The Chrysler among the Chryslers
09/07/2024
Riviera, Monte Carlo, Torino, Cordoba, Versailles - American car manufacturers liked to christen their luxury models with the names of European places to give them a particularly cultivated and distinguished appearance. In Australia, Chrysler also wanted to lend its new top-of-the-range model for the 1972 model year the aura of the mundane and therefore named it - after itself.
The "Chrysler by Chrysler" dispensed with any further model designation, making it clear that it was not just any Chrysler; it was the Chrysler. The standard equipment included power disc brakes, power steering, electric windows and exterior mirrors, tinted windows and plenty of additional insulation. The trunk and spare wheel were also fully carpeted.
As befits a true luxury item, the car came with a number of useless but sumptuous features in addition to the useful ones: an elm wood dashboard, a vinyl roof with a paisley pattern, engraved door handles and a hand-polished and lined body. However, despite all the noblesse oblige, an artificial fabric was used for the brocade upholstery of the seats. And air conditioning still had to be paid for separately.
Technically, the Chrysler was based on the Australian Valiant, but had a ten centimeter longer wheelbase and a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 4.3 liters, which was larger than some eight-cylinder engines. Of course, this was also available: 5.9 liters and for an extra charge. The three-speed automatic transmission, on the other hand, was fitted as standard.
At the end of the 1976 model year, the Chrysler by Chrysler disappeared without a real successor. However, the principle behind its name lived on. Almost 13 years later, the American parent company took it up - and even went one better in terms of exclusivity: with the Chrysler by Maserati.
