Walter P. Chrysler Museum hosts first-ever collection of Chrysler classic, custom and concept vehicles

• "Inspired Chrysler Design: The Art of Driving" runs May 27-Sept. 19, 2004
• Extraordinary Chrysler automobiles spanning eight decades
• Retrospective heralds introduction of 2005 Chrysler 300

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is presenting Inspired Chrysler Design: The Art of Driving, an all-Chrysler special exhibition featuring extraordinary cars spanning eight decades, Thursday, May 27-Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004.

The exhibition showcases vehicles recognized for design and engineering excellence from distinguished private and museum collections and Chrysler Design Office. Among the more than 25 cars—including several one-of-a-kind models—assembled for Inspired Chrysler Design: The Art of Driving are:

• 1924 Chrysler Phaeton
• 1928 Chrysler LeMans Race Car (replica)
• 1931 Chrysler Imperial Town Car built by LeBaron for Mrs. Walter P. Chrysler
• 1932 Chrysler Imperial Speedster built by LeBaron for Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
• 1932 Chrysler Imperial Limousine built by LeBaron for Walter P. Chrysler
• 1937 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Limousine, built for Major Bowes, producer of one of the decade's most popular radio entertainment shows
• 1941 and 1993 Chrysler Thunderbolt concepts
• 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton Show Car
• 1994 Chrysler Atlantic Coupe concept

Vehicles are exhibited in retrospective displays featuring fashion and design elements representing each automobile's era. Original Chrysler Design Office artwork, and contemporary photographs of vintage Chrysler cars, round out the exhibition.

"This is the first-ever all-Chrysler exhibition and it's clearly overdue. It's the first time the Chrysler family's private vehicles are together in decades," said Walter P. Chrysler Museum Manager Barry Dressel. "Cars with the Chrysler name exerted more significant influence on automotive design and engineering than most of the other premium old marques."

Inspired Chrysler Design: The Art of Driving also heralds the introduction of the 2005 Chrysler 300 featuring an entirely new design based on the company's all-new rear-drive architecture. Classic proportions, a long hood, short deck and dramatic profile give the Chrysler 300 its stunning presence. The 2005 model also marks the return of the HemiŽ engine to the Chrysler brand after nearly 50 years. Variations of the 2005 Chrysler 300, Crossfire, PT Cruiser, Pacifica, Sebring and Town & Country are also displayed on the Museum's grounds.

=> Next, origins of Inspired Chrysler Design