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
Motor 1
19 minutes ago
- Motor 1
'Don't Waste Money:' Expert Shares Which Fuel Additive to Use Based on Your Car's Problem. Then He Shares How to Use It
Fuel additive fatigue is real. With dozens of brightly labeled bottles lining the aisles of AutoZone and Pep Boys stores everywhere—promising smoother rides, better mileage, or cleaner engines—picking the right one can feel like a guessing game. A viral TikTok video cuts through the noise, offering a symptom-based guide to choosing the right additive without the hype. Chris Stone (@chrisfrombeachside), vice president of Beachside Auto Parts in Daytona, Florida, says he recorded the video to help unfamiliar motorists make the best choice when selecting from the dizzying array of products promising to turn their vehicle into a fine-tuned machine. Stone's advice resonated with his audience. Hundreds shared their preferred additives, asked for additional information, and wrote comments thanking him. As of this writing, his post has been viewed 1.2 million times. How Do You Choose and Use the Right Additive? Between bold claims, cryptic acronyms, and engine diagrams that look like they belong in a textbook, it's easy to feel like you're flying blind. Instead of hype, Stone offers plain-language advice: Choose the product based on your symptoms, like hesitation, rough idle, ticking, or knocking, and you'll have a better shot at actually solving the issue. Trending Now 'I Bet You Didn't Know This:' Woman Discovers This Little-Known Perk to Driving A Subaru. Then Her Order Comes in the Mail Man Says He Bought a Nissan Frontier Because of These Standard Features. Should You Consider the Same? If your car is sluggish off the line, Stone advises trying AMSOIL P.I. Burning oil at startup? Marvel Mystery Oil still has a place in the modern garage, according to Stone. And for engines showing signs of knock or ping — especially in turbocharged vehicles — he recommends Royal Purple Max Clean to smooth out combustion. He doesn't stop at recommending products. Stone shares a useful technique for effectively using a fuel additive . He says that for most fuel system cleaners, you should wait until your tank is under a quarter full, pour the additive in, and then drive aggressively (within legal limits) to circulate the treatment effectively before refueling. This helps the cleaner come into more direct contact with injectors and combustion surfaces, increasing its effectiveness. Of course, fuel additives aren't a magic fix. If you've got a check engine light or ongoing performance issues, it's best to get a professional diagnostic. But for routine maintenance, especially with older or high-mileage vehicles, the right additive can play a useful role in keeping your engine running smoothly. When Should You Use an Additive? Most mechanics and product manufacturers recommend using a treatment every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, that interval can vary depending on fuel quality, engine design, and driving habits. High-mileage vehicles, cars frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic, or those using lower-quality fuel may benefit from more frequent use. Drivers who use high-grade gasoline may find they need additives less often. This doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't use a fuel additive if you always buy premium. While many premium fuels contain detergents to keep injectors clean, dedicated fuel system cleaners tend to offer higher concentrations of active ingredients like PEA (polyetheramine), which can clean deeper into the intake valves and combustion chamber. This can be especially helpful for older engines or cars with unknown maintenance histories, where carbon buildup may already affect performance. It's also important to note that compatibility matters. Not every fuel additive is designed for every engine type. Some are explicitly formulated for gasoline engines, while others are safe for diesels or compatible with ethanol-blended fuels. Hybrids and direct injection engines may also have different needs or tolerances. Always check the label for your engine type, and avoid assuming that any additive is one-size-fits-all. The wrong product can reduce effectiveness at best and cause damage at worst. Another point of confusion for many DIY car owners is whether it's okay to mix multiple additives in the same tank. The short answer is no, unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. Most companies advise using just one additive per treatment cycle to avoid unintended chemical interactions or dilution of key ingredients. It's best to wait until your tank is nearly empty, add the recommended dose, and then refill, following label instructions closely to ensure safe and effective results. 'There's a lot of marketing out there, but nobody knows exactly what's good for what,' Stone told Motor1 over the phone. 'They all claim the same things, but they're all made differently and they have different values for different drivers.' More From Motor1 Here's Why Your Fuel Mixture Is Just as Important as Your Oil Mixture It's Incredible How Badly Low-Quality Fuel Can Damage Your Engine 'That's Obviously a Villain Car:' Man Spots Honda Fit in Parking Lot. Then He Notices the Back 'Making It Personal:' Man Buys 'Lemon' Ford F-150 From Used Car Dealership. Then He Decides to Get a Custom Wrap and Warn Buyers Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Bloomberg
38 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Continental's Split Shows How Germany's Business Model Is Shifting
Continental AG intends to become the latest German manufacturing stalwart to dismantle itself, highlighting the pressure to become more agile to weather structural issues at home and respond to mounting competition abroad. Tracing its roots to producing rubber hoof buffers for horses in the late 19th century, the Hanover-based company plans to split into three: the core tire business, rubber components and auto parts. The moves, which Continental will pitch to investors on Tuesday, would unwind decades of diversification and reflect Germany's shifting business model.
Motor 1
an hour ago
- Motor 1
'Do Not Drive:' Ford Issues a Recall for Super Duty Trucks With Bad Brake Pedals
Ford is warning 2025 Super Duty owners not to drive their pickups. They might have a brake pedal assembly that lacks a retaining spring that's designed to secure the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal, which can result in the loss of braking power. The recall affects just 2,345 2025 Ford Super Duty trucks, ranging from the F-250 to the F-550. The automaker began investigating the problem in late May after team members at the Kentucky Truck Plant notified Ford's Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) of a missing brake pedal retaining spring on a 2025 F-350. Photo by: Ford After that, Ford's CCRG reviewed a May 5 report of a service technician having no braking force during a pre-delivery inspection of a Super Duty, with the brake pedal 'swinging freely,' according to the Safety Recall Report . Ford then received a warranty report in early June of another F-350 with a missing spring that a tech found during its inspection. The CCRG, through its investigation, learned that an operator new to the job and still in training had built both trucks with the missing retaining spring. It also found that the camera system designed to monitor production was down during certain periods, so Ford is also recalling those vehicles without sufficient visual evidence that they were correctly built. Ford says it has already begun notifying affected owners. The automaker says it'll instruct them to work with their dealer to complete the inspection, as the automaker does not want owners driving their vehicles. Here Are More Recalls You Should Know: 'The Pedal [Could] Shift Out of Position:' Honda Recalls a Quarter-Million Cars Over Faulty Brake Pedals Ford Issues Do Not Drive Order for Exactly Three Broncos Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
