Concept Car Of The Day: 1952 Chrysler Special - AllCarIndex
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Back in the early 1950s, concept cars were a surefire way to grab attention and potentially boost sales and profits. It's no surprise that Virgil Exner was chosen to work on the Chrysler Special and D'Elegance concept cars in the midst of Chrysler's cash-flow crisis.
The Chrysler Special made its debut in 1952 at the Paris Salon, featuring a three-place fastback design on a shortened New Yorker chassis. With a long-hood/short-deck profile and unique Continental styling elements, this car was a standout. The squared-up fenderlines, prominent headlights, and inverted trapezoid grille gave it a bold and masculine appearance. The second version of the Special, built in 1953 for C.B. Thomas, featured a longer New Yorker chassis and a notchback profile with external trunk access.
Despite being one-of-a-kind, the positive public reception of the Chrysler Special prompted the creation of 400 copies of a third version in 1954, known as the GS-1. This model featured a larger grille, reshaped roof and fenderlines, and stock New Yorker bumpers. Paired with a 331 Hemi V-8 engine and PowerFlite transmission, the GS-1 was a popular choice among buyers.
The Chrysler Specials were innovative not only in their design elements but also in their modern features, such as the push-button controlled gas cap and hydraulically controlled spare tire access door. These concepts paved the way for future performance-minded vehicles and left a lasting impact on automotive design.
Overall, Virgil Exner's work on the Chrysler Special and D'Elegance concept cars during a challenging time for Chrysler showcases his talent and vision for the future of automotive design. These concept cars will forever be remembered for their unique styling and groundbreaking features that set them apart from the competition.
