Four of the Best Chryslers of Yesteryear and Today

Chrysler is one of the most American brands on the market. Its emblem has adorned vehicles since its first vehicle hit the streets in 1924, and while some brands have fallen by the wayside in such an extensive period, Chrysler has endured, succeeded, and grown. Let’s take a look at some of the Chrysler models that have stimulated this brand for almost 100 years.
The Six
A list of the best Chryslers would be incomplete without the first Chrysler to hit production lines: the Chrysler Six. The Six, built in 1924 by Walter Chrysler, featured a high-compression six-cylinder engine and the first four-wheel hydraulic brakes that were used in an affordable vehicle. Speaking of dollar signs, the Six was priced at $1,565. Oh, how times have changed.
The success of the Six and Chrysler’s future vehicles would later allow the brand to become an umbrella for other iconic brands like Dodge, Plymouth, Jeep, DeSoto, and AMC.

The Imperial
Chrysler has always been a fierce competitor. When the Lincoln Continental started rising in popularity in the ’60s, Chrysler answered with the 1964 Imperial. The Imperial had existed as a model and had met with limited success, but when Chrysler brought in the designer Elwood Engle, the previous Ford designer was able to give the Imperial a modern, classy design. The Imperial set a new standard for luxury convertibles, one that is still remembered today.
The Town and Country
Today we know the Chrysler Town and Country as one of the most popular minivans on the market, but the Town and Country was first released in 1941 as a “station-sedan.” With its whitewall tires, roof rack, and the classic paint job that gave the doors a wooden appearance, the Town and Country defined its class. The Town and Country made a resurgence in 1990 as a shiny new minivan, one that, along with its siblings (the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, which all share a similar appearance) would set the bar high for the minivan market.
The 300
First released in 2005, the Chrysler 300 and its bold, classy design paid homage to the Chrysler vehicles of the past. The 300 brought, and continues to bring, luxury to the full-size sedan. What began as a concept car when it was first revealed in 2003 has become one of the most popular luxury sedans on the market. The 2018 Chrysler 300 continues the 300’s, and Chrysler’s, legacy by providing innovative luxury to drivers and reminding us both where this brand started and how far it has come.
Through its almost 100 years of operation, Chrysler has faced financial struggle, tough competition, and high expectations, but by bringing innovation to its vehicles, taking a few risks, and remembering its roots the brand has continued to not just succeed, but to excel. We can’t wait to see what it comes up with in the next 100 years. To see for yourself what Chrysler has cooked up in recent years, come down to Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Lewisville today.
 
Photo: “1942 Chrysler Town and Country – teal – fvl” by Rex Gray licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original