1941 Chrysler Newport: The Concept That Dared to Dream Again

The Red Dual-Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron Steals the Show at Chrysler’s 100th

Robert S. Miller June 6, 2025

1941 Chrysler Newport Concept by LeBaron. (Chrysler).

When you think of bold American design from the early 1940s, the 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton stands in a league of its own. Designed by Ralph Roberts of LeBaron at a time when Chrysler was still finding its footing after the Great Depression and the controversial Airflow, the Newport was more than just a pretty face—it was a statement. A statement that Chrysler could build something breathtaking again.

This wasn’t just another concept car. It was rolling artwork, built with care and vision. Under the hood, it was powered by a 5.3-liter (323.5 cubic-inch) “SPITFIRE” I8 engine, rated at around 143 horsepower. Paired with Chrysler’s then-advanced three-speed Vacamatic transmission with overdrive, the Newport had both style and substance.

What made it pop, though, was the design. Roberts resurrected the dual-cowl phaeton—a body style that hadn’t been seen in Chrysler’s lineup since 1933—and reimagined it with aircraft-inspired curves, disappearing headlights, full-length flowing fenders, and even an electric-powered rear cowl to make climbing into the back seat a little less awkward. The cloth top stowed away cleanly and completely, giving the Newport a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette when down.

K.T. Keller, Chrysler’s conservative President at the time, was so moved by the design that he ordered six examples built for the 1941 auto show circuit. Time was tight—LeBaron had just 90 days—but they managed to turn out at least five, each hand-built and slightly unique. One of them even went on to pace the 1941 Indianapolis 500, making it the only one of the group with exposed headlamps.

Fast-forward to today, and every known example still exists—an incredible survival rate for what were essentially pre-war concept cars. The one that paced the Indy 500 sold at auction in 2013 for an eye-popping $880,000. But perhaps more notably, another, finished in brilliant red, now resides in the Chrysler Historical Collection and was recently shown off in style.

That very red Newport made its presence known at the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC) during the Chrysler 100th Anniversary Celebration. Sitting proudly along the waterfront, it wasn’t just a car on display—it was a symbol of the brand’s rich heritage and future ambition. People couldn’t stop staring. And honestly, who could blame them?

From its dual-carb SPITFIRE engine to its flush-fitting retractable headlamps and coachbuilt craftsmanship, the 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton represents one of the most daring moments in Chrysler’s long story. It wasn’t mass-produced. It didn’t directly influence every car that came after it. But it proved one thing loud and clear: Chrysler could still dream big—and build even bigger.