I think it's important to note that Chrysler did not directly compete with Chevrolets or Fords. Chrysler's competition was more in line with Buick and Mercury. Plymouth was competing with the Chevys and Fords. So, naturally, when you enter a car show with your Chrysler, and it's the only one there, you will be competing with row after row of Chevys and Fords, and maybe one Buick or Merc. -----Original Message----- From: Darrin Bailey <Darrin.Bailey@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Tue, 2 May 2006 09:33:57 -0400 Subject: [Chrysler300] Chrysler Production Totals verses Styling Changes Regarding the debate on styling of the 1962/1963 Chryslers, I find it of interest the total production counts of all Chryslers between 1955 and 1966 show the following: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- 1955- 152,777 9th in total production with Chevrolet at 1.7 million 1956- 128,322 10th in total production with Chevrolet at 1.567 million 1957- 122,273 11th in total production with Ford at 1.676 million 1958- 63,681 11th in total production with Chevrolet at 1.142 million 1959- 69,970 12th in total production with Chevrolet at 1.462 million 1960- 77,285 12th in total production with Chevrolet at 1.653 million 1961- 96,454 11th in total production with Ford at 1.338 million 1962- 128,921 11th in total production with Chevrolet at 2.0 million 1963-128,937 11th in total production with Chevrolet at 2.237 million 1964-153,319 11th in total production with Chevrolet at 2.318 million 1965-206,089 10th in total production with Chevrolet at 2.375 million 1966-264,848 10th in total production with Ford at 2.2 million The above chart groups the years by body style or design. The following is noted: -We all know the limited production numbers of the 300 letter cars by year and even by transmission type, but no wonder why we see so few Chryslers, not just Chrysler 300's at car shows and cruise nights. Ford and Chevrolets have dominated the productions totals each year. Likewise, other MOPAR brands such as Plymouth, Dodge and Desoto (in 1957) produced far more cars each year than Chrysler. Further, nearly all the other GM divisions and most Ford divisions produced more cars than Chrysler. Chrysler was an average 11th place producer during this period. -1955 was a strong year for Chrysler with the new body style, and best total production output. -1956 production slipped with a carryover styling. -1957 brought a new design, but production still lacked the prior year. -1958 a recession year saw production of only half that of the prior year. Almost as many Edsels were produced in 1958 as Chryslers -1959 a slight rebound, but total production fell to 12th place -1960 brought a new look, but only slightly more production -1961 production increased with a carryover body style -1962 production increased again with the loss of the fins -1963 production of a totally new body style finds only 16 more cars produced over 1962! Appears the public was about neutral on the style change. -1964 again production increased in a carryover design -1965 a totally new look for Chrysler and its highest production to date. What could be said that the 300L was the most beautiful Chrysler? That body style certainly was well received by the public. -1966 a carryover design and again another record production total for Chrysler. So what conclusions can be drawn? The public appears to like the 1955 Chrysler and bought them. So pleased, they did not return to the showroom in the same great numbers for 1956 or again until 1965 with the release of the next great Chrysler design? Does this prove that the great engineering and design can last a decade for some buyers? Darrin Bailey Owner of many 1965 and 1966 Chryslers (including 3-Chrysler 300L) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To send a message to this group, send an email to: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm Yahoo! Groups Links [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To send a message to this group, send an email to: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chrysler300/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Chrysler300-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/