Chrysler has made its mark in the automotive world with models ranging from roaring ’60s engines to innovative 21st-century designs. Among them, a few rare ones stand out not just for their engineering and design but also for their scarcity.
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1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Sedan by Waterhouse
The Imperial was Chrysler’s flagship model, and this specific body style by Waterhouse is one of the reasons it became such a luxury icon. Only ten of these Waterhouse versions were ever built, making them extremely rare and sought-after among collectors.
1953 Chrysler Special Coupe by Ghia
This model was a result of the collaboration between Chrysler and the Italian design firm Ghia. Only 18 were ever produced. Its unique European design combined with American engineering made it stand out.
1963 Chrysler Turbine Car
Perhaps one of the most iconic experimental cars ever, the Turbine Car ran not on traditional gasoline, but on turbine engines. Only 55 were made, and most were destroyed, with only a handful surviving today.
1934 Chrysler Airflow
The Airflow was revolutionary in its design, aiming for aerodynamic efficiency. However, its futuristic look was not well received at the time, leading to limited production and sales. This lack of initial interest has made surviving units quite rare.
1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton
This was a “pace car” for the Indianapolis 500. Only five were ever made, and its sleek design and limited number have made it a valuable collector’s item.
1985 Chrysler Atlantic Concept
Drawing inspiration from the 1930s Bugattis, this concept car featured a straight-eight engine and a design reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Being a concept, only one was ever made.
1960 Chrysler 300F Special GT
A modified version of the standard 300F, the GT was aimed at setting speed records. With its powerful 400 horsepower engine, it was a beast on the track. Only six were made, making it incredibly rare. (Note that a standard 1960 300F is pictured above).
1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda Convertible
Among the most sought-after muscle cars, only 11 were ever produced. With its 426 Hemi engine, it was not only powerful but exceptionally rare, making it a crown jewel for collectors.
1949 Plymouth P-18 Special Deluxe “Woodie” Station Wagon
With genuine wood paneling on the sides and rear, these vehicles were labor-intensive to produce and maintain. Their distinctive appearance has made them iconic, but over time, many succumbed to rot and wear, making surviving examples rare.
1970 Plymouth Duster 340
While the Duster itself was a popular model, the high-performance 340 versions with their unique graphics and powerful V8 engine had lower production numbers, making them more rare and collectible today.
1971 Plymouth GTX 440+6
This high-performance version of the GTX came equipped with a 440 cubic inch V8, fed by three two-barrel carburetors, also known as a “Six Pack.” With production numbers believed to be around 135, it’s a rare sight.
1954 Plymouth Explorer Concept
Crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy, this concept car was a vision of future design and styling cues. Being a concept, it had a very limited production run.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Introduced in 2000, the PT Cruiser blended retro styling with modern functionality. Its unique design, reminiscent of 1930s panel vans, appealed to a wide range of buyers. The PT Cruiser was available with various engine options, including a turbocharged version, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. Over its production run, Chrysler sold over 1.3 million PT Cruisers worldwide.
Chrysler Crossfire
The Crossfire, produced from 2004 to 2008, was a collaboration between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz, sharing its platform with the Mercedes-Benz SLK. It featured a distinctive exterior design with a sloping roofline and muscular curves. The Crossfire was available with a V6 engine producing up to 330 horsepower in its SRT-6 trim, offering spirited performance. Around 76,000 Crossfires were sold globally during its production period.
Chrysler Imperial
The Chrysler Imperial was a luxury model produced intermittently from the 1920s to the 1990s. Known for its upscale features and elegant styling, the Imperial competed with Cadillac and Lincoln in the luxury car segment. Models like the 1955 Chrysler Imperial featured iconic design elements such as the “Forward Look” styling and powerful V8 engines. Over the years, thousands of Imperials were sold, catering to affluent customers seeking luxury and prestige.
Chrysler Town & Country
A staple in the minivan segment, the Chrysler Town & Country was first introduced in 1990 and continued until 2016. Known for its spacious interior, innovative features like Stow ‘n Go seating, and comfortable ride, the Town & Country became a popular choice for families. It was available with V6 engines delivering sufficient power for daily driving and hauling passengers. Chrysler sold hundreds of thousands of Town & Country minivans during its production span.
Chrysler 300M
Launched in 1998, the Chrysler 300M was a modern interpretation of Chrysler’s historic letter-series models from the 1950s and 1960s. It featured a sleek exterior design with distinctive chrome accents and a spacious, well-appointed interior. The 300M was equipped with a V6 engine producing around 250 horsepower, offering a blend of performance and comfort. Chrysler sold over 115,000 units of the 300M during its production run.
Chrysler Sebring Convertible
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible, produced from 1996 to 2010, was a popular choice among convertible enthusiasts. It offered a retractable soft top, comfortable seating for four adults, and a choice of engines including four-cylinder and V6 options. The Sebring Convertible’s combination of open-air driving and practicality made it a hit in the market, with hundreds of thousands sold globally.
Chrysler Pacifica
Introduced in 2003 as a crossover SUV and later transformed into a minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica offered versatility and style. It featured sliding rear doors for easy access, a spacious interior with innovative storage solutions, and available all-wheel drive for improved traction. The Pacifica was powered by V6 engines delivering adequate power for daily driving and family needs. Chrysler has sold over 1.5 million Pacifica units across its various generations.
Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen, produced from 2007 to 2009, was a full-size SUV designed to compete with models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. It offered three rows of seating, robust towing capabilities, and available HEMI V8 engines for strong performance. The Aspen featured a luxurious interior with upscale amenities, catering to buyers seeking a premium SUV experience. Chrysler sold tens of thousands of Aspen SUVs during its short production period.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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