Re: [Chrysler300] New Chrysler Information

[John Lazenby <french_fryguy@xxxxxxxxx>]

Although the two prior posts are not related to Chrysler Letter Cars I’ll take the chance of getting my hands slapped and contribute some information regarding these Parade Imperials.  I’ve followed them for years and have had personal encounters with two of the three, the Los Angeles and Detroit examples.

 

First, the front end that John Holst mentions in not a Chrysler but an Imperial.  This is what the 1955-56 Chrysler 300s were loosely based from.  The Chrysler Imperial ceased to be at the end of 1954 and the mark simply became Imperial.

 

I can not verify that Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon were ever in the Detroit (Petersen Museum) example but I know for a fact that Vice President was in the Los Angeles car as I saw him in it as a youngster.

 

Here is a link to an article that I wrote when visiting the Los Angeles example in the basement of Parker Center (Police Headquarters) a couple of years ago.  http://www.imperialclub.org/Rare/Phaetons/1950s/LosAngeles/LA-Phaeton_JohnL/LA-Phaeton_JohnL.htm

 

Because I know some of the powers that be at the Petersen and they currently have our 300C coupe at the FINS display http://www.chrysler300club.com/stories/jlaz/fins.html which started in February 2013 and runs for a year.  We also had our C300 displayed there for about two years when the place opened. 

 

I’ve been in the basement and was able to view, sit in, crawl under, etc. the Detroit Car.  Of the two on the west coast I believe the Detroit example to be the better example and more to the original form in its second generation.

 

For my money these are the most significant vehicles ever used to carry dignitaries, Presidents, etc EVER.  If anyone can come up with other vehicles that have the history of these I’d like to know of them.  Of the three I’d say the New York example would be at the top of the famous people list. 

 

Should any of you want to explore these vehicles further I’d suggest you go to this link and you can learn much.  http://www.imperialclub.com/Rare/Phaetons/1950s/index.htm

 

John Lazenby

On Tuesday, November 19, 2013 11:31 AM, John Holst <jholst@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

 

Hello all,

In the latest Hagerty Classic Cars magazine, on page 64, is a picture of the front end of a 1955 Chrysler. The picture shows 2 flag holders on the front bumper, which would indicate that it was used for some special purpose. I called the Petersen Museum collection administrator and received the following. Seems that this was built for a special use.

John Holst...

1952/56 CHRYSLER

Imperial Parade Phaeton

In 1952 Chrysler supplied custom-built Parade Phaetons to New York, Los Angeles and The White House for transporting dignitaries in parades and other special events.  Built on extended Crown Imperial chassis, all three were returned to Chrysler in 1955 to be updated with new 1956 “Forward Look” styling.  Their striking appearance and frequent use by high-profile celebrities gave Chrysler important exposure that enhanced the prestige of their production cars.  This car was originally intended for the White House.  However, since the White House is not permitted to receive gifts of this nature, Chrysler retained the car and shipped it around at its discretion.  Known as “The Detroit Car,” this phaeton was often used by President Eisenhower and President Nixon.  It was sold out of the Chrysler motor pool in approximately 1970 and today is the only one of the original three that is privately owned.  The other two are still owned and used by the cities of New York and Los Angeles.

The Margie and Robert E. Petersen Collection

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