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DaimlerChrysler Celebrates its Heritage as Well as its Future At NAIAS

14 January 2000

DaimlerChrysler Celebrates its Heritage as Well as its Future At the North American International Auto Show

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 13 -- Most of the vehicles
displayed at the 2000 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in
Detroit will be new products featuring the latest innovations in design and
engineering.  However, there is one vehicle on display featuring innovations
that are nearly 75 years old: Chrysler's 1926 Model 58.
    Named for its top speed of 58 mph, the 1926 Chrysler Model 58 will be
exhibited at the NAIAS to celebrate the opening this past October of the
Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Mich.
    Bearing the famous Chrysler ribbon seal and original winged-badge, the
Model 58 dates from Chrysler Corporation's second year of operation.
Following the phenomenal success of the first Chrysler model in 1924, the
Maxwell-Chalmers Corporation changed its name to Chrysler Corporation in 1925.
The lower-priced 58 series was introduced to capitalize on the fame of the
first Chryslers, and offered such features as 4-wheel hydraulic brakes --
unique for a low-priced car -- an improved engine, and a sleek body design.
    This particular Model 58 has been in the Museum's collection since 1964,
and is detailed with wind wings, bumpers, spare tire, radiator cap, outside
mirrors and white-rimmed tires, all of which were options in 1926.  A major
success, 81,089 of these series were built.  In 1928, this series was renamed
Plymouth.
    "We are very excited that the Museum can be a part of the Detroit Auto
Show," said Barry Dressel, Manager of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.  "The
1926 Chrysler will be displayed among DaimlerChryslers' newest products and
concept vehicles, linking the past, present and future innovation of
DaimlerChrysler."
    A display will accompany the 1926 Chrysler at this year's auto show, and
features a video highlighting the life of Walter P. Chrysler, the muscle cars
of Chrysler and an inside look at the DaimlerChrysler Technology
Center (DCTC).  Visitors to the auto show's Chrysler Museum display can
receive a card that entitles them to $1 off admission to the Museum.
    The Walter P. Chrysler Museum offers families an unprecedented look at the
American heritage of DaimlerChrysler.  Nearly seventy vintage vehicles
spanning a multitude of brands are on display, as well as interactive videos
and exhibits, technical explanations and vintage advertisements and
photographs that detail the history of Chrysler Corporation's products,
employees and customers.
    The Museum is located at the North American headquarters of
DaimlerChrysler in Auburn Hills, Mich.  It is open Tuesday through Sunday from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays).  Admission
is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors, juniors and Chrysler retirees.  Admission
for DaimlerChrysler employees is free.  For more information visit
http://www.chryslerheritage.com , or call 888-456-1924.