Davis, who retired as senior vice president for parts and service at DaimlerChrysler in 2001, passed his driving test in his parent’s ’54 Belvedere and hasn’t looked back, becoming the world’s foremost collector of those models somewhere along the way. In additions to his Belvederes and assorted other cars, Davis owns the very last Plymouth to roll off the production line, a silver Neon, displayed with care alongside a replica of his father’s 1950s Esso filling station. [via NYTimes.com]
Photography credit: Gary Bogdon for The New York Times

AMC already had the AMX in 1969, and a fine car it was. But back then, real musclecars were based on midsize or compact sedans, and they had back seats and proper trunks; the two-seater AMX did fine on the race track, but left something to be desired when it came to real-world usage. But wait- what about the Rambler Rogue? 2,296 pounds and room for a V8 under the hood; just grab a 315 horsepower 390 off the shelf, add 4-speed, "Twin-Grip" differential, and a crazy paint job and you've got the SC/Rambler! They ran low-14-second quarter-miles on crappy 60s street tires, which was damn good back then… but it also means that just about every one of the 1,512 built was blown up, wrecked, or otherwise hooned into nothingness. Hold on to your red-white-and-blue hats, though, because we've found this '69 SC/Rambler, currently bid up to a sub-$7,000 price. We can't say what the reserve might be, but we can tell you for sure that there's rust. Plenty of rust, but check it out: the seller says the floor and trunk pans are good! The seller says it's all original and authentic, though the original owners are still "looking for the original bill of sale" and the engine is described as "correct" rather than "original." Most likely, however, it's for real, since the clone market for these machines has never been anything like what you see for Chrysler E-bodies and GM A-bodies.

That Rambler would be lots of fun at the vintage drag races, no doubt about it, but say you're more into fast mobster cars than you are into 60s quarter-milers? Something with a great big dinosaur-juice-swilling big-block under a hood the size of the stage in your most profitable strip club? Yes, we're talking about the 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst here. 4,125 pounds, 375 horsepower, a fiberglass hood with a (sadly, nonfunctional) scoop, and a crazy two-tone paint job. The only thing wrong with the 300 Hurst was the appalling lack of a manual transmission, so if I ever get one I'll be willing to brave the wrath of the purists by installing a 4-speed. They only made 485 300 Hursts, and the low-single-digit gas mileage probably sent most of them to The Crusher during the 70s… but it's still possible to buy one! Oh sure, you could shell out 34 grand for C. Van Tune's 300H, but where's the hell there? No, all you need is a mere $4,500- or maybe even less- and you can buy this one! The seller doesn't give much description, other than "440 tnt needs resto," but you can count on quite a long and often tortuous journey to get this thing in proper shape. The good news is that your '70 Chrysler C-body parts are ridiculously easy to find, as are the correct hot-rod 440 engine parts… but the bad news: 485 300 Hursts made, meaning the special 300H-only bits will definitely might have to be fabricated from scratch.

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No, this skip loader ripping on the front bumper of this Chrysler Cordoba is the not the “People’s Curse” from the 24 Hours of LeMons. However, this is Krider Racing, the 24 Hours of LeMons Altamont 2008 Champions getting some “People’s Assistance” on their Destruction Derby car. The skip loader is trying to pull the frame away from the steering box which was jammed after an ugly head on collision with an Imperial at the California Fair Destruction Derby State Championships. Rob Krider said, racing with 90 cars on a small track in LeMons taught him how to take a hit. So the team thought they would try a destruction derby where hitting would be mandatory as opposed to punishable by tar and feathering -like at LeMons. Using some questionable election funds from the “Jim Krider for Napa City Council” campaign they welded in a box cage, put a boat gas tank behind the Corinthian leather driver’s seat (seemed like a good spot) tossed a little HP 234 oil additive in the motor and off they went. They came home from the State Championship as heat winners, picking up some cash, a trophy and a sore neck. They qualified for the main event but were never able to yank the frame away from the steering box (the car was stuck turning permanent left). Third Street Auto Repair in Napa, California helped them put the car together (which means they taught Krider Racing how to “Smokey Yunick” a derby car). Why a Chrysler Cordoba? (The classic yet sporty transportation of choice for old ladies to go from hair appointments to bingo tournaments in the late seventies) Because the Krider Racing LeMons winning Acura Integra wouldn’t have even lasted through the destruction derby parade lap.

We can't have a Cordoba post without seeing The Legend, can we? Hell no!

The Cadillac Allanté was status-symbol priced ($54,000, or 87 grand today), had a Pininfarina-built body, and V8 power, yet was a red-ink-hemorrhaging financial disaster for The General? How could that be? Well, it looked great, but the (non-Northstar) V8 was a dud and it was driving the wrong wheels, plus the average age of Cadillac buyers back then was approximately 106. You know what we say, though? We say "Who cares about all that noise?" You can get steals on these gorgeous Pininfarina machines today, meaning you'll have enough money left in your Hell Project budget to get some real, torque-steeringly fun power into your project. We suggest you start with this one (go here if the ad disappears), which is priced at a Depreciation 101 textbook $1,500. For that price you have to figure on some blemishes, and we're sure you'll find 'em… but the seller's "137k black needs work" description spans quite the range of potential headaches. Does it run? Is there rust? Is the paperwork clean? Hell, we can't answer those inconsequential questions, buddy, but we can promise quite the adventure when you try to coax 500 horses out of an HT4500 engine.

Does labeling an engine's valve cover with a big MASERATI emblem make it a Maserati? Maybe so, but that only applies to the 2.2 with Cosworth head and other goodies; the V6 Chrysler TC By Maserati came with a not-so-Italian Mitsubishi V6. Still, all TCs were made in Italy, which means you know you'll get that famous Italian build quality- coupled with good ol' Detroit marketing engineering- when you whip out $1,250 for this Chrysler TC (go here if the ad disappears). We don't know the year, because the seller doesn't think you'd care about that meaningless detail, but the V6 engine means it's a '90 or '91. As is the case with the Allanté, the seller needs college tuition, and that means cheap price… which means you'll have the money in your budget to build a Chrysler 2.5 Turbo engine with enough boost to create metallic hydrogen in the cylinders. And go ahead- put a big Maserati emblem on the valve cover! In fact, tattoo it on your forehead! All we know about this car is that it "RUNS GOOD" and that the seller has "PINK SLIP IN HAND" (which, given the incredible flakitude of so many Craigslist sellers, is actually a pretty powerful selling point).

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How many acres is that hood? The standard engine for the '70 Newport was a 383 with 290 horsepower, but the Chrysler dealer could get you a 350-horse 440. Get the 300 Hurst and you got 370 horsepower from your 440. Sadly, a 4-speed manual transmission was not available from the factory.


There's the usual rust you see around the rear windows on Northern California Detroit cars with vinyl tops, thanks to the rainy winters here. Otherwise, the car seems very solid. It looks good driving and sounds even better.


At 4,100 pounds, this car isn't quite as heavy as its vast size suggests. Hey, it's only 200 pounds heavier than the new Camaro SS! Still, prehistoric engine technology and a 3-speed slushbox means it probably swills gas like the oil wells will never run dry.

The Crisis Of Confidence feel of the last mid-70s Chrysler promotional slide seems to have struck a nerve, so today we're going to look at Chrysler's 1974 answer to high gasoline prices: the 318 V8 Engine! Put one of these in your Monaco and enjoy the penny-pinching feeling of 14 MPG highway!

"As the Company evaluates strategic options to maximize core operations and leverage its assets, we have agreed to listen to these parties. We will do so keeping in mind the best interests of those who have shown tremendous support for the vehicle- including employees, suppliers, dealers and a worldwide group of loyal Viper owners and enthusiasts,” Nardelli continued, “Viper is an integral part of this Company's heritage. While this is a strategic review, our intent would be to offer strong operational and financial support during any potential transaction, in order to ensure a future for the Viper business and perpetuate the legacy of this great vehicle."

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Why purchase Viper? Surely the current 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 — a refresh of the 2003 model — is nearing the end of its useful life. Vehicles like the 2009 Nissan GT-R and 2009 Corvette ZR1 now offer considerably greater track performance combined with user friendliness and good road manners. All any potential buyer would receive would be a soon-to-be-outdated car, a brand with an image problem and the need to jump-start development on a replacement. If we were going to get into the supercar game, we’d start a fresh brand with a fresh product, free of the sins of the 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 convertible its fathers. [Source: Automotive News, Sub. Req.]

First, we must watch the Ricardo Montalban ad that started it all. In Cordoba, I have what I need!


Plastic "gold" Cordoba medallions may be found all over this fine personal luxury automobile. Weighing in at a portly 4,021 pounds and motivated by a thirsty 318 or 360, the Cordoba wasn't quite the ideal machine for a time of fuel-price insecurity. By '78, the stacked rectangular headlights had taken away some of the Ricardoesque appeal, and sales were declining.


Even the taillights had the medallions!


I couldn't get any decent interior shots, so it's hard to ascertain whether this car had the optional Corinthian Leather upholstery. Yes, it was optional, though you have to assume that Cordoba buyers wouldn't have settled for vinyl.

The first thing that had to happen for automatics to get closer to manuals in fuel economy was an improvement in automatic transmission design. Advances like variable line pressure and the addition of more than four forward gears were far too long in coming to mass-market vehicles in this country. But, five- and six-speed autoboxes are finally becoming the norm. Even the retro four-speed automatics many domestics saddle their low-end models with now have variable line pressure, which reduces the amount of power needed to drive the transmission. All these improvements lead to better efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.

But the key, as with so many modern advances, has been in the software controlling the engine/transmission relationship. Old transmissions used a vacuum modulator and a mechanical governor to adjust shift points. New electronically controlled automatics take advantage of vast improvements in processor power to tailor shifts, internal pressures, and torque converter lockup to extract the maximum amount of efficiency possible. The engine helps, though: Cylinder deactivation, like Chrysler's MDS and GM's Active Fuel Management, only works effectively through constant communication with the transmission's requirements. You don't feel any of it happening: You just notice that your new automatic car gets close to the same mileage as your old 5-speed manual beater.

So, Rex Roy, we agree that automatics have made exponential improvements in recent years. But let's not give short shrift to the software wizardry and all the black boxes that allow an engine and a transmission to function as an integrated modern powertrain. [Detroit News; Photo Credit: ZF]

Creed's taken more than a few blows to the face as of late with the new Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Compass and Dodge Avenger. While they don't make or break his resume, they certainly tarnish his proud time spent with Chrysler in all three of its forms — independent company, German conquest and now as a Las Vegas poker chip.

In any case, the 63-year-old Creed fought hard for the design team, and we're sure Chrysler Chairman Bob "Ivan Drago" Nardelli thanks him for his service. Our only question is whether Nardelli will break Gilles in what we're sure will be some knock-out, drag-down fights between design and costs. [via Automotive News (sub. req.)]

The 2009 model year takes the Challenger from a low-volume quasi-halo muscle car to a full lineup of three separate trim levels, each with their own engine flavor. The base model SE starts at $21,995, getting a 3.5-liter High Ouput V6 producing 250 HP and an equal number of lb-ft of torque. The top model's still the SRT8, at a starting price of $39,995 and powered by the reliable and huge 6.1-liter Hemi V8 with 425 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque. The middle-of-the-pack R/T hits the showroom floor at a starting price of $29,995 and comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine under the hood, producing either 370 HP and 398 lb-ft of torque (when running on premium fuel) or 375 HP and 404 lb-ft of torque, depending on which transmission it's mated to.

Wait, what? Multiple transmissions? Yes muscle car fans, it's what two of these models' engines are mated to that'll give Jalopnik readers cause for celebration. Both the R/T and the SRT8 get an optional Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission ported from the Dodge Viper. The option's only available on the Hemi-fied R/T and SRT8 versions, so if you want the V6-powered SE, you'll only end up getting a four-speed automatic. Pity.

The R/T gets another couple of nice features as part of the $995 "Track Pack" manual package — a Hill-start Assist (which was a very nice feature on some of the hills around our drive through New Jersey), a limited-slip differential (the SRT8 gets the LSD standard) and a tuned exhaust system (SRT8 manual gets this as well) that sounds great in the lower gears.

On the road, both the manual Challenger R/T and the Challenger SRT8 felt much more satisfying to drive. Thanks to the auto-only multi-displacement technology, the R/T in both auto-stick and manual transmission models get 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The 2009 SRT8 gets the same piss-poor 13 MPG city, 19 MPG highway as the 2008 model, but the manual transmission at least gives you an extra mile in the city and an extra three on the highway thanks to that very helpful sixth gear.

Setting aside the benefits of the manual on the road, it's the track where it really becomes useful. Although the 2008 SRT8's automatic transmission had a +/- gate auto-stick mode, I really felt it to be too gimmicky for anything other than making a businessman feel like he was the big man at a stoplight. It's certainly not a transmission you'll feel comfortable using anywhere other than a drag strip — at least not if you want to keep your dignity and control safely intact. Which is why we were excited to hit the Englishtown track. Thanks to coning designed to keep drivers like me from becoming a smear on a wall, I didn't even get the car out of second or third gear on the track. Unfortunate for me, yes, but quite fortunately for the Challenger's clutch plates.

Still, despite the aggressive coning, the smooth clutch gave me greater confidence, and the pistol-grip shifter available with the "Track Pack" felt more comfortable in my hand than the original 70's it's kinda-sorta modeled after. But, a manual shifter alone doesn't make a track car.

The Challenger's still a fatty, as we found when we scrubbed the front tires on the first too-tight turn at speed around the Englishtown course in the R/T and later on in the course with an SRT8. Thanks to the RWD platform, with the nanny system turned all the way off, you're still able to steer with your right foot, just like the 2008 Challenger SRT8 and every other LX-platformed SRT8 and R/T.

So which of the three, if any, is the right choice for you? Sorry Spinelli, but it's certainly not the SE. The automatic transmission and low horsepower mated to a heavy RWD car ensure this will compete not for our attention, but with Midwestern hairdressers as the car of choice to replace their V6 Mustang.

If you're a muscle car madman needing a 0-to-60 time of five seconds, you'll probably want the SRT8, as Dodge estimates the R/T's time to be somewhere just under six seconds. Sure, you could beat the pants off the SRT8 in a straight-line with a Shelby GT500, but it'll cost you significantly more and I'm not sure it'll take to the track any better.

Still, despite the SRT8's bigger engine, we're not sure the 30% higher sticker price justifies the 10% higher horsepower. In our mind, if you want a modern muscle car, the R/T may be right in the sweet spot. In terms of looks, you'll get the same (maybe more with the double-black hood stripes and functional hood scoop of the "Classic" package) double-takes as its stronger brother, the same horrifyingly plastic interior, and you'll do it for a much cheaper sticker price and an almost 20% higher fuel economy rating.

Either way, whether you choose an R/T or an SRT8, you'll still get a Challenger with a manual transmission. Like we said, 2009's better than 2008 by at least one-third.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: The mere fact that Chrysler is retooling Jefferson North for flexible manufacturing is a positive step. We've also heard that the car-based Grand Cherokee coming out in 2010 will make use of the new Phoenix V6 engine, which as reportedly been delivering stellar fuel economy numbers. So what will the end result be? A Chrysler mid-size SUV offering engineered by Nissan or an actual Chrysler-engineered Jeep and Dodge SUV? [Automotive News]

Chrysler Kicks Off Woodward Dream Cruise with Introduction of New 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5
-New limited-edition 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser buzz model kicks off the14th annual Woodward Dream Cruise
-14th factory-customized limited-edition Chrysler PT Cruiser features modern and athletic exterior enhancements
-New PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 delivers factory customization at a value price of $22,700
-1,750 PT Dream Cruisers Series 5 models will be produced for the U.S.
-More than 1.3 million PT Cruisers sold since initial 2001 model year

Royal Oak, Mich., Aug 12, 2008 - Chrysler kicked off the annual Woodward Dream Cruise today at Duggan's Irish Pub with the introduction of a special-edition PT Cruiser. Announced in conjunction with Detroit's famed Woodward Dream Cruise, the new 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 will be available this fall as a limited-production version of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
"Chrysler PT Dream Cruisers are about individuality and uniqueness, and for 2009 we modernized our next factory-customized edition," said Larry Lyons, Vice President - Car and Minivan Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "The new 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 embodies a contemporary theme with a distinctive two-tone exterior and the use of unique exterior and interior materials."
As the 14th factory-customized Chrysler PT Cruiser, the new 2009 PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 features new detailed design elements. A contrasting two-tone theme with a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl painted roof and hoop spoiler distinguish this PT Cruiser. All-new cross-hatched, upper and lower solid billet aluminum grilles are individually milled and machined for a true sense of customization. New 17-inch SRT Design wheels provide an athletic stance while filling up Chrysler PT Cruiser's uniquely styled large fenders. Chromed body-side trim moldings provide subtle highlights, and the new boldly designed "PT" front-passenger and driver's-side door badges hammer home PT's individuality, reliability and street cruising credibility.
"Our Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 utilizes Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl to accentuate body lines while enhancing side rails and windows, giving PT Cruiser a sleek appearance with a visually lower roof," said Joe Dehner, Vice President - Small, Family and Premium Vehicle Design. "With the addition of 17-inch SRT Design wheels, bold billet grilles inspired from the DUB Edition Chrysler 300, chrome accents draped all over our Midnight White Pearl Coat paint - the latest Dream Cruiser delivers a new style that accentuates PT Cruiser's individuality."
The contrasting Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl paint theme continues inside the vehicle's Pastel Slate Gray interior and surrounds the chromed ring air vents and gauges on the instrument panel. New Embossed Momentum seat fabric has a performance feel, detailed look and expressive design via secondary layered silver accents. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver accents provides a great view to the large satin-silver finished gauge cluster with chromed rings. Premium floor mats and door-entry sill plates add a final touch to this special-edition Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Chrysler is limiting production of its 14th factory-customized PT Cruiser to 1,750 units for the 2009 model year. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 will be $22,700, which includes $670 for destination.
Based off of the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser that arrives this fall, the Dream Cruiser Series 5 is available with two fuel-efficient 2.4-liter powertrains that are perfect for cruising any avenue. The standard 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 16-valve engine produces 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (220 N•m) of torque and is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. This engine achieves 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. A potent 180 horsepower (134 kW) turbo-charged 2.4-liter is available, providing 210 lb.-ft. (285 N•m) of torque to the pavement while achieving 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 is well appointed with standard equipment including: power windows with auto-down function on both front windows, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, MP3-play capability and auxiliary audio input jack, 65/35 fold/tumble/removable rear seats, a center console with sliding armrest and storage, Chrysler signature analog clock, compass, temperature display, air conditioning, manually adjustable front seats with seat heaters, front dome lamp, cargo compartment lamp, floor mats, 12-volt center instrument panel power outlet, uconnect studios SIRIUS Satellite Radio, cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-steering column. To top off interior appointments, a 368-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system and power sun roof are available.
Standard exterior equipment includes body-color front and rear fascias, body-color fog lamp surrounds, Chrysler winged badge on the hood and liftgate, upper and lower billet aluminum cross-hatch pattern grilles, chromed door handles, chromed body-side moldings, chromed stainless steel exhaust tip (on turbo), 17-inch SRT Design wheels with all-season performance tires, unique 'PT' door badging, PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 tailgate badge, fog lamps and a Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl hoop spoiler to match the accented roof. Exclusive Midnight White Pearl Coat exterior paint completes the dramatic look.
The limited-edition 2009 PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 also includes more than 25 standard safety and security features found on the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, including standard front-seat-mounted side air bags, Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), new advanced driver and front-passenger multi-stage front air bags with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child-seat anchor system, brake/park interlock, lap and shoulder seat belts in all positions, rear-door child protection locks, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, Sentry Key engine immobilizer, speed-sensitive power locks, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with low-speed traction control (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser Lineup Continues to Grow
The Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 marks the 14th customized version of the segment-busting Chrysler PT Cruiser since it was first introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model. The 2009 Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 joins the Flames, Woodie, PT Dream Cruiser Series 1, 2, 3 and 4, PT Turbo and Chrome Accents models, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition and Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Editions.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Production
Since its launch as a production vehicle in February 2000 through July 2008, 1,304,702 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles have been sold worldwide.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Anyone complaining about Chrysler's lack of upcoming models isn't paying attention to the news. The company appears to be actively seeking tie-ups, particularly with Nissan, that will provide it with fresh new vehicles without having to actually engineer and build them. It's as if Chrysler is moving toward a future as a vehicle marketing company rather than an actual auto manufacturer. In the meantime, talk about six degrees of separation: This news means that through Nissan, via its French linkage, Chrysler will be once again be selling rebadged Renaults in the states. All you Dodge Monaco/Eagle Premier fan boys rejoice: Your ship has come in. In fact, we're now only one step away from reverse-engineering the entire US auto industry back to about 1986, so expect the new 2010 AMC lineup to be announced early next year. [Automotive News, (Sub. Req.)]

So the Fireflight....that one is sitting in a driveway that is blocked by the Mercury Monterey and the glass in the garage is all smoked out (or maybe just real dirty) but its not easily seen through (not that I tried to get that close!) but I'm just DYING to know whats in the garage. The lights were on upstairs but I didn't have the 'nads to ring the bell!

I absolutely LOVE the freakin' Olds 88.....those chrome streaks/stripes on the rear fender are just SO over the top! But seriously, the Imperial with the gun-sight tail lights? I'd love to know whats under the hood of that one? And early Hemi?

Sales: D
Under Nardelli and Cerberus, Chrysler has only topped DaimlerChrysler year-over-year sales numbers in one month: December, 2007. So why not a solid "F?" Because product that the new Chrysler management team had any control over the design of is only now coming to market. What they've done with their inheritance has not been impressive, but what happens in the next 12 months is going to be a more accurate assessment of Chrysler's new sales strength.

Product: B
Before you scoff, read the paragraph above. Chrysler's new management team had little control over product that's only now hitting showroom floors due to the industry's notoriously long lead times. As the Detroit News mentions, Nardelli spearheaded an effort to make as many improvements as possible, including nearly 500 line-item changes to its cars and trucks. So, points for effort, but the next 24 months are going to be far more critical from a product perspective.

Finances: C
Chrysler can't seem to sell much of anything, yet the company reported a $1.1 billion profit for the first half of the year — before taxes, amortization and other nastiness (it was parent company Chrysler Holding LLC that lost $515 million). As the Detroit News points out, the figure doesn't mean the automaker is profitable, but it does indicate their cash flow is healthy. Still, if Chrysler can't create some high-demand new product, the equation will likely change — and fast.

Press Management: B
For all the bad news at Chrysler in the past 12 months, the spinmeisters in Auburn Hills have done a remarkably good job at controlling leaks, managing negative reports, and quashing rumors. Granted, some press complicity is at work — many outlets were willing to give the new organization some time to get its feet wet — but Chrysler has responded to speculation quickly, then let it die. For example, the rumor last June that half of Chrysler had been sold. Chrysler's response? "No, it hasn't." Now piss off.

Opacity: A
The beauty of being owned by a private equity firm is that you don't have all those pesky disclosure obligations. Chrysler tells us what Chrysler wants to tell us, barring the occasional financial leak or creative newspaper math.

Employee Morale: D
It isn't a fun time to be working at Chrysler. Far from infusing a startup culture at Chrysler, layoffs and continued bad news have many employees concerned. The Detroit News quotes Mark Mitchell, a skilled trades worker at Chrysler's Sterling Heights Assembly plant: "We are not confident in Nardelli at all because of his lack of experience in the automotive industry. A lot of people here are worried about losing their jobs." Of course, if we built Sebrings and Avengers, we'd probably be worried too.

Overall? We give Nardelli and Cerberus a solid C for their efforts. It's been a rough year, but things are tough all over, and Chrysler has made some pretty ballsy moves. We're interested to see where Chrysler is in another 12 months — or whether it exists at all.

[Source: Detroit News; Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Though Chrysler's last-minute leasing bubble looked good on paper, the net effect will be to front-load shoppers, not unlike the GM "employee pricing for everyone deals" from a few years back. Combined with news of the lack of product research being conducted by potential buyers, the bad news for Chrysler is that everyone who may have been interested in driving a Chrysler probably picked one up at the end of July. August sales numbers will begin to tell the story, as we'll see the combined effects of customer defections and the absence of leasing availability. Is this yet another warning sign for Cerberus, who many think is in over its head, or just another unusual component in a broader calculated strategy for returning Chrysler to health? [Automotive News, Sub. Req.; Image Credit: Andrzej Wolfarth via TOCMP]

We're going to assume that, since this came out of a Mopar accessory catalog, the photo depicts seat warmers. But with Chrysler's interior track record, we're not ready to declare anything for certain.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Two things to think about: First, Chryserberus is obviously listening to consumer complaints about its interiors. Second, if Compass and Patriot are getting a refresh, ecxpect Caliber to get one as well (if it survives), possibly vaulting the three (or maybe two) from the ranks of also-rans and onto the shopping lists of millions of new small-car customers.

[via Allpar]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: As we expected, Chrysler is going to try to bring the monthly cost of purchasing down to the same level at which leasing used to be. The key word is "monthly." Consumers will still be paying more in the long run by purchasing a vehicle than they may have through a carefully negotiated lease. But no matter how it's viewed, excluding leasing from the mix is going to sell more small, inexpensive vehicles to the detriment of more expensive offerings. Chrysler is just trying to prevent consumers from going elsewhere for them.

Auburn Hills, Mich. - As the market makes a shift from leasing to retail purchasing, Chrysler LLC today announced that in August the Company will repackage its incentives to make purchasing a vehicle more affordable than ever. The new strategy includes 72-month finance deals on an expanded range of compact, mid-size and full-size vehicles. The program creates retail payments similar to 36-month lease payments, and lower than previously offered finance payments. With these new incentive offers, customers can get lower payments with the benefits of ownership.

The Company is able to achieve this by repackaging incentive resources from leasing to retail. Helping achieve these low-finance payments are special retail finance rates and a bonus consumer cash program in which customers can now receive up to $2,000 cash back on select retail purchases when financed through Chrysler Financial.

"As part of our annual August model-year clearance, we are leveraging the move from leasing to retail purchases to offer our customers the best deals of the year and make buying as affordable as renting," Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said. "We have re-packaged our incentive spending typically spent on leasing into retail purchase packages to lower monthly payments on select vehicles from the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Charger to the Chrysler Town & Country and Jeep® Liberty. With the model year ending on 2008 vehicles, the time to buy has never been better."

Returning lease customers will receive a Lease Loyalty incentive up to $750 for use towards the retail purchase of an eligible new Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle. The disposition fee, up to $425, will be waived by Chrysler Financial.

Special deals for August also include the continuation of 0 percent APR for 72- month deals on the Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.

For those customers who still wish to lease a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle through an independent financial institution, they can take advantage of Chrysler's Customer Cash Allowance on select vehicles up to $2,000.

The Company also announced its "Shop 'Til You Drive Sales Event" sales promotion campaign consisting of new television ads, radio spots, a new national print campaign and Internet promotions. These initiatives are intended to substantially increase awareness and consideration levels of retail purchases, offering lower monthly payments among the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

Private Seller to Auction One-Off Chrysler Concept Roadster at Russo & Steele

A sleek black and chrome Detroit-style roadster, designed by Chrysler's Mark Allen and featuring a 6.4 L Hemi crate engine, will be auctioned at the Russo & Steele car auction in Monterrey, California this August 14-16, 2008. The SR 392 Roadster has won several prestigious awards at Hot Rod shows throughout the country this year.

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) July 30, 2008 — An edgy, HEMI-powered, award-winning roadster from Chrysler's 2007 Mopar SEMA exhibit will be up for bidding at the August 14-16 Russo and Steele Auction in Monterey, California.

The SR 392 Roadster, featured widely in 2008 issues of both Hot Rod and Street Rodder magazines, has won numerous prestigious awards. Most recently it was hand-selected by the widow of the late Boyd Coddington for a Boyd Coddington's Pro's Pick Award at the Good Guys Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.

It also won a Chip Foose Design Excellence Award at the 2008 Grand National Roadster Show. "This hot rod is truly trend-setting. It's design elements will be mirrored in hot rods and show vehicles for years to come," Foose said.

For nearly two years, Chrysler's Mark Allen and Ralph Gilles planned to build the SR 392 Roadster as a SEMA stunner with Michael Chetcuti of Livonia, Mich.-based auto supplier, Quality Metalcraft (QMC). Allen is chief designer, Jeep/Dodge Truck Studios - Chrysler LLC and Gilles is Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design - Chrysler LLC. Gilles and Allen are members of Chrysler's Mopar Underground SEMA design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their time to SEMA project vehicles.

Allen, Chetcuti and Gilles saw a challenge in proving that the 6.4-liter HEMI crate engine could apply to a vehicle other than traditional muscle cars or modified upfits. The team's idea was to redefine the classic hot rod with a more functional urban and industrial attitude to create a distinctly Detroit roadster.

Allen said, ''It was important to convey the car's theme as an homage to Detroit - the cool Detroit with its unique artistic community, music and gritty vibe. We used durable materials and let the mechanicals show to reflect the industrial backbone of the city. We wrapped it all up in a high-gloss black-and-chrome wrapper to evoke Detroit's cool attitude.''

''The core design elements of this roadster speak to the grit and industrial edge of our city,'' said Chetcuti. ''Things like the mezzanine flooring detail and Eames-inspired seating - these take an industrial cue but are by no means 'rat-rod.' It is a refined and organized design throughout.''

Awards for the SR 392:

* Mothers Choice Award - Excellence in Automotive Design (SEMA, 2007)
* Hot Wheels Designer's Choice Award (SEMA, 2007)
* Chip Foose Design Excellence Award (Grand National Roadster Show, 2008)
* AMBR Outstanding Class Award (Grand National Roadster Show, 2008)
* America's Most Beautiful Roadster (Grand National Roadster Show, 2008)
* Altered T-Roadster Award - 1st Place (Detroit Autorama, 2008)
* Street Rodder Magazine: Driven Award (Detroit Autorama, 2008)
* International Show Car Association: Outstanding Engineered Award
(Detroit Autorama, 2008)
* Boyd Coddington's Pro's Pick Award (Good Guys Nationals, Columbus, OH, 2008)

Media Coverage:

* Detroit Auto Scene - December 31, 2007 & January 7, 2008
* Mopar Collector's Guide - February, 2008
* Hot Rod - April, 2008
* Street Rodder - May, 2008
* Street Rodder - June, 2008

Shows:

* SEMA Show - Las Vegas, NV - October, 2007
* Grand National Roadster Show - Sacramento, CA - January, 2008
* Autorama - Detroit, MI - March, 2008
* LA Roadster Show - Pomona, CA - June, 2008

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Jalopnik Snap Judgment: With America's newfound thirst for small cars, combined with its memories of the godawful Fiats foisted upon its fair citizens in the 1970s and '80s nearly forgotten, the time may be ripe for a Fiat return. If Chrysler can make a few bucks by utilizing idled plants, and C-J-D dealerships can add a new, albeit low-volume, brand to their showrooms to replace the loss of lease business, this could be a win-win situation. Unless you encounter an Audi Q7 while driving your new Fiat 500 home, anyway. [Automotive News, (Sub. Req.)]

Option One: Kick yourself. Chrysler flirts with bankruptcy at least once every decade, so what were you thinking not selling out when you had a chance? Did you really think it was going to be different this time? You have no one to blame for your declining profit margins but yourself. And possibly Dieter Zetsche.

Option Two: Line up alternative forms of financing. There's this guy we know named Tony. He lives down off Cass Avenue in Detroit, and he'll finance pretty much anything you want. Tony'd love to have the business, and the real advantage for dealerships is a significant reduction in paperwork. Cash payments only, please.

Option Three: Buy a pallet of Honda badges. Hondas still sell themselves, so pry all those cash-sapping Chrysler emblems off your lot full of Sebrings and slap the Golden H of Profit on with some emblem adhesive. Will some people know the difference? Sure, but the important thing is: Some people won't. While you're out there, you may as well make some of them VTECs and V12s, you know, for the kids.

[Detroit News]

I found this car parked in a neighborhood with quite the glut of DOTS cars; within one block, you can find the '69 Volvo 1800, the 1970 Lincoln Mark IV, the 1967 Olds Vista Cruiser, and the 1979 Ford Ranchero.


This Crown is in very, very nice original condition. In '67, you could buy one of these for $5,836, about $150 less than a new Porsche 911. You got a big 350-horse 440 engine and all the luxury Chrysler could give you. And, speaking of Chrysler, this is not a "Chrysler Imperial," as Imperial was considered a separate marque during this period.


No, I don't know why there are mittens on the hood. It's not cold enough for them here, even in the winter, and I don't see this car as a ski-trip vehicle.

Follow up on WSJ report that Chrysler will no longer offer auto leases through its lending arm

As mentioned at 14:24, Chrysler has started telling dealers it will no longer offer auto leases through its lending arm Chrysler Financial, people familiar with the matter said on Friday. Chrysler is expected to brief dealers formally later today in a conference call, these people said. The move comes as auto makers and their financing units have been piling increasing losses stemming from leases, mainly as a result of falling resale values of trucks, sports-utility vehicles and other less fuel-efficient models that many consumers now shun.

What concerns us more is — doesn't Cerberus also own a controlling stake in GMAC? What does this mean for them? Will they suddenly no longer be offering lease loans either?

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: A little more math, based on the fact that Chrysler really has nothing besides the Ram truck coming out this year, tells us Chrysler is on track for a $2-billion-plus loss for the year, breaking their previous record of $1.6 billion. As Rebecca Lindland, auto analyst at Global Insight, said, "From a product perspective, you can't point to a light at the end of the tunnel." Ouch. So Chrysler's survival will depend upon how deep owner Halliburton Cerberus Capital Management's pockets are. Or how quick they can sell it off. [Detroit News]

The American SUVs on the market in 1989 were quite a bit different than the generation that would take over in just two years' time. We tend to focus on their crudeness and lack of creature comforts, but more importantly, nearly all "mid-size" SUVs before the 1990s period were two-door models. The exception was the Jeep Cherokee XJ, which was developed with extra doors specifically because Chevy hadn't added them to their Blazer. The other players were either Japanese, like the Isuzu Trooper or, like the Suburban, based on a larger truck platform.

The Jeep Z5 concept will look very familiar to you.

Fortunately for Chrysler, Jeep had developed a more-refined version of the four-door SUV that we know as the Jeep Grand Cherokee all the way back in 1985, when the division was owned by AMC. Unfortunately for Chrysler, when they purchased AMC and Jeep, they put the development of the Grand Cherokee project on hold in favor of new minivans. Still, Jeep had the answer, and in 1989 they released the Jeep Z5 Concept 1, which was basically the final design for the Grand Cherokee that they would bring to market in 1992.

Contrast that with the General. For 1989, GM had two futuristic concept trucks that we assume they hoped would stir enough interest to guide them in their product-making decisions. One was the youth-oriented Pontiac Stinger compact SUV. Though it wasn't particularly powerful — its engine was only good for 170 HP — it had a high level of utility, including features such as a removable picnic table and portable radio. These types of features weren't put to use, as Pontiac wasn't going to build an SUV in the near future. Ironically, many of these ideas found a home — the ill-fated and poorly designed Pontiac Aztec.

The Stinger is certainly better looking than the Aztec, even if it isn't as practical.

The other concept truck was the Chevy XT-2 concept, which stood for the Chevy Experimental Truck #2. This futuristic-looking, performance-oriented vehicle featured a Corvette suspension, a front-engine/RWD layout built on a platform similar to the F-body Camaro, and a 4.5-liter V6 that was good for 360 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine itself, which featured tuned port injection, was an important technological leap forward for GM. The TPI system not only provided more power than a carbureted engine, it was also relatively fuel-efficient. For an excellent discussion of the importance of this engine see this discussion of the XT-2 at PickupTrucks.com.

The XT-2 was designed as a pace car to be used in what was then the CART PPG Indy Car World Series, which is now a weird mix of words to see together. The truck itself went through two designs before engineers landed on the final one. The first version was fairly wild and had the engine mounted under the bed. The second version was a based on a passenger-car platform with a FWD/AWD layout and a smaller V6 engine, a concept not unlike the crossovers that would follow in the mid-2000s. So how did they end up with the final version? According to a press release provided by GM, "Given the consumer preference to small, sporty trucks, the evolution of the Chevrolet PPG XT-2 Pace Truck was natural."

So, in 1989, you had the Pontiac Stinger and the Chevy XT-2 from GM as the radically futuristic vehicles. The designers and planners clearly understood that, after the previous gas crisis, crossovers and sportier car-based trucks were the way forward. But that wasn't what happened.

In 1990, GM came out with four-door versions of their S10-based SUV's and Ford came out with the Ford Explorer. The design wasn't exactly revolutiona