Chrysler goes back to school in style

Chrysler is one of those car marques that never hit the top when marketing their latest models, always playing second fiddle to both Ford and GM yet when you look at the style and innovations of Chrysler and the later incorporated Dodge along with Mopar and Plymouth, one has to ask why? Their styling was out there, second to none, they innovated and incorporated luxury items into their standard models such as push button autos, plush interiors, big motors with lots of torque while also developing purpose built race cars for both strip and circuit and have only been recognised for their achievements in the automotive industry as we look back on the past! Their muscle cars are now considered very desirable as can be seen at any auction, with bids on these classic beauties hitting well above the popular favourites of Mustangs and Camaros!

The best way to view Walter P Chrysler’s brand and subsidiary brands in all their glory is at an all Chrysler car show! I had the opportunity to check one out recently in my home town of Geelong and headed on down with camera in hand. This annual event is held at the historical Geelong Grammar school, better known for educating such royalty as Prince Charles and other world renowned figures, Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer. It all comes together thanks to the exemplary organisational skills of the Bay City Chryslers club.

The manicured lawns of the boarding school with its English style brick facade create a contrasting backdrop for the Michigan, Detroit born brand as it’s wild styles of design rebel against a conservative straight lined upper-class educational bred scenery.

From the contentious first muscle cars, the Chrysler 300s in all the splendour, the Daytona winning mighty Mopars through to Aussie classics such as the S series Valiants to Bathurst challenging chargers and all manner of marques and models in between, anyone attending was treated to what it is about this marque that sets it apart from the rest of the field. From a small compact Hillman Hunter survivor through to a rare larger than life Chrysler Newyorker, a 1928 Dodge Bros time capsule through to a Hemi powered hot rod, there was something for everyone to take in!

If you missed it, don’t fret because Fletch from Classic Restos was on hand to bring it to you and it’ll be on again next year and with plenty more lawn to fill, it’ll just get bigger as more and more Chrysler classics are dusted off and brought back to life!

Keep on cruisin,
Cheers,
Greg

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