-friendly, introducing the minivan first as Dodge- and Plymouth-branded models, and later under its own nameplate as a Town & Country. When the Hemi engine made a return in the 2000s, Chrysler went for the sleeper muscle car with the 300 SRT (a highly slept-on collectible, in my opinion) but was soon eclipsed by the Hellcat-powered Dodges, Jeeps, and Rams, leaving what was once the flagship brand as the least interesting of the options.
All of which could have left Chrysler celebrating its century in a kinda gloomy mood, but instead the company hosted a birthday celebration at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle—where Walter P. was a member—and invited all its favorite concept and production cars of the past.
We also got a look at an anniversary edition Chrysler Pacifica, which unfortunately does not incorporate the woodgrain, big fins, or plaid wool seats of lovely Chryslers past, but does come in a patriotic trio of color options (Red Hot, Bright White, or Hydro Blue) and has special badges and new-for-2026 grille and wheel options. If you're excited about owning an anniversary edition, they should be on sale now (June 2025) and start at $44,390 ($47,385 with AWD) for the nonhybrid and $52,565 for the Pacifica PHEV. 2026 Pacificas sans birthday badges will retail at $42,465 with PHEVs starting at $51,070.
Stellantis
2026 Chrysler Pacifica 100th Anniversary Edition.
But a single minivan does not a party celebration make, even if it does have semi-gloss granite crystal trim, so Chrysler let us get behind the wheel, or at least in the passenger seat of some of the cars from its heritage collection. Here are a few favorites.
1924 Chrysler Six B70 Prototype
Walter himself drove this car some 100 years ago, it's pretty cool to take it out on the road. We weren't allowed to drive this one, something about it being one of five prototypes that has been owned by the company since its inception. As its name suggests, the 1924 Chrysler is powered by a straight-six engine making 68 horsepower and backed by a three-speed transmission with a dog-leg shift pattern. Production versions of the B70 won the Mount Wilson hill-climb in California, finished the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and set a 100 mph lap record at Brooklands race circuit in the UK. We didn't get quite to 100 mph, but the B70 has good off-the-line acceleration and a spectacularly roomy back seat.
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
1924 Chrysler B70 Prototype.
1934 Chrysler Airflow
The Airflow (top of page) looks so normal by today's standards that it's hard to understand how shocking its rounded front and smoothed out fenders must have looked to car buyers in the early '30s, when every other brand was still upright and squared off. Orville Wright of the Wright brothers worked with the Chrysler engineers to test the models for the Airflow in his wind tunnel, and while the results were too wild for the consumers—and too complex for Chrysler to produce in a quick and affordable fashion—we can see the influence of the Airflow on today's aerodynamic profiles.
VIEW PHOTOS
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
1934 Chrysler Airflow.
1948 Chrysler Town & Country, 1951 Chrysler New Yorker, 1955 Chrysler 300, and 1958 Chrysler 300D
I'm putting all these together because they represent the introduction of name plates that would grace Chrysler fenders for decades to come. This was Chrysler's big shot era, making cars that paced the Indy 500, introduced power steering and semi-automatic transmissions, and (with the '55) shoved a Hemi V-8 engine under the hood. Riding in cars of this era is a reminder of how cushioned and soft a luxury car used to be. The plaid-covered seats and tall white-walled tires soak up every pavement imperfection. The interiors are also fantastic, with chrome and Bakelite details that make something as pedestrian as opening a fresh-air vent feel like an important event.
VIEW PHOTOS
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
1963 Chrysler Turbine Car
Eeeek, this wasn't just a ride-along, it was a scientific experiment. Powered by a gas turbine mated to a modified Chrysler automatic transmission, this car represents the impact of of the space-race on the mainstream. There were 54 turbine cars made, and nine in existence today, of which only a few are in running condition. The turbine car whirrs like a jet engine and has a tach that goes to 60,000rpm—although most documents about the car suggest redline was closer to 45,000. Chrysler received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the turbine cars, especially after running a loan program which allowed regular civilians to borrow the cars for a few months. As is often the case with ambitious ideas, the project was expensive and never went into full production. This is truly one of the wildest cars ever to grace public roads, and getting to see and feel it in action was very cool.
VIEW PHOTOS
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
1963 Chrysler Turbine Car.
1976 Chrysler Cordoba
Is it wrong that out of all these fabulous machines, the '76 Cordoba might have been my favorite? It was just such a baller machine with its intimidating four-light front end, balck and silver paint, and grumbly 360 V-8. This particular car belonged to Ricardo Montalban, whose smooth voice made "Corinthian leather" into a phrase still used today. Ironically, this car did not have leather from Corinth, but instead was trimmed in silver vinyl.
VIEW PHOTOS
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country
Here's that woodgrain and nameplate again. The K-car gets a lot of grief, but it saved Chrysler from financial disaster, and I have to say, this was a pretty sweet ride. I felt like I should be heading to a country club to lay out by the pool but not go in for fear of ruining my new perm.
VIEW PHOTOS
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
1996 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan
Talk about nostalgia. The second I got in this, turned the key, and heard that distinctive seat-belt chime, I felt like I was back in carpool on the way to middle school. It actually gave me some unfinished homework anxiety. My mom never had a minivan but plenty of my friends' parents did, and it was quite the flashback to roll that heavy sidedoor back and scramble into the third row. Note to all modern SUV designers: The '96 minivan has a perfect space between the seats to keep a handbag or backpack.
2006 Chrysler 300 SRT8
Speaking of nostalgia, the Chrysler engineers must have been thinking back to the '55 when they stuffed the new 6.1-liter Hemi into the 300 and revived the idea of a luxury muscle machine. It was funny to drive the 300 after all the plush-riding machines that preceded it. The early 2000s were all about a stiff suspension and direct steering. Still, I think the 300 SRT8 was overlooked when it came out, and would make a good buy today for someone thinking of future collectibility.
After sampling so many of Chrysler's excellent machines, one wonders what's next for the brand. Today's Chrysler is at a crossroads, with only a few variations of the minivan in its line-up. The role of glamorous SUVs is being covered by Maserati, Alfa, and of all things, Jeep. Big, fast cars are under Dodge, and trucks, even if there was room alongside Ram, have never been a Chrysler focus. It doesn't leave a lot of space, but there's still the possibility that Stellantis could return the company to big luxury cruisers, or even "banker's hot rods," like the 300.
VIEW PHOTOS
Elana Scherr
|
Car and Driver
Recent concept cars like the futuristic Halcyon revealed in 2024, show that Chrysler's designers and engineers aren't just thinking about third rows and Stow 'n Go seating. Here's hoping they bring back five-digit redlines, under-cover performers, and fine Corinthian leather.
Elana Scherr
Senior Editor, Features
Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn't know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver's license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2." In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club.
Read full bio
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Post
28 minutes ago
- New York Post
GM doubles down on American manufacturing with $4B investment
General Motors is investing $4 billion in its U.S. plants over the next two years to boost the manufacturing of gas and electric vehicles. With the multibillion-dollar investment, the Michigan-based automaker will be able to assemble more than 2 million vehicles per year in the U.S. The latest investment comes just two weeks after the company announced it earmarked $888 million for its Tonawanda Propulsion plant near Buffalo, New York, to support production of its next-generation V-8 engine. Prior to the investments, the company was producing about 1.7 million vehicles in the U.S. It's just one of many automakers that have pledged to build vehicles in the U.S. and to support American jobs. 'We believe the future of transportation will be driven by American innovation and manufacturing expertise,' said GM CEO Mary Barra. The company's commitments, along with other heavy hitters in the industry, come as President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on imported vehicles to boost domestic auto manufacturing. In April, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all imported passenger vehicles, followed by a separate 25% tariff on imported auto parts such as engines, transmissions, power-train parts and electrical components in May. 4 With the investment, GM will be able to assemble more than 2 million vehicles per year in the U.S. JHVEPhoto – 4 A worker installs an engine at the General Motors assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, US, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Bloomberg via Getty Images Barra recently backed the administration's automotive tariffs, saying they will pave the way for U.S. automakers to compete more fairly in the international market. There are currently 50 GM manufacturing plants and parts facilities in 19 states, including 11 vehicle assembly plants. Plants in Michigan, Kansas and Tennessee will expand finished vehicle production of several of GM's most popular vehicles. At the Orion Assembly plant in Michigan, the automaker will begin production of gas-powered full-size SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks in early 2027 to help meet continued strong demand. Meanwhile, GM's Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, will be the dedicated assembly location for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Esccalade IQ and GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV, according to GM. 4 A worker on the trim assembly line at the General Motors assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, US, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Bloomberg via Getty Images 4 The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., March 16, 2021. REUTERS At its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, GM will produce the gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox beginning in mid-2027 after the company saw significant demand for the vehicle. Sales of the recently redesigned Equinox rose more than 30% year over year in the first quarter of 2025. The plant is on track to begin building the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV by the end of this year. Future investments in the plant will be geared toward GM's next generation of affordable EVs, according to GM. Meanwhile, GM will produce the gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer, the Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq EVs, and the Cadillac XT5 at the Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. The company projected that its annual capital spending through 2027 will be in the range of $10 billion to $12 billion due to increased investment in the U.S., the prioritization of key programs and efficiency offsets.


CNN
42 minutes ago
- CNN
Elon Musk called President Trump on Monday night expressing regret
Elon Musk called President Trump on Monday night expressing regret CNN's Kaitlan Collins reports the latest details on Elon Musk's Monday call with President Donald Trump and what it means for their relationship. 00:57 - Source: CNN Vertical Politics of the Day 16 videos Elon Musk called President Trump on Monday night expressing regret CNN's Kaitlan Collins reports the latest details on Elon Musk's Monday call with President Donald Trump and what it means for their relationship. 00:57 - Source: CNN Roads in DC being prepared for military parade Ahead of the June 14 military parade, crews were working late to prepare the roads in Washington, DC. The event is expected to showcase some seven million pounds of military equipment including tanks, artillery, and nearly 7000 soldiers and will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US army. 00:30 - Source: CNN Newsom blames Trump for escalating violence in LA 01:17 - Source: CNN 'Absurd': Mayor Bass reacts to Trump claiming LA protestors are paid Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass talks with CNN's Erin Burnett about President Trump's unfounded claims that protestors have been paid by California officials to engage in demonstrations. 01:23 - Source: CNN Hegseth defends Trump sending federal military to protests in LA During a subcommittee hearing, Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar of California pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about President Donald Trump's decision to mobilize the National Guard and deploy Marines to help quell protests in Los Angeles. 01:56 - Source: CNN ACIP member claims RFK Jr. eroded vaccine advisory committee's credibility overnight US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed an expert panel of vaccine advisers, accusing them of being 'plagued with conflicts of interest.' CNN's Kate Bolduan speaks to one of those dismissed members about those claims and the effect this decision may have. 02:02 - Source: CNN Bernie Sanders: Trump 'wants all the power' Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) criticized President Donald Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles, claiming that Trump 'wants all of the power' and is rapidly moving the US 'into authoritarianism.' 00:58 - Source: CNN Tanks arrive in DC ahead of US Army parade As the 250th anniversary celebration for the US Army approaches, a freight train of tanks was seen making its way into the nation's capital. The long-planned celebration in Washington will coincide with Trump's 79th birthday and include thousands of troops. The Army had said it has no plans to recognize the president's birthday. 00:40 - Source: CNN See reactions to the Trump-Musk feud See some reactions to the intense public feud that erupted between President Donald Trump and his one-time ally, billionaire Elon Musk. 01:05 - Source: CNN Trump on Musk: 'The poor guy's got a problem' In a phone call with CNN's Dana Bash, President Donald Trump said he is 'not even thinking about' billionaire Elon Musk and won't be speaking to him in the near future. The comments come a day after Trump and Musk traded barbs on social media as their relationship deteriorated in spectacular public fashion. 00:43 - Source: CNN Trump and Musk escalate public feud An intense public feud erupted between President Donald Trump and his one-time ally, billionaire Elon Musk, with an argument about Trump's massive tax and domestic policy bill raging across social media and in the Oval Office. CNN's senior White House correspondent Kristen Holmes reports. 03:03 - Source: CNN Kara Swisher on the 'nuclear' feud between Trump and Musk CNN's Anderson Cooper talks with Kara Swisher about the stunning public feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. 01:30 - Source: CNN German leader on 'terrible' impact of Trump's tariffs In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz talks about the impact President Trump's tariffs are having on the auto industry. 01:13 - Source: CNN Curtis Yarvin is inspiring a new generation of MAGA CNN's Hadas Gold interviews anti-democracy author Curtis Yarvin about his argument for an all-powerful executive in the White House. 02:24 - Source: CNN DNC Trolls Trump with Taco Truck The Democratic National Committee parked a taco truck outside the RNC headquarters in Washington DC Tuesday, as a way to troll the president over an acronym created by a Financial Times commentator about the president's frequent walk backs and pauses to his tariff's. 00:52 - Source: CNN Musk calls Trump's bill 'disgusting abomination' Elon Musk lashed out at President Donald Trump's agenda bill — which the president is pressuring GOP senators to support — calling it a 'disgusting abomination.' CNN's Kaitlan Collins reports. 00:59 - Source: CNN


CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Construction to build "diverging diamond interchange" in Brighton brings new closures, possible delays
Officials with the Michigan Department of Transportation encourage drivers in Brighton to pad their commute with a little extra time as a new phase of construction and new closures come down the pike. "The overall goal of the project is to build what's called a diverging diamond interchange," said Jeff Bigelow, an engineering manager with Great Lakes Engineering Group. "It's reconfiguring the entire interchange, which will reconstruct Grand River Avenue, reconstruct all of the ramps we will be removing and replacing two bridges that carry 1-96 over Grand River." It's a big job, but Bigelow said they're on schedule. The next phase will close parts of Grand River and route traffic toward Spencer Road and other side streets; that phase is set to run through November this year. "We end up with a little bit of everything. There's bridge work, there's freeway work, and of course, the interchange itself," he said. Aaron Jenkins, with the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the closures and reroutes will mean that drivers can expect more time behind the wheel. "Make sure you're giving yourself plenty of time," said Jenkins. "When you're driving through a construction zone, make sure you're not driving distracted." He said driving while distracted can always be potentially dangerous, but especially so in construction zones where there are workers present. "If you're driving 55 miles per hour and you look down at your phone for five seconds, you just went the entire length of a football field blind," Jenkins said. This whole project in Brighton is expected to be completed in 2027.