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163-604: Development of the B-70 began as early as 1919 for Willys Corporation , a holding company owned by John Willys , independent of the Willys-Overland Organization. The vehicle was originally intended to be launched as the Willys Six. Three former Studebaker engineers were responsible for the design, Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton and Carl Breer, who were known as " The Three Musketeers " when they worked for Studebaker and introduced

326-523: A Delco-Remy ignition system as well as a coincidental lock on the manual transmission. Both the Series 60 and 70 offered standard equipment wheel size of 30 in (762 mm) with a choice of wooden spoke or pressed steel discs. The top level body style choice for the Series 70 was the Crown Sedan at US$ 1,795 ($ 31,485 in 2023 dollars ), offering features that were extra cost on other brands as standard. One of

489-537: A Stromberg two barrel carburetor Model EE-22. It was the first car to be designed in a wind tunnel . Initial tests indicated that the standard car of the 1920s worked best in the wind-tunnel when pointed backwards with the curved rear deck facing forward. It led to a rethinking of the fundamental design of Chrysler's cars with a primary focus on reducing wind noise inside the passenger compartment. Both engine and passenger compartment were moved forward, giving better balance and ride. An early form of unibody construction

652-442: A malaise era two-door coupe based on the second-generation Chrysler Cordoba platform with the designation Series YS . All examples of the 1981–1983 Imperial used Chrysler's 318 cubic-inch V8 engine. All US built 1981 Imperials came standard with fuel injection, generating power of 104.5 kW (140 hp) and 0-60 mph in 13.4 seconds, with a top speed of 172 km/h (107 mph). Canadian built 1981 Imperials came with

815-455: A 137.5 in (3,492 mm) wheelbase for US$ 2,345 ($ 53,410 in 2023 dollars ). The top level Imperial Custom Airflow Series CW offered a four-door Sedan, Limousine or Town Limousine for US$ 5,000 ($ 113,881 in 2023 dollars ) using a 146.5 in (3,721 mm) wheelbase and the 384.8 cu in (6.3 L) Straight Eight. Documented production numbers for 1934 show 2,277 Series CV, 106 Series CX and 67 Series CW were produced. Its prestige

978-469: A 1939 Plymouth . Unlike the caliper disc, the Ausco-Lambert utilized twin expanding discs that rubbed against the inner surface of a cast iron brake drum, which doubled as the brake housing. The discs spread apart to create friction against the inner drum surface through the action of standard wheel cylinders. Chrysler discs were "self-energizing", in that some of the braking energy itself contributed to

1141-574: A 2 barrel carburetor. 1990 saw a revival of the Imperial as a high-end sedan in Chrysler's lineup to replace the dated Fifth Avenue. Unlike the 1955–1983 Imperial, this car was a model of Chrysler, not its own marque. Based on the Y platform , it represented the top full-size model in Chrysler's lineup, above the New Yorker Fifth Avenue . The reintroduction of the Imperial was two years after

1304-445: A Chrysler model was limited to a nameplate attached on the front fender just below the engine hood, interior upholstery and standard features installed that were optional on other models. The six-passenger sedan offered storage compartments in the front seatbacks and foot rests, while the eight-passenger sedan replaced the storage compartments with accommodation for storing the retractable jump seats and no foot rests. The limousine offered

1467-457: A New Yorker with a custom interior. It had a Cadillac-style grille treatment that included circular signal lights enclosed in a wraparound ribbed chrome piece. Side trim was similar to last year's model, but the front fender strip ended at the front doors and the rear fender molding was at the tire top level and integrated into the stone guard. Unlike the standard Imperial, the Imperial Crown had

1630-531: A bigger, more luxurious vehicle with which to compete against the Buick Master Six , Chrysler's former employer. When Durant won the bidding, it led to the creation of the Flint Six and an attempt to create a competitor to GM called United States Motor Company . Zeder, Skelton and Breer did not agree at all with the new concept, especially since many of their innovative ideas had been highlighted. Chrysler brought

1793-410: A car collection of Frank Kleptz of Terre Haute, Indiana. A Life magazine article written in 1940 quoted the value of Major Bowes car at US$ 25,000 ($ 543,705 in 2023 dollars ). According to records, after the death of Mr. Bowes the car returned to Chrysler in 1941. It was allegedly repainted black from the original Brewster Green and put into wartime service in 1942, used by Admiral Chester Nimitz as

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1956-438: A choice of convertible open or closed passenger compartment. The Series 70 remained with the established longer wheelbase, offering seven, two-door body style choices and five, four-door body style selections. Different body style choices were given "sport" or "custom sport" model names for phaeton, rumbleseat coupes and convertibles and a landau brougham. Standard equipment included hydraulic brakes, one-piece glass windshields, and

2119-468: A double drop "girder truss" chassis frame, split windshields, dual sun visors, and trumpet horns. The ignition was provided by Delco-Remy, the brakes were hydraulic and the transmission was a four-speed manual transmission with an optional automatic vacuum operated clutch. The body styles offered on the Series CH were a two-door, two-passenger roadster convertible with available rumble seat, a four-door sedan or

2282-523: A four-cylinder engine. A four-door sedan and a two-door hardtop were added for 1953 along with taxi models. The Aero cars were called Lark, Wing, Falcon, Ace, or Eagle depending on year, engine, and trim level, except for a small production run in its final year (1955) with models called Custom and Bermuda. The bodies for the Willys Aero were supplied by the Murray Body Corporation , which also made

2445-404: A four-door convertible. The roadster listed price was US$ 1,925 ($ 42,989 in 2023 dollars ) while the four-door convertible was US$ 2,195 ($ 49,018 in 2023 dollars ) which made the more esteemed "Imperial" brand almost identically priced to "Chrysler" branded products, while the engine displacement on the Series CH was larger. The 1932 Series CL remained the more prestigious Imperial and all coachwork

2608-403: A four-speed manual transmission. Coachbuilder Locke provided four convertible choices in both coupe and sedan configurations, and hydraulic four wheel brakes were now standard on all Chrysler products. The top level 1930 Series 80L Limousine was listed at US$ 3,575 ($ 65,205 in 2023 dollars ). The all-new 1931 "Chrysler Imperial 8" introduced the new in-line 8-cylinder engine which was shared with

2771-500: A fuel pump, rubber spring shackles and hydraulic shock absorbers , while introducing a narrow profile radiator that was slightly angled rearwards that was used by the Chrysler Eight and Imperial. The Series CJ was offered as a Roadster, Business Coupe or Convertible Coupe, which was listed at US$ 925 ($ 16,871 in 2023 dollars ) and a Touring Sedan or closed-body Royal Sedan, listed at US$ 845 ($ 15,412 in 2023 dollars ). The 1931 Series CM

2934-525: A larger sports car called the "Capeta" (Devil) in 1964, powered by the 2.6-litre six-cylinder Aero engine. In 1965, Willys–Overland do Brasil and Renault began collaborating on a new front-wheel drive car, called "Project M" and meant to replace the aging Dauphine. Developed in parallel with the Renault 12 , which it antedated, the car eventually saw light as the Ford Corcel . Early Corcels had "Willys" stamping in

3097-501: A lightweight reconnaissance car based on a design by American Bantam . In 1938, Joseph W. Frazer had joined Willys from Chrysler as chief executive. He saw a need to improve the firm's 4-cylinder engine to handle the abuse to which the vehicle would be subjected. This objective was brilliantly achieved by ex- Studebaker chief engineer Delmar "Barney" Roos , who wanted an engine that could develop 15 horsepower at 4,400 r.p.m. and run for 150 hours without failure. What he started with

3260-509: A listed price of US$ 1,198 ($ 25,931 in 2023 dollars ). For 1939, model names and series numbers were updated. The Series C-23 was shared with the Imperial, the New Yorker and the Saratoga . The straight eight was shared with all three and an aluminum cylinder head was optional on the high compression engine. Visual distinctions could be found in the interior fabrics, the number of chrome pieces in

3423-507: A minimum listed price of US$ 5,000 ($ 111,117 in 2023 dollars ). 1936 was the last year for the "Airflow" appearance, while there were some enhancements and features added to entice buyers. A new grille, all-steel roof construction and a luggage compartment was added. The wheelbase was lengthened and the doors and side windows. The front windshield was either split or curved one piece on the Imperial Custom and continued to be extendable from

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3586-591: A new car, commonly referred to as the Chrysler Six . To raise cash needed to pay off debts, many of the Willys Corporation assets were put on the auction block. The Elizabeth plant and the Chrysler Six prototype were sold to William C. Durant , then in the process of building a new, third empire. The plant built Durant's low-priced Star , while the Chrysler Six prototype was substantially reworked to become

3749-497: A new holding company that leased some of the properties back to W-O. The parent company was thus able to ride out the storm. In 1936, the Willys–Overland Motor Company was reorganized as Willys–Overland Motors. In 1937, Willys redesigned the 4-cylinder model. It gained a semistreamlined body with a slanted windshield, headlamps integrally embedded into the fenders, and a one-piece, rounded hood transversely hinged at

3912-470: A possible nationalist backlash, and to become eligible for various government incentives. The little tail-engined Dauphine was a result of Kaiser's Renault connection, and was produced by Willys do Brasil from 1959 until 1968. Willys–Overland was one of the first companies to enter the Brazilian passenger automobile market, and their early entry originally paid off, with sales spiking in 1954 when Willys became

4075-560: A price of US$ 3,875 ($ 60,545 in 2023 dollars ) with its competitors listed as the Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood and the Packard Custom Super Clipper . 1947 saw increased production at 740 despite an increase in price to US$ 4,305 ($ 58,743 in 2023 dollars ) with no appearance or feature changes and 1948 saw a drop in production to 495 and a price of US$ 4,767 ($ 65,047 in 2023 dollars ). The Imperial name returned for 1949 as

4238-464: A retractable glass partition between the driver and passenger compartment, installing leather seating for the driver and wool upholstery for the passenger compartment, Lockheed hydraulic brakes , and two-speed electric windshield wipers were standard. The listed price for the limousine was US$ 2,695 ($ 58,611 in 2023 dollars ). The 1941 Imperial Crown Series C-33 remained exclusive and special models were available. The Imperial Special Town Sedan used

4401-452: A sedan while the Imperial Crown limousine continued as Chrysler was celebrating their 25th anniversary. The short-wheelbase Imperial was only available as a four-door six-passenger sedan. The 4-door 8-passenger Imperial Crown was available as a sedan, or as a limousine with a retractable division window. 1949 Imperials are very rare as production records show only 50 Imperial sedans and 85 Imperial Crown limousines were built. The retail price for

4564-421: A side treatment in which the rear fender moldings and stone guard were separate. Body sill moldings were used on all Imperials, but were of a less massive type on the more massive Crown models. A special version of the limousine was available. It featured a unique leather interior and a leather top that blacked out the rear quarter-windows. Power windows were standard on the Imperial Crown . In an unusual move for

4727-576: A staff car. For 1938, The Series C-19 was shared with the Imperial and all-new New York Special which became the New Yorker in 1939. While the New York Special was offered as a Business Coupe, of which no records show one was ordered and built, and a four-door Touring Sedan, the Imperial Series C-19 was offered in six body choices and the chassis was available separately for additional coachwork selections. Three convertible choices, to include

4890-461: A two-door roadster with rumble seat and a four-door convertible were listed between US$ 1,123 ($ 24,308 in 2023 dollars ) and US$ 1,595 ($ 34,937 in 2023 dollars ). The Imperial Custom offered three factory coachwork choices and five custom choices provided by Derham to include two convertible and two Town Car Limousines. The Imperial Custom Series CW was no longer offered. According to documented records, 8,554 Series C-19 Touring Sedans were produced at

5053-422: Is a phonetic pronunciation of the abbreviation GP, but Ford did not start manufacturing jeeps until February 1941, after news of "jeeps" made by "Bantam" had already been widely reported in the newspapers nationwide. The Ford designation "GP" did not stand for "General Purpose", supposedly the "G" signifying government contract vehicle and "P" indicating the 80-inch wheelbase reconnaissance car. Ford may have chosen

Chrysler Six - Misplaced Pages Continue

5216-461: The 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans . All were driven by French teams while two finished third and fourth in their class, which only consisted of two Bentley 4½ Litre and one Stutz Vertical Eight BB , while two cars did not finish due to radiator and starter failure. The Series 62 was badge engineered again and introduced as the DeSoto Six in 1929. Production year 1929 introduced two series platforms as

5379-477: The 1929 24 Hours of Le Mans , where both were driven by the same French teams from the previous year and finished sixth and seventh in their class, which only consisted of three Bentley 4½ Litres . The new decade 1930 saw updated styling and engineering efforts for Chrysler, that introduced the Chrysler Six Series CJ, which was a downsized version of the Series 66, Series 70 and the Series 77. The timing

5542-494: The Buick Motor Company , his employer from 1911 to 1919. Chrysler offered a variety of body styles: a two/four-passenger roadster (four passenger if car had the rumble seat ), a four-seat coupé , five-passenger sedan and phaeton , and a seven-passenger top-of-the-line limousine . The limo had a glass partition between the front and rear passenger compartments. Imperials could be distinguished from Chrysler products by

5705-601: The CJ series of civilian Jeeps. One variation was the Jeepster , which came with a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine, but only with two-wheel drive to the rear. In 1952, Willys re-entered the car market with a new compact car, the Willys Aero . At first available only as a two-door sedan, it was available with either an L-head or F-head six-cylinder engine. Export markets could get the Aero with

5868-491: The Chrysler Building , and had ostensibly offered it on cars in 1941–42, and again in 1951–52, but none are known to have been sold in the latter form until the 1953 model year. In installing optional Airtemp air conditioning units to its Imperials in 1953, Chrysler beat Cadillac , Buick and Oldsmobile which added air conditioning as an option in the 1953 model year. Airtemp was more sophisticated and efficient than

6031-572: The Chrysler Eight Series CP in smaller displacements. The car received a new 384.4 cu in (6.3 L) Chrysler flathead Straight-8 with a Stromberg Model DD-3 carburetor. The Imperial introduced a vee-type radiator, a long straight hood that displayed " torpedo " styling, and wide flowing fenders with a split and slanted windshield and showed visual similarities to the Cord L-29 . Various features considered luxurious in nature at

6194-751: The Duesenberg Motors Company plant in Elizabeth, New Jersey . The New Jersey plant was replaced by a new, larger facility in Indianapolis , and was to be the site of production for a new Willys Six at an adjacent site, but the depression of 1920–21 brought the Willys Corporation to its knees. The bankers hired Walter P. Chrysler to sort out the mess and the first model to go was the Willys Six, deemed an engineering disaster. Chrysler had three auto engineers: Owen Skelton , Carl Breer , and Fred Zeder (later nicknamed The Three Musketeers ) begin work on

6357-583: The Lincoln Continental was changed to a front-wheel-drive sedan with a V6 engine. Other domestic competitors in this segment included the Cadillac Sedan de Ville / Fleetwood , Oldsmobile 98 and Buick Electra / Park Avenue , all of which shared General Motors ' then-flagship C platform. Though closely related, efforts were made to distinguish the Imperial from the New Yorker Fifth Avenue:

6520-611: The Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company and in 1912 renamed it Willys–Overland Motor Company. From 1912 to 1918, Willys was the second-largest producer of automobiles in the United States after Ford Motor Company . In 1913, Willys acquired a license to build Charles Yale Knight 's sleeve-valve engine, which it used in cars bearing the Willys–Knight nameplate. In the mid-1920s, Willys also acquired

6683-497: The Studebaker Big Six . When the Willys Corporation went bankrupt in 1919, William C. Durant , who had been fired as president of General Motors for a second time, out bid the purchase of their modern factory in Elizabeth, New Jersey which originally built Duesenbergs , including several prototypes and the Willys Six, against Walter Chrysler who was only interested in the Willys Six car. For his new company, Chrysler needed

Chrysler Six - Misplaced Pages Continue

6846-685: The Willys trademark was acquired by Italian Carrozzeria Viotti , declaration of Emanuele Bomboi (head of design of Viotti). Carrozzeria Viotti together with Fabbrica Italiana Maggiora introduced at the Bologna Motor Show 2014 the Willys AW 380 Berlineta, a concept car inspired by the original Willys Interlagos assembled by Willys in Brazil under license of the French Alpine. Viotti and Maggiora plans to produce

7009-436: The luxury car field, while the newly formed company only had a large displacement straight-six to offer. The new model, called Imperial, had a new engine that was slightly larger than the company's standard straight 6 installed in the Chrysler Six . It was a 288.6 cu in (4.7 L) six-cylinder with seven bearing blocks and pressure lubrication of 92 brake horsepower (69 kW). Large displacement engines provided

7172-640: The "ordinary" Chryslers. This was also the first year for the stylized eagle hood ornament. Power brakes, power windows, center folding armrests (front and rear) and a padded dash were standard. Parking lights on all Imperials were positioned between the top and center grille moldings, a variation from the design used on other Chrysler cars. A new model was the six-passenger Imperial Custom limousine which had as standard equipment electric windows, electric division window, floor level courtesy lamps, rear compartment heater, fold-up footrests, seatback mounted clock and special luxury cloth or leather interiors. On 10 March 1953,

7335-470: The ' Airflow ' design, reflecting an interest in streamlining . The car was marketed with the slogan "The car of tomorrow is here today." The 1934 Series CV featured eight-passenger seating and again an eight-cylinder engine while it was the Chrysler Airflow Series CV with Imperial luxury appearance and additional optional features as standard equipment, including vacuum assisted power brakes and

7498-585: The 1923 Flint . Walter Chrysler and the three engineers who had been working on the Chrysler Six all moved on to Maxwell - Chalmers where they continued their work, ultimately launching the Chrysler Six in January 1924. (In 1925, the Maxwell car company became the Chrysler Corporation .) In 1926, Willys–Overland introduced a new line of small cars named Willys–Overland Whippet. In the economic depression of

7661-594: The 1930s, a number of Willys automotive brands faltered. Stearns-Knight was liquidated in 1929. Whippet production ended in 1931; its models were replaced by the Willys Six and Eight. Production of the Willys-Knight ended in 1933. There was also a pickup truck version of the Whippet, called the Willys-Six C-113 (reflecting its wheelbase in inches). This was not a sales success, with a mere 198 units being built. This vehicle

7824-569: The 1937 Indy 500 and was painted silver and black to celebrate the racetracks 25th anniversary. According to 1937 documented records, 11,976 Series C-14 Touring Sedans were produced at a listed price of US$ 1,100 ($ 23,314 in 2023 dollars ). While the Imperial Custom Series CW was offered in its final year for 1937, documentation does not record that one was built, while three 1937 Series CW were recorded to have been updated with 1936 appearance features and LeBaron bodywork . The first one

7987-583: The 1949 Imperial was US$ 4,664 ($ 59,725 in 2023 dollars ) and US$ 5,334 ($ 62,613 in 2023 dollars ) for the Imperial Crown limousine. The new custom-built Imperial sedan was based on the Chrysler New Yorker . It shared the same trim, but had a canvas-covered roof and leather and broadcloth Imperial upholstery. These features were installed by Derham , on the all new postwar Chrysler sheetmetal. Early 1949 Imperial Crowns were leftover 1948s. The really new models didn't arrive until March 1949. Their styling

8150-428: The 1950s, the 1951 Imperial had noticeably less chrome than the lower-priced New Yorker that was its base. It also had three horizontal grille bars with the parking lights between the bars and a chrome vertical center piece. Aside from its front fender nameplate, side body trim was limited to the moldings below the windows, rocker panel moldings, bright metal stone shields and a heavy horizontal molding strip running across

8313-748: The 1961 NHRA Nationals A/G title. Chrysler Imperial The Chrysler Imperial , introduced in 1926, was Chrysler 's top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced under the Chrysler name until 1954, after which Imperial became a standalone make ; and again from 1990–93. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque to rival Cadillac , Continental , Lincoln , Duesenberg , Pierce Arrow , Cord , and Packard . According to Antique Automobile , "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." For several decades and multiple generations,

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8476-433: The 1974 models, the "Chrysler" badging was again removed from car bodies, with only the "Imperial" nameplate appearing. In April 1955 Chrysler and Philco announced the development and production of the world's first all-transistor car radio. The radio, Mopar model 914HR, was a $ 150.00 "option", or equal to $ 1584 today on 1956 Imperial automobile models. Philco began manufacturing the all-transistor car radio for Chrysler in

8639-457: The 323.5 cu in (5.3 L) Chrysler flathead straight eight with an aluminum cylinder head and overdrive manual transmission, and body style choices were a two-door coupe, four-door sedan and four-door Town Sedan on a 128 in (3,251 mm) wheelbase, and were priced at US$ 1,625 ($ 37,011 in 2023 dollars ). The longer wheelbase Imperial Custom Airflow Series CX offered only sedan choices, to include Town Sedan and Limousine choices on

8802-628: The CJ had already been replaced with the Jeep Wrangler (also known as the YJ and later TJ ). The Jeep marque, owned by DaimlerChrysler and later Fiat S.p.A. and Stellantis , produces Jeep vehicles at a new Toledo Complex . DaimlerChrysler introduced the Overland name for a trim package on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee . The badging is a recreation of the Overland nameplate from the early twentieth century. In 2014,

8965-432: The Chrysler Six, with the Series 65 with a 112.75 in (2,864 mm) wheelbase and the Series 75 had a 121 in (3,073 mm) wheelbase. Both Series shared narrow profile radiators and the cowl height was increased. The ignition switch was upgraded to a keyhole, and the crown depth of the fenders over the wheels was lengthened, and built-in adjustable radiator shutters were introduced as well. The color combination of

9128-579: The Dietrich Convertible Sedan at US$ 6,795 ($ 120,572 in 2023 dollars ). Total Chrysler calendar year production was recorded at 160,670, their all-time high pre-war until decades later Model years 1929 and 1930 Series 80L were essentially unchanged from the 1928 version as engineering efforts were focusing on the 1931 Series CG Straight Eight, while there were some engineering advancements, to include thermostatically controlled automatic adjusting exterior radiator shutters, vertical hood louvers and

9291-754: The F. B. Stearns Company of Cleveland and assumed continued production of the Stearns-Knight luxury car, as well. John Willys acquired the Electric Auto-Lite Company in 1914 and in 1917 formed the Willys Corporation to act as his holding company . In 1916, it acquired the Russell Motor Car Company of Toronto , Ontario , and the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company in Buffalo, New York , by 1917, New Process Gear , and in 1919 acquired

9454-466: The Imperial Crown limousine returned. The 1946 Imperial Crown continued the tradition of sharing a common appearance with all Chrysler branded vehicles and could be distinguished by the 145.5 in (3,696 mm) wheelbase, wool broadcloth upholstery for rear passengers with leather upholstery for the drivers divider window separated front compartment and other standard luxury features. The Series C-40 production records show that only 165 were built at

9617-423: The Imperial for an additional $ 226 and it was standard on the Imperial Crown. 1952 Imperials were practically identical to the 1951 models, and the most effective way to tell the difference between them is through reference to serial numbers. The convertible bodystyle was dropped in 1952. Unlike the case with Chryslers, the Imperial's taillights were not changed. Power steering was standard. The "new" Imperial Crown

9780-429: The Imperial was the exclusive Chrysler and the favorite choice of luxurious transportation for senior executive leadership, government officials, royalty and various celebrities in comparison to the more affordable Chrysler New Yorker . Over the years the appearance, technological advancements and luxurious accommodations updated with the latest trends and fashionable appearances. Limousines, town cars and convertibles were

9943-481: The Imperial's nose was more wedge-shaped, while the New Yorker Fifth Avenue's initially had a sharper, more angular profile (before gaining a more rounded front and rear); the Imperial's rear was more contoured, the New Yorker Fifth Avenue's more sharply angled; the Imperial got a full-width taillight treatment (similar to the contemporary Chrysler TC ) and reminiscent of the early 1980s Imperial coupe), while

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10106-509: The Imperial. For 1934, the Chrysler Airflow was introduced to replace the eight-cylinder Chrysler Royal and the Series CA and CB were intended to be the final version of this platform. Minor changes included valanced front and rear fenders that hung from behind the wheels, horizontal hood louvers, and body colored radiator shells that concealed the radiator. An independent front suspension

10269-615: The Jeep called the Rural, and the French Renault Dauphine small car. Also, an abortive plan was made to create a company called Chrysler-Willys do Brasil SA to build the 1956 Plymouth Savoy and a Dodge truck there, in the hope of taking advantage of Willys' "Brazilian-made" credentials. Willys went through considerable effort to appear as a Brazilian company, even selling a large portion of their company to Brazilian stockholders to forestall

10432-658: The Kercheval Body Factory of Detroit which became the Chrysler Factory at Jefferson Avenue. The hood ornament/radiator cap was a stylized Viking Winged helmet . In 1926, the Model B-70 was replaced by the Model G-70, of which 72,039 G-70s out of a total of 108,600 Chryslers had been built. The G-70 was an appearance upgrade while the previous B-70 had only been manufactured for two years. There were minor changes made to

10595-408: The New Yorker Fifth Avenue's taillights were small and vertical; and the Imperial's seats were more streamlined than the signature button-tufted, pillowed-cushioned seating of the New Yorker Fifth Avenue. Initially, the 1990 Imperial was powered by the 147 hp (110 kW) 3.3 L EGA V6 engine , which was rated at 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) of torque. For 1991, the 3.3 L V6 was replaced by

10758-446: The Series 72 offered similar appearances and model naming conventions but modestly priced without the "Imperial" name. Advancements shared with the Series 62 and 72 include a taller radiator, headlight posts attached to the chassis directly, tubular front axle, rubber shock insulators on leaf springs, with throttle and headlight controls installed on the steering wheel center hub. Convenience items included an electric gas gauge installed in

10921-475: The Series C-37 designation, listing the limousine at US$ 3,065 ($ 57,155 in 2023 dollars ). As with all U.S.-built automobiles, production was suspended February 1942 due to World War II production demands, and did not resume until the 1946 model year. When Chrysler discontinued the Imperial model name, the "Imperial" name was introduced on top-level Cadillac Series 70 limousines , starting in 1941 until 1946 when

11084-535: The Series CU Airflow wasn't due to the unibody construction. The Series CA roadster convertible was available for US$ 865 ($ 19,701 in 2023 dollars ), and the four-door sedan was listed at US$ 845 ($ 19,246 in 2023 dollars ) while the longer Series CB was available for US$ 970 ($ 22,093 in 2023 dollars ) for the Convertible Sedan. The Chrysler Airstream is an automobile produced by Chrysler in 1935 and 1936 and

11247-566: The Stromberg IV Model EX-32 carburetor. Only three sedan coachwork choices were offered for the Series CL sedan with the 146 in (3,708 mm) wheelbase. Production records document 3,838 Series CQ and 151 Series CL were manufactured, including six Chassis and Cowl only requests. Imperial CX 137.5 in (3,492 mm) (1934) Imperial CX 137 in (3,480 mm) (1935-1936) The Chrysler Imperial introduced in 1934 offered

11410-588: The US Army in 1940. Ford, American Bantam , and Willys all manufactured jeeps for the US Army in 1941. Production of the Willys MB , commonly called a jeep, began in November 1941. Ford, American Bantam , and Willys together produced 8,598 units in 1940. Willys–Overland ranked 48th among United States corporations in the value of World War II military production contracts. In total, 647,870 military Jeeps were manufactured by

11573-674: The Willys Rural/Pickup and its derivatives were built as the Ford F-75 until 1983. The only visual difference is that the post-1970 cars have a tailgate with "Ford" rather than "Jeep" stamped in it. The military version of the Jeep Pickup was called the F-85. In America, the company had already changed its name in 1963 to Kaiser-Jeep Corporation; the Willys name disappeared thereafter. Kaiser-Jeep

11736-574: The Willys and Kaiser cars continued to fall. Willys–Overland established its Brazilian operations in 1953, just before the Kaiser-Frazer takeover. The tooling for the Aero went to Brazil, where it entered production in 1960. In 1956–1957, Brazil's Executive Group for the Automotive Industry (GEIA) had approved Willys–Overland for production of the Aero, the Willys MB Jeep, a truck version of

11899-572: The appearance was panned in favor of competitors, while the conventionally styled Chrysler Airstream was better received that replaced the Chrysler Series CA and Series CB. Total production documented records show 2,598 Series C-2 coupes and sedans were manufactured, while just 125 Series C-3 rolled off the assembly line, accounting for both coupe and sedan production. The top level Series CW recorded only 32 limousines that could accommodate eight passengers, offering four different coachwork choices for

12062-430: The base outwards while a separate retractable cowl ventilator remained to provide fresh air inside the passenger compartment. Production numbers continued to fall to a total of 4,500 Series C-10 sedans and coupes and 75 Series C-11 sedans and limousines. A total of 10 Series CW were documented to be sold while the actual manufacture date were previous years that were registered, and dated as 1936 models. The pricing structure

12225-452: The boards and produce two new models – the 4-cylinder Willys 77 and the 6-cylinder Willys 99 – but since the firm was once again on the verge of bankruptcy, only the 77 went into production. It was forced to sell its Canadian subsidiary, itself in weak financial shape, and started a massive reorganization. Only the main assembly plant and some smaller factories remained the property of Willys–Overland. The other assets were sold off to

12388-448: The bodies for the short-lived Hudson Jet . Also in 1952, CJ-3B Jeeps went into production. By 1968, over 155,000 were sold. In 1953, Kaiser Motors purchased Willys–Overland and changed the company's name to Willys Motor Company. The same year, production of the Kaiser car was moved from Willow Run, Michigan, to the Willys plant at Toledo, Ohio. Although Jeep production was steady, sales of

12551-490: The braking effort. This was accomplished by small balls set into oval holes leading to the brake surface. When the disc made initial contact with the friction surface, the balls would be forced up the holes forcing the discs further apart and augmenting the braking energy. This made for lighter braking pressure than with calipers, avoided brake fade, promoted cooler running, and provided one-third more friction surface than standard Chrysler 12-inch (300 mm) drums. But because of

12714-700: The carryover longer wheelbase choices and the straight-eight engine. Chrysler discontinued the "Airstream" model name for both Chrysler and DeSoto at the beginning of the 1937 model year and reintroduced the Chrysler Royal Series C-16 for six-cylinder and the Chrysler Imperial Series C-14 for the eight-cylinder. Source: Slauson, H. W.; Howard Greene (1926). " "Leading American Motor Cars" ". Everyman's Guide to Motor Efficiency . New York: Leslie-Judge Company. Willys Willys (pronounced / ˈ w ɪ l ɪ s / , "Willis" )

12877-566: The company purchased Dodge in 1928, while the entry level Chrysler Series 50 was rebranded Plymouth in 1928, and DeSoto would be introduced in 1929. The Series 60 was developed from the previous Series 50 which only had a four-cylinder engine, then was changed to the Plymouth Model Q. The Series 60 had upgraded interior and the six-cylinder engine and upscale appearance items, and was offered in six, two-door body style choices to include roadsters with only two, four-door body style selections of

13040-403: The company's final year, making it a puzzle why it became popular: it was neither cheap nor plentiful. After the company revived, the 1937–1942 coupés, sedans, and pickups were again popular with hot rodders and gasser teams, and again, comparatively low production leaves unexplained why they gained so much attention. Ollie Olsen's Wil-A-Meaner 1940 coupé (driven by Bob "Rapid" Dwyer) won

13203-502: The complicated rival air conditioners of 1953. It recirculated, rather than merely cooled, the air inside the vehicle, and it was also the highest capacity unit available on an automobile. It was also simple to operate, with a single switch on the dashboard marked with low, medium, and high positions, which the driver selected as desired. The system was capable of cooling a Chrysler from 120 degrees to 85 degrees in about two minutes, and of eliminating humidity, dust, pollen and tobacco smoke at

13366-533: The customer desired—even a Dictaphone . Prices ranged from US$ 2,745 ($ 54,996 in 2023 dollars ) for the factory supplied four-door, five-passenger Sedan to US$ 3,575 ($ 71,625 in 2023 dollars ) for the LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton. Stock car driver Harry Hartz set numerous speed records with a 1933 Imperial sedan at Daytona Beach, Florida . A roadster was entered in the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans competition but did not finish due to radiator failure. It

13529-468: The dashboard was how the different series could be distinguished, with silver and black for the Series 65 and gold and black for the Series 75. Delco Remy Lovejoy hydraulic shock absorbers were now available on all Series. Coachwork choices were reduced for the Series 65 and added to the Series 75, listing five coupe selections and seven sedan choices, listing four separate convertible sedan options. One Series 75 and one Series 77 roadsters were again entered in

13692-413: The dealerships, and the Imperial continued to feature unique features (such as hidden headlights as featured since 1969, optional antilock brakes as offered since 1971, and standard four-wheel disc brakes in both 1974 and 1975), the wheelbase was reduced to the same 124" as other big Chryslers. Although there were no Imperials produced between 1976 and 1978, the styling that was previously used for Imperial

13855-552: The door openings, headlight design had exterior trim changes while the exterior headlight housings had lengthened. There were several body style choices offered in both two-door and four door configurations, and among them was the Chrysler Touring four-door, five-passenger which was listed at US$ 1,395 ($ 24,009 in 2023 dollars ). There was for the first time a trim package called Royal Coupe and Crown Sedan which in later years became model names. The only engine displacement offered

14018-521: The early 1960s, when they built an assembly plant for the Jeep in the state of Pernambuco . In 1962, Willys started building the French Alpine A108 as the Willys Interlagos. It was produced until 1966 and was the first Brazilian-made sports car. It was also the car in which many Brazilian racers cut their teeth, including greats such as Emerson Fittipaldi . Willys also designed and showed

14181-400: The end of World War II , 362,841 by Willys, 280,448 by Ford and 2,675 by American Bantam. The word "Jeep" was first used to describe US Army "midget cars" in a January 1941 newspaper article, mentioning "Bantam" as the manufacturer. In January 1941 American Bantam was the only manufacturer that had actually fulfilled purchase orders to deliver jeeps to the US Army. Some people believe "jeep"

14344-415: The exclusive Imperial Custom Newport hardtop was added to the Imperial line at $ 325 over the price of the eight-passenger sedan ($ 3,701 in 2023 dollars ). The 2-door Club coupe was discontinued. Imperial Custom sedans now rode on a wheelbase 2 inches (51 mm) longer than the 2-door hardtops. The eagle ornament was about the only thing new on the 1953 Imperial Crown. The nameplate was changed slightly and

14507-577: The expense, the brakes were only standard on the Chrysler Imperial Crown through 1954 and the Town and Country Newport in 1950. They were optional, however, on other Chryslers, priced around $ 400, at a time when an entire Crosley Hot Shot retailed for $ 935. Today's owners consider the Ausco-Lambert very reliable and powerful, but admit its grabbiness and sensitivity. The 1950 Imperial was essentially

14670-504: The factory built aircraft assemblies for Lockheed Hudson bombers. When the war ended, the factory resumed automobile production and was one of two locations to build the first CJ2A, as well as the Willys Aero. The factory was closed in 1954. The location is now occupied by Prologis Eaves Distribution Center. Willys–Overland was one of two bidders when the United States Army sought an automaker that could begin rapid production of

14833-408: The fall of 1955 at its Sandusky, Ohio plant. 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. This marketing strategy suffered because the cars were rarely (if ever) sold in stand-alone Imperial showrooms. Cadillac and Lincoln did a much better job of separating their luxury marques from

14996-485: The fender strips. Three 2-door bodystyles were added to the Imperial model in 1951: a Club coupe , a hardtop , and a convertible . Only 650 convertibles were sold and it would be discontinued the following year, with a listed price of US$ 4,402 ($ 51,673 in 2023 dollars ). 1951 was also the year that Chrysler introduced its 331 cu in (5.4 L) Hemihead V8 . "Hydraguide" power steering , an industry first for use in production automobiles, became available on

15159-421: The front passenger compartment, the doors on both two- and four-door vehicles were hinged in the center, so that the front doors opened from the leading edge of the doors, or in a " suicide door " manner, but the rear doors opened at the trailing edge, or in a conventional manner. Ventilation doors on the sides of the engine compartment were now individual doors instead of vertical louvers, sharing an appearance with

15322-530: The glass, and the Corcel line (which continued in production until 1997 as the Ford Pampa ) always showed its French origins in its characteristic three-bolt wheels. In 1967, Ford took a controlling interest in Kaiser and thereby gained control of Willys–Overland do Brasil. The Aero-based Itamaraty continued in production until the early 1970s, in latter years wearing "Ford" badges. Dauphine production ended in 1968, but

15485-520: The grille and nameplate badges installed. A Victoria coachwork choice, provided by Hayes Body Company, was offered on the Imperial along with either a two-door Business Coupe or five-passenger Brougham Coupe and a four-door sedan. The top level Series C-24 offered three factory provided sedans, including a limousine, or three convertible body style choices from Derham. The car pictured is J.G. Martin's (retired airline mechanic) 1939 Series C-24 7-passenger Limousine Sedan, believed by him and his son Tim to be

15648-572: The hope of offsetting their shrinking market and losses at home. However, unlike in the case of the Argentinian Kaiser operations, which were essentially developed around hand-me-downs, Willys built a very modern plant from the ground up in Brazil. The original promise was to build cars for export back to the United States, but such a situation never materialized. However, by late 1961, Brazilian-built Willys Jeeps began to be exported to Chile . Willys expanded into Brazil's impoverished northeast in

15811-454: The horsepower and torque clients wanted and due to the low quality of gasoline fuel at the time, and low compression ratios , 50 bhp was more than adequate. It is estimated that the rating equivalent of early gasoline available varied from 40 to 60 octane and that the "High-Test", sometimes referred to as "fighting grade", probably averaged 50 to 65 octane. The front axle was solid and the suspension consisted of semi-elliptic leaf springs while

15974-474: The instrument panel, ignition lock on the dashboard, and an exterior mounted sun visor. Prices listed for the Series 62 four-door, five passenger Landau Sedan was documented at US$ 1,235 ($ 21,662 in 2023 dollars ) on a 109 in (2,769 mm) wheelbase while the Series 72 four-door, five passenger Imperial Town Cabriolet by LeBaron was listed at US$ 3,595 ($ 63,057 in 2023 dollars ) on a 120.5 in (3,061 mm) wheelbase. Four Series 72 roadsters were entered in

16137-630: The junior Series CH Imperial while the previous Series CG became the Series CL and took the name Imperial Custom to continue to provide individually requested, customized vehicles. The Series CH was related to the Chrysler Series CP in that the straight-eight engine, and most features were shared while the Imperial Series CH was offered with many standard features that were optional on the Series CP. The Series CH and CL featured all steel body work,

16300-456: The letters GP because Bantam vehicles were already being called "jeeps", even in early 1941. The first documented use of the word "Jeep" was the name of the character Eugene the Jeep in the Popeye comic strip, known for his supernatural abilities ( e.g. , walking through walls). It was also the name of a small tractor supplied to the U.S. Army by Minneapolis-Moline in 1937. Whatever the source,

16463-409: The limousine featured moldings on top of the rear fenders. Imperial Crowns came with a 12-volt electrical system (Imperial Customs still had a 6-volt system) and Chrysler's first fully automatic transmission , called PowerFlite , became available late in the model year, being installed in a limited number of cars for testing and evaluation. Power steering was standard on Imperial Crowns. Also, 1953

16626-471: The lower priced cars that they sold. Imperial was instead offered at the Chrysler dealer network alongside Chrysler's offerings, and the marque was almost universally known as "Chrysler Imperial" in the public's mind for this reason, despite the fact that all existing dealerships did indeed carry separate "Imperial" dealership signs distinct from Chrysler. The Imperial automobiles continued to be retailed through Chrysler dealerships. A distinct marketing channel

16789-582: The name stuck and on February 13, 1943, Willys–Overland filed a trademark application on the use of the term "Jeep" with the U.S. Patent Office. After several denials by the patent office and appeals by Willys–Overland, the trademark "Jeep" was finally awarded to the company on June 13, 1950. Willys also built 1292 airframes for the JB-2 Loon . After the war, Willys did not resume production of its passenger-car models, choosing instead to concentrate on Jeeps and Jeep-based vehicles. The first postwar Willys product

16952-400: The number-one selling car. Being distributed by the family of Getúlio Vargas ' closest advisor Osvaldo Aranha also helped, and Willys–Overland reached a 52% share of Brazilian passenger car production in 1959. Willys held a market share of around 30% in Brazil from 1960 until 1966, its last full year as an independent, mostly Brazilian-owned company. Willys entered the Brazilian market in

17115-535: The only 1939 production 7-passenger limousine still on the road. The listed price was US$ 2,695 ($ 59,032 in 2023 dollars ). One of three Imperial Custom Convertible Town Car by Derham was specially built for the 1939 royal tour of Canada of British King George VI and Queen Elizabeth when their visit was in the United States. This car was then donated to the Detroit American Legion post. Following an assassination attempt in 1937, an armoured Chrysler Imperial

17278-520: The optional items were a removable windshield and wind wings for coupes installed with a rumbleseat. The Dodge Six was first introduced in 1927 and was based on the Chrysler Six Series 60. For 1928 the Series 62 and Series 72 offered appearance changes and engineering improvements, adding more standard equipment while keeping retail prices unchanged. As the flagship Imperial Series 80L began to offer customized coachwork choices for additional cost,

17441-409: The passengers instead of blowing directly on them, a feature that modern cars have lost. In 1954 the Imperial Custom had a new grille consisting of a heavy wraparound horizontal center bar with five ridges on top and integrated circular signal lights. Its front fender nameplate was above a chrome strip, which ran the length of the front door to the front of the door opening. The rear fender stone guard

17604-468: The previous Series CH and the wheelbase lost 10 in (254 mm) and the 298.65 cu in (4.9 L) Chrysler I8 had reduced displacement. Three two-door, two-passenger coupes to include a Victoria and Roadster Convertible, and two four-door, five-passenger choices with one sedan convertible were offered by Briggs. Mechanical improvements offered were a silent, helical gear three-speed transmission, an improved oil filter and an automatic choke for

17767-470: The race, and Sir Malcolm Campbell set a lap record of 100 mph (160.93 km/h) at Brooklands in a streamlined roadster . In the following year, Maxwell became the Chrysler Corporation. The cars continued to be built almost unchanged, only the split windshield on the open models was replaced by a one-piece, top-hinged version. From mid-1925, Chrysler produced its own bodies after purchasing

17930-445: The rear suspension was a differential axle, and also using semi-elliptic leaf springs. The use of the "imperial" name being exclusively used on Chrysler's flagship had been previously used by Buick, Cadillac and Packard for top level limousines. The hood ornament/radiator cap was a stylized Viking Winged helmet . The car set a transcontinental speed record in the year it was introduced, driving more than 6,500 miles (10,460 km) in

18093-499: The rear. For 1939, the Model 39 featured Lockheed hydraulic brakes, a two-inch increase in wheelbase to 102 inches and an improved 134 DID four-cylinder engine with power increased from 48 to 61 hp. The Model 39 was marketed as an Overland and as a Willys–Overland rather than as a Willys. In 1929, the company built a factory that built vehicles located at what is now 6201 Randolph Street, Commerce, California . During World War II ,

18256-573: The same Airstream name was also sold by Chrysler's companion brand DeSoto during the period. The "suicide door" approach was revised to the rear doors while the front doors opened conventionally, while the previous generation had the door hinged installed on the "b-pillar" providing rearward opening front doors. For 1936, the Airstream Series C-7 was installed with the straight-six, while the Deluxe Airstream Series C-8 came with

18419-502: The same engine and transmission, with clear styling influence from the CJ-2A Jeep. The next year came a "Jeep" Utility Truck with four-wheel drive. In 1948, the wagon was available in four-wheel drive, making it the ancestor of all sport utility vehicles . Willys planned to re-enter the passenger car market in 1947 with the Willys 6–70 sedan. Its name came from the fact it was powered by a 6-cylinder engine that produced 70 hp. The 6–70

18582-401: The same time. Since it relied on fresh air, and drew in sixty percent more of it than any contemporary system, Airtemp avoided the staleness associated with automotive air conditioning at the time. It was silent and unobtrusive. Instead of plastic tubes mounted on the package shelf as on GM and on other cars, small ducts directed cool air toward the ceiling of the car where it filtered down around

18745-529: The series names and ended the original appearance body work introduced in 1925. Engineering advances and appearances that were first introduced in 1931 on the Imperial Eight had become standard equipment on all Chryslers, to include the Series CI. Model year 1933 Series CO was largely a carryover with front fenders that extended forward and the crown of the fenders was deeper to cover the wheels. To aid entry into

18908-457: The shorter New Yorker chassis with an Imperial Crown nameplate with a listed price of US$ 1,675 ($ 36,458 in 2023 dollars ). Laidlaw interior fabrics, Goodyear Double Eagle Tires installed on " Safety Rim " pressed steel wheels, and hydroelectric power windows lifts were some of the items installed. The body work appearance was shared with Chrysler products for 1941 and 1942. The only Series C-33 Imperial Crown chassis, with Derham-supplied body work,

19071-529: The side body. The 1950 Crosley Hot Shot is often given credit for the first production disc brakes but the Chrysler Imperial Crown had them first as standard equipment at the beginning of the 1949 model year. The Crosley disc was a Goodyear development, a caliper type with ventilated rotor, originally designed for aircraft applications. Only the Hot Shot featured it. Lack of sufficient research caused enormous reliability problems, especially in regions requiring

19234-676: The straight six and the straight eight, and was given the model designation Series C-6 for the six cylinder, while the Airstream Series CZ was installed with the straight eight. The Airstream DeLuxe Series C-1 was offered with two wheelbase choices and standard straight eight. The Airstream Deluxe Series C-1 was a junior model to the Airflow which shared the Series C-1 designation and the Chrysler Straight Eight. The Airstream Series C-6

19397-610: The three to Chalmers , where they resumed development from mid-1923 at the point at which it had been interrupted by Durant. In January 1924, the finished product was ceremoniously presented to the public as the Chrysler Six Model B-70 in the Commodore Hotel on the occasion of the New York Auto Show . The Chrysler Six Model B-70 is a full-size car that was the first car produced by Chrysler from 1924 to 1925. It

19560-427: The three-inch-longer (127 vs. 124") wheelbase as compared to Chrysler sedans. They continued to use their unique front suspension with torsion bars longer than all other Chrysler products and a rubber-isolated subframe crossmember containing the torsion bar anchors, as well as full instrumentation backed up by warning lights. In 1974 and 1975, separate brochures were published and separate Imperial signs still stood above

19723-684: The time included dual sun visors, adjustable front seats and steering column, rust-proof fenders, wire-spoked wheels, automatic heater control, safety glass and Lockheed supplied hydraulic brakes . To minimize engine vibration from being felt by passengers, an isolation feature called " Floating Power " was introduced. The Imperial Series CG offered four sedan coachwork choices from Briggs , while LeBaron offered four convertible coupe and sedan choices. At least ten Individual Custom 2-door coupes were documented from individual coachwork providers Waterhouse , Drauz and LeBaron. These were custom built to specification, and were variously equipped with anything

19886-400: The use of a distinctive scalloped hood and radiator shell and a 120 in (3,048 mm) wheelbase, which shared an appearance with Packard and the Buick Master Six . The Berline Limousine was listed at US$ 3,595 ($ 61,872 in 2023 dollars ). The 1927 Imperial Series 80 saw minor engineering improvements, while the high compression "Red Head" 288.6 cu in (4.7 L) straight-six

20049-399: The use of salt on winter roads, such as sticking and corrosion. Drum brake conversion for Hot Shots was quite popular. The Chrysler 4-wheel disc brake system was more complex and expensive than Crosley's, but far more efficient and reliable. It was built by Auto Specialties Manufacturing Company (Ausco) of St. Joseph, Michigan , under patents of inventor H.L. Lambert, and was first tested on

20212-410: The usual appearances, while special coachwork choices were provided by the industry's best providers, to include Derham, Fleetwood, LeBaron, and others. The Chrysler Imperial rose was cultivated in 1952 and used to promote the brand. In 1926, Walter P. Chrysler decided to compete with North American marques Cadillac , Lincoln , Packard , Pierce Arrow , Studebaker , Cord , and Duesenberg in

20375-457: The vehicle in limited edition and relaunch the Willys marque. Stellantis reintroduced the Willys name as a trimline for the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck in the early 2020s. The 1933–1936 coupés and pickups were very popular gassers . The best-known would be the 1933 Willys 77 . Only 12,800 were sold in 1933, 13,234 in 1934, 10,644 in 1935 (including a new panel delivery ), and 30,825

20538-454: The week. The car was chosen as the pace car for the 1926 Indianapolis 500 . The model was designated E-80, the 80 being after the "guaranteed" 80 miles per hour (129 km/h) all-day cruising speed. Acceleration was also brisk, breaking 20 seconds to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h). Four-speed manual transmission was added in 1930. The attention to luxury and multiple bodystyles was a similar approach to one Mr. Chrysler used as president of

20701-419: Was a brand name used by Willys–Overland Motors , an American automobile company, founded by John North Willys . It was best known for its design and production of World War II –era military jeeps (MBs), Willys M38 and M38A1 military jeeps as well as civilian versions (Jeep CJs) , and branding the 'jeep' military slang -word into the '(Universal)   Jeep ' marque. In 1908, John Willys bought

20864-460: Was a continuation of the previous Chrysler Six Series CA, where Chrysler retrimmed the "CA", gave the car rear fender skirts, and rolled out a model that they hoped would appeal to Depression -era buyers. By marketing the Airstream alongside the Airflow, Chrysler could offer a product the public would purchase while hoping to produce enough Airflows to offset their development costs. A similar car, with

21027-551: Was also unchanged for 1952. Only 338 of these cars were made in the 1951–1952 model run, and serial numbers indicate that 205 were registered as 1952 automobiles. A minor change was a one-inch (2.5 cm) reduction in the front tread measurement. In 1953 the Imperial model was renamed the Imperial Custom. Although the Imperial Custom resembled the New Yorker, it had a different wheelbase, taillights, and side trim. Clean front fenders and higher rear fender stone shield set it apart from

21190-432: Was an engine that developed 48 horsepower at 3,400 r.p.m., and could run continuously for only two to four hours ... It took Barney Roos two years to perfect his engine, by a whole complex of revisions that included closer tolerances, tougher alloys, aluminum pistons, and a flywheel reduced in weight from fifty-seven to thirty-one pounds. American Bantam was the sole manufacturer of serial production jeeps delivered to

21353-536: Was available on request. The top level Imperial Custom Series CW continued to be offered but was very exclusive, using a 146.5 in (3,721 mm) wheelbase while eliminating the "Airflow" nameplate. Innovations for 1937 included built-in defroster vents, safety-type interior hardware (such as flexible door handles and recessed controls on the dash ), seat-back padding, and fully insulated engine mounts. Brakes were 13-inch drums, then in 1939 they expanded to 14 inches, but shrunk to 12-inch drums in 1940. Front suspension

21516-700: Was built for the Hershey family who had an antique car collection at the time now called the AACA Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania . The second Series CW was built for The President of the Philippines Manuel L. Quezon , the first president of the Spanish Commonwealth of the Philippines and is maintained by the government. The third car was built for radio personality Major Edward Bowes which later joined

21679-486: Was employed, giving them a durability advantage in comparison to body on frame construction. It continued to offer a Chrysler engine vibration isolation feature called " Floating Power " and was one of the first automobiles to offer a one piece curved windshield. Chrysler offered both the conventional Airstream models along with the Airflow models under the "Chrysler" marque but only offered the "Imperial" marque with Airflow models. The 1934 Imperial Airflow Series CV offered

21842-638: Was equipped with functioning landau irons. In 1927, an Imperial was driven at a high speed along the Lincoln Highway from San Francisco to New York to Los Angeles, covering a total distance of 6,726 mi (10,824.4 km) non-stop, with an average speed of 40 mph (64 km/h). 1928 offered a 136 in (3,454 mm) wheelbase with the designation Series 80L. Coachwork choices expanded with five provided by Briggs, and six choices from LeBaron, one Derham Convertible Sedan, one Phaeton from Locke, and four Dietrich convertible coupes and sedans, listing

22005-485: Was essentially the Series CJ with cowl lights added at the edge of the engine hood and cowl next to the front door leading edge. The Series CM introduced the new Cord L-29 influenced Chrysler corporate appearance shared with DeSoto, Dodge and Plymouth. For 1932 The Series CI was the sole straight-six product and replaced the original Series 60 and 70, and ended the naming tradition of using top miles per hour attainable in

22168-474: Was independent. Unusually for ventilation, it had a concealed crank to extend the base of the split windshield outward and the top edge of the engine hood was hinged at the cowl and opened from the grille and up. Access to the engine was accommodated with side hood panels that were released by catches on the inside. An Imperial Custom Series C-15 Convertible Sedan by Derham was used as the AAA Official Car at

22331-640: Was introduced shortly after the Rolls-Royce Phantom II , Mercedes-Benz 770 , Packard Eight , Duesenberg Model J , Renault Reinastella , Cadillac Series 355 , and Lincoln K-series . Total documented CG production shows that 3,228 of all body style choices were manufactured, including chassis only supplied to individual coachwork providers. A stylized gazelle statuette was added to the Viking Winged helmet radiator cap and hood ornament for all Imperial vehicles starting in 1931. Model year 1932 introduced

22494-531: Was introduced, vent windows and steel spoked wheels permanently replaced wood spokes. The Series CA offered a 117 in (2,972 mm) wheelbase while the Series CB offered a 121 in (3,073 mm) wheelbase but was used for sedans only with two body style choices, with one being a convertible four-door with the centrally located door hinges continued from the previous year. The Series CA and CB could still be offered in chassis only for customized coachwork while

22657-407: Was larger than in 1953, but the rocker panel molding and rear fender chrome strip style were still the same. The back-up lights were now located directly below the taillights, rather than dividing the lights as in the previous year's model. The Imperial Crown shared basic styling with the Imperial Custom. However it had center-opening rear doors and Cadillac-like rear fender taillights. Air conditioning

22820-528: Was modified with a return to " torpedo " styling, sharing the appearance of a long, straight hood and cowl and moving the headlights outwards into the front fenders with the more successful "Airstream" appearance. 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

22983-538: Was not established; thus, the Imperial nameplate failed to separate itself from the other Chrysler models and become a stand-alone marque. Beginning in 1967, the Imperial Division, offering three ranges (Custom, Crown, and LeBaron), retreated from their separate body-on-frame construction and their unique body on a 129.5-inch wheelbase. From that time, Imperials used the Chrysler body. It was fitted with unique styling, and through 1973, very long hoods which accounted for

23146-674: Was not the best with the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression beginning in September but Chrysler forged ahead and updated their product line. While cars of the 1930s shared common appearances across all manufacturers, some stylistic features were introduced to distinguish, and Chrysler introduced Pennon -type hood louvers on all Sixes, which was replaced mid-year with vertical hood louvers that were more functional and dissipated heat more effectively. The front headlight tie-bar

23309-463: Was picked up by International Harvester , who installed their own 213-cubic inch engine and offered it in 1933 as the International D-1. In 1932, Ward M. Canaday, who beginning in 1916 had done advertising for the company before becoming a full-time employee, had taken on the role of chairman. He helped guide the company through its current receivership . At this time, Willys decided to clear

23472-502: Was priced in the medium price field. The cars with the high-performance engines reached a top speed of 70 to 75 mph (112 to 120 km/h), only about 5 mph less than the Packard Eight . Ralph DePalma won the Mt. Wilson hill climb driving a stripped down touring car 1,000 miles in 786 minutes on 5 January 1925. A stripped down roadster was entered at the 1925 24 Hours of Le Mans where it finished

23635-402: Was provided by LeBaron offering four convertible body styles along with a conventional seven-passenger sedan or eight-passenger limousine, while documented records show one two-passenger Roadster and one Landau Limousine were manufactured. Records show that 32 Series CL Sedan Limousine by LeBaron were sold for US$ 3,295 ($ 73,583 in 2023 dollars ). The Series CQ Imperial was all-new for 1933 from

23798-652: Was purchased as the official car for António de Oliveira Salazar , the Prime Minister of Portugal . In 1940 the Imperial Crown Series C-27 was the only vehicle to wear the "Imperial" nameplate and was offered in four body styles labeled as six-passenger Sedan, an eight-passenger Sedan, the eight-passenger Limousine, and the six-passenger Derham Parade Phaeton. The styling was shared with all Chrysler models for that year and offered front fender parking lights with conventional running boards, and distinguishing

23961-484: Was rebranded as the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham during this time. The rear disc brakes and optional antilock feature disappeared, but the exceptionally nice interiors, including rear reading lights with precision-ground lenses which did not shine on the windshield, and four cigarette lighters, continued mostly unchanged. The Imperial name was again resurrected for a model built from 1981 through 1983, as

24124-432: Was recorded to be used for an Imperial Custom landaulet limousine for Briggs Manufacturing Company President Walter O. Briggs . The 1942 production year was brief and the New Yorker replaced most of the Imperial product line. The new designation Imperial Crown Series C-37 was the only product to wear the "Imperial" nameplate, while Derham continued to build custom limousines, town cars and four-door convertibles using

24287-664: Was sensational: 32,000 cars had been sold by the end of 1924, a new record for the introduction of a new model. With the introduction of the B-70, the production of the Chalmers was stopped. The entry level Roadster with rumble seat was available for US$ 1,595 ($ 28,357 in 2023 dollars ), while top model documented was the Town Car listed at US$ 3,725 ($ 66,225 in 2023 dollars ). The new Chrysler offered several items, technology and body style choices that had become extra cost items from other manufacturers that Chrysler included for no extra cost, while it

24450-543: Was similar to the Cadillac Series 90 limousine, Rolls-Royce Phantom III , Packard Twelve , Mercedes-Benz 770 , Renault Suprastella and the Lincoln Custom . The public was put off by the unconventional styling and the "Airstream" appearance on Chryslers outsold the "Airflow" by 3 to 1. The 1935 Imperial Airflow Series C-2 and Series C-3 were carryover from resources not used for 1934 due to underwhelming sales after

24613-760: Was simplified as US$ 1,475 ($ 32,779 in 2023 dollars ) for the Series C-10 for the coupe or sedan, and US$ 2,475 ($ 55,003 in 2023 dollars ) for the Series C-11 sedan or limousine. While 1936 was the most profitable season for Chrysler since 1929, the Airflow program was cancelled, and the Imperial Custom Airflows are recognized as Classics by the Classic Car Club of America . Chrysler reverted to body on frame construction and there were three models in this generation designated as Imperial. The polarizing appearance

24776-404: Was sleeker than previous models, yet conservative. Fewer, but heavier bars were used in the cross-hatched grille. The upper and center horizontal pieces wrapped around the front fenders. Rocker panel moldings, rear fender stone guards, full length lower-window trim, and horizontal chrome strips on the rear fenders, and from the headlights to about halfway across the front doors, were used to decorate

24939-481: Was sold to American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1970 when Kaiser Industries decided to leave the automobile business. After the sale, AMC used engines it had developed for its other cars in Jeep models to improve performance and standardize production and servicing. Renault purchased a major stake in AMC in 1979 and took over operation of the company, producing the CJ series until 1986. Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987 after

25102-477: Was standard on the Imperial Crown . 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 luxury-focused marques. Frequently and erroneously referred to as the "Chrysler Imperial", this period of Imperial production was a separate marque, and had no "Chrysler" badging anywhere on its cars until 1971; starting with

25265-472: Was the CJ-2A , an MB stripped of obviously military features, particularly the blackout lighting , and with the addition of a tailgate. Willys initially struggled to find a market for the vehicle, first attempting to sell it primarily as an alternative to the farm tractor . Tractors were in short supply, having been out of production during the war. However, sales of the "Agri-Jeep" never took off, mainly because it

25428-402: Was the 218.6 cu in (3.6 L). The G-70 was joined by the all new luxury model Chrysler Series E-80 which was renamed Imperial for 1927 for the first time. The Series 60 was the shorter wheelbase version of the Model G-70 in 1927, while the Series 70 remained with the longer wheelbase. Chrysler branded vehicles were now positioned as "nicely equipped" and due to the sales successes,

25591-502: Was the first model produced under the Chrysler brand. It replaced the cars of Maxwell , whose brand was bought by Walter Chrysler in 1921. Nine different bodies supplied from Fisher Body Co. were offered in the first year of production. The open cars initially had horizontally split windshields inspired by the Brewster windshield and 30 in (762 mm) wheels with five lug nuts attached to hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes. The success

25754-412: Was the first year that the Imperial had a one-piece windshield, instead of a two-piece one. A padded dash was standard. The 1953 Chrysler Imperial was the first production car in twelve years to have automotive air conditioning , following tentative experiments by Packard in 1940 and Cadillac in 1941. Walter P. Chrysler had seen to the invention of Airtemp air conditioning back in the 1930s for

25917-581: Was the only engine available on a choice of 120 in (3,048 mm), 127 in (3,226 mm) or special order 133 in (3,378 mm) wheelbases. Five two-door coachwork choices included roadsters and convertible, while there were nine sedan, town car, phaeton and limousine choices. The top level Town Car was listed at US$ 5,495 ($ 96,384 in 2023 dollars ). Standard equipment on roadster and phaeton open-body coachwork selections included wind wings and leather exterior door trim panels, while many cars were painted in contrasting two-tone paint. The convertible

26080-523: Was the revised version of the Chrysler Six Series CA and CB. The Airstream outsold the Airflow five to one in its first year, and nearly nine to one in 1936. When the Airflow wasn't accepted due to its unusual appearance, Chrysler kept the ten year old Chrysler Six platform in production and refreshed the appearance, while giving it the nameplate "Airstream". The 1935 Airstream was available with both

26243-462: Was too light to provide adequate draft. The CJ-2A was among the first civilian vehicles of any kind to be equipped with four-wheel drive from the factory, and it gained popularity among farmers, ranchers, hunters, and others who needed a lightweight vehicle for use on unimproved roads and trails. In 1946, a year after the introduction of the CJ-2A, Willys produced the Willys "Jeep" Utility Wagon based on

26406-635: Was touted as the 'first stock car' in America that offered independent suspension on all four wheels, but it never entered production. In 1948, under a contract from the U.S. Army, Willys produced a small one-man four-wheeled utility vehicle called the Jungle Burden Carrier which evolved into the M274 Utility 1 ⁄ 2 -ton vehicle. Willys later produced the M38 Jeep for the U.S. Army, and continued

26569-548: Was updated to a curved appearance and the model number attached as a pendant to the top of the bar. In 1931, Chrysler's former employer Buick introduced the Buick Century which installed the large straight eight from the Roadmaster and installed it in the entry-level Special. The Series CJ introduced a different chassis from the previous Series 60 and 70 in that it was closer to the ground, and introduced hydraulic internal brakes,

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