Walter P. Chrysler Museum December 2016

CHRYSLER MUSEUM CLOSED FOR GOOD IN DECEMBER 2016 After breaking ground in 1996, the museum opened in October 1999. The three-story, 55,000 square foot structure is set on 10 acres at the Chrysler Headquarters Complex. The museum’s 65-plus antique, concept, and custom cars will be stored elsewhere, but will be shown at various events, Autoblog reports. The museum’s lower level, known as “Boss Chrysler’s Garage,” holds a variety of 60s and 70s muscle cars and race cars. On that level there were Chrysler collection vehicles, including a series of Jeeps. The main and second level open to a two-story atrium with a rotating tower of the company’s concept vehicles. The first floor starts with the early 1900s, tracing the company timeline, and includes vehicles from its vintage collection. This is a great chance to see examples of the defunct DeSoto, Hudson, Nash, Plymouth, Rambler, and Willys-Overland brands. The second level picks up the story with the 1951 debut of the HEMI engine and carries forward. This floor also traces Chrysler’s design and engineering contributions. The American automaker was first in the industry to introduce automatic overdrive, power-assisted convertible tops, the key-operated combination ignition and starter, power windows and power steering, cruise control, and airbags as standard equipment. This is in addition to integrated car seats and other innovations.