In 1925, Walter P. Chrysler officially founded the Chrysler Corporation after revitalizing the struggling Maxwell Motor Company. Even before its establishment, Chrysler was already working on an innovative mass-market car that aimed to surpass Ford’s quality while maintaining affordability compared to luxury brands like Cadillac and Buick. The first Chrysler vehicles made their appearance a year prior to the company’s official founding.
Manufactured at the former Chalmers plant in Detroit and introduced in January 1924, Walter P. Chrysler’s initial automobile was a groundbreaking, mid-priced, six-cylinder vehicle renowned for its impressive performance, proven through various motorsport achievements. Priced under $1,500 but offering specifications comparable to $5,000 vehicles, the Chrysler boasted features like hydraulic brakes, aluminum pistons, full-pressure lubrication, a tubular front axle, and a comfortable cruising speed of 70mph.
In 1930, the Chrysler Series 77 was introduced, offering a diverse range of factory body styles. Notable design elements included a 4-speed transmission, double-drop frame, front upper corner pillar parking lamps, and distinctive concave moldings on open-top models. Early production units showcased pennon-type hood louvers, transitioning to a vertical design in later models.
Source: Bonhams
