Chrysler Finally Begins Its 100th Anniversary Celebration at NYIAS

Chrysler Finally Begins Its 100th Anniversary Celebration at NYIAS​

Century of Innovation Exhibit Honors Brand's Legacy, Present, and Future​

For those of us who’ve been waiting (and honestly, wondering) if Chrysler would do anything for its 100th Anniversary, it looks like the wait is finally over. The 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) will be the official kickoff to Chrysler’s long-overdue centennial celebration — and thankfully, they’re starting it off right.

Chrysler Finally Begins Its 100th Anniversary Celebration at NYIAS

Chrysler finally begins its 100th anniversary celebration at NYIAS with a special exhibit showcasing its storied past and future.

moparinsiders.com

 

[bill burke]

About time! Chrysler fans have been trying to help the clueless leadership at Chrysler to study, appreciate and understand the Chrysler brand heritage and culture. Technical innovation, bold styling consistent with its clearly identifiable brand cues, cutting edge engineering in an affordable luxury product that middle class people can aspire to and eventually afford. The Airflow had technology, innovation and boldness, but not the essence of Chrysler styling features that everyone can say loud and clear” that’s a Chrysler” How could the styling studios at Chrysler get it so wrong? Simple, they never understood or truly looked deeply into the brand. Sure as heck these people sure did not listen to us lowly fans.
It’s past time to expose the public, a whole new generation of young middle class buyers to that unique Chrysler chemistry by exhibiting the magnificent Chryslers of the past that have defined the brand so indelibly on generations of loyal customers.
This decision is a small, but important, step in the right direction. Those letter 300s, those magnificent Imperials, those Córdobas, Crossfires and Town and Countrys need exposure. Even the Airflows of the past need to be seen, not only by the general public, but studied and frankly worshiped by those entrusted with the Chrysler heritage. You must put aside your conceited self righteous talents in your work and listen to us common folk who maybe, just maybe, know what a Chrysler is. So far you and your leadership appears clueless. Build us a CHRYSLER !!

 

[Mike201]

It’s about time. It is too bad it takes the 100th Birthday of Chrysler to get things going.
I am hoping we get an announcement soon on new products. I really do believe the Airflow would have worked. I would definitely be interested if it came in ICE form. As for comments about it being a cookie cuter are BS. What isn’t? Most SUV’s on the road all look alike, except for grills in taillights. So please, it comes down to more than that. The Airflow was nice in and out. As for the Halcyon doesn’t say Chrysler. More a Dodge sport car. Also looks like it needs to come out in 2050. Way to much of “The Jetsons” look. I think adding the Airflow, and a new sedan with the current mini van line up would be a good start!!! Then add an upscale SUV from there.

 

[bill burke]

It’s about time. It is too bad it takes the 100th Birthday of Chrysler to get things going.
I am hoping we get an announcement soon on new products. I really do believe the Airflow would have worked. I would definitely be interested if it came in ICE form. As for comments about it being a cookie cuter are BS. What isn’t? Most SUV’s on the road all look alike, except for grills in taillights. So please, it comes down to more than that. The Airflow was nice in and out. As for the Halcyon doesn’t say Chrysler. More a Dodge sport car. Also looks like it needs to come out in 2050. Way to much of “The Jetsons” look. I think adding the Airflow, and a new sedan with the current mini van line up would be a good start!!! Then add an upscale SUV from there.

I think we are saying the same thing, the Airflow IS too cookie cutter and although the basic elements of SUVs or a flying spur as I view the Airflow are commonly shared, things like grills, front fenders, body accents and tail lights make a huge difference that demand classic brand cues to set it apart. Indeed that requirement is not BS but the path to Chrysler fans hearts. Your choice for new product is spot on but I’d add a halo model when the SUV arrives. Maybe a new Imperial.
I too would jump at an ICE Airflow if the thing had a 300 like front face and more brand influenced tail lights. Call it heritage, call it chemistry but pretty please don’t call the most obvious flaw BS.

 

[Mike201]

I think we are saying the same thing, the Airflow IS too cookie cutter and although the basic elements of SUVs or a flying spur as I view the Airflow are commonly shared, things like grills, front fenders, body accents and tail lights make a huge difference that demand classic brand cues to set it apart. Indeed that requirement is not BS but the path to Chrysler fans hearts. Your choice for new product is spot on but I’d add a halo model when the SUV arrives. Maybe a new Imperial.
I too would jump at an ICE Airflow if the thing had a 300 like front face and more brand influenced tail lights. Call it heritage, call it chemistry but pretty please don’t call the most obvious flaw BS.

We agree on quite a bit. As for the Airflow seems for the most part we are on the same page as well. I see the front end being a “modified” look of the Pacifica/last 200. As for the rear, I tried to think of what could be different but would fit the style, it seemed very hard to go in any direction that doesn’t look like a new Jeep rear end or something out of place. As for over all body style I like the shape, it flows nice and seems to be a real good size. My comment as a cookie cutter is I really don’t see many vehicles that have that look.

 

[bill burke]

We agree on quite a bit. As for the Airflow seems for the most part we are on the same page as well. I see the front end being a “modified” look of the Pacifica/last 200. As for the rear, I tried to think of what could be different but would fit the style, it seemed very hard to go in any direction that doesn’t look like a new Jeep rear end or something out of place. As for over all body style I like the shape, it flows nice and seems to be a real good size. My comment as a cookie cutter is I really don’t see many vehicles that have that look.

Not to belabor our conversation, but that was my exact impression, someone at Chrysler styling is hung up on that 200/ Pacifica van front end real bad and so “here we go again” on a look that sunk the overall really poorly done 200 and had to be changed on the Pacifica. Oh yes by the way on the Pacifica, to a 300 inspired front clip. Time for a shake up at Chrysler styling studios or a week locked in a facility full of vintage Chryslers for everyone at Chrysler.

 

[CDPDWest]

Not to belabor our conversation, but that was my exact impression, someone at Chrysler styling is hung up on that 200/ Pacifica van front end real bad and so “here we go again” on a look that sunk the overall really poorly done 200 and had to be changed on the Pacifica. Oh yes by the way on the Pacifica, to a 300 inspired front clip. Time for a shake up at Chrysler styling studios or a week locked in a facility full of vintage Chryslers for everyone at Chrysler.

"Time for a shake up at Chrysler styling studios or a week locked in a facility full of vintage Chryslers for everyone at Chrysler."
Great idea. Bring them all to the www.chrysler100.com event at Chryslers at Carlisle, July 11-13. We'll have everything from early Custom Imperial CG's to Nelson Rockefeller's 60 Imperial limo by Ghia at the event. We do know there are a few in the design studio that are well versed in Chrysler history and heritage. Would love to see cues of the influence in all modern Chrysler designs. Wonder what other enthusiasts define as what makes Chrysler distinct and different? To me, it would be engineering excellence at the forefront and not just innovation but bold innovation combined with engineering. EG, 34 Airflow, overdrive, hyd brakes, elec wipers, etc. Also interesting to note that the Chicago worlds fair in 1933, the theme was "A century of progress".
Chrysler, always engineered.

Bill Adams
WPC Club aka Chryslerclub.org
President
Oakdale, CA

 

[patfromigh]

This decision is a small, but important, step in the right direction. Those letter 300s, those magnificent Imperials, those Córdobas, Crossfires and Town and Countrys need exposure. Even the Airflows of the past need to be seen, not only by the general public, but studied and frankly worshiped by those entrusted with the Chrysler heritage. You must put aside your conceited self righteous talents in your work and listen to us common folk who maybe, just maybe, know what a Chrysler is. So far you and your leadership appears clueless. Build us a CHRYSLER !!

With love, from Minnesota.

 

[The Mopar Junkie]

Not to belabor our conversation, but that was my exact impression, someone at Chrysler styling is hung up on that 200/ Pacifica van front end real bad and so “here we go again” on a look that sunk the overall really poorly done 200 and had to be changed on the Pacifica. Oh yes by the way on the Pacifica, to a 300 inspired front clip. Time for a shake up at Chrysler styling studios or a week locked in a facility full of vintage Chryslers for everyone at Chrysler.

I have heard that the Pacifica MCA (mid-cycle action) for 2026MY will look a lot like the Airflow

 

[Stephen345]

About time! Chrysler fans have been trying to help the clueless leadership at Chrysler to study, appreciate and understand the Chrysler brand heritage and culture. Technical innovation, bold styling consistent with its clearly identifiable brand cues, cutting edge engineering in an affordable luxury product that middle class people can aspire to and eventually afford. The Airflow had technology, innovation and boldness, but not the essence of Chrysler styling features that everyone can say loud and clear” that’s a Chrysler” How could the styling studios at Chrysler get it so wrong? Simple, they never understood or truly looked deeply into the brand. Sure as heck these people sure did not listen to us lowly fans.
It’s past time to expose the public, a whole new generation of young middle class buyers to that unique Chrysler chemistry by exhibiting the magnificent Chryslers of the past that have defined the brand so indelibly on generations of loyal customers.
This decision is a small, but important, step in the right direction. Those letter 300s, those magnificent Imperials, those Córdobas, Crossfires and Town and Countrys need exposure. Even the Airflows of the past need to be seen, not only by the general public, but studied and frankly worshiped by those entrusted with the Chrysler heritage. You must put aside your conceited self righteous talents in your work and listen to us common folk who maybe, just maybe, know what a Chrysler is. So far you and your leadership appears clueless. Build us a CHRYSLER !!

Hi Bill, well said! Down here in Australia we still have a strong love and appreciation of Chrysler, especially the Chrysler's that built here in Australia, and even later when we finally received the 300, there are still a few 300 SRT's in use by the Highway Patrol in New South Wales, but there days are numbered! I am hanging onto my 2007 300C 345 V8 and my wife has a lovely Jeep GC. Regards Stephen.

 

[CDPDWest]

With love, from Minnesota.

Hi Greg, what a great little museum. He painted most of the interior on his hands and knees. There are not too many more passionate Chrysler folks than Greg. Also a member of the WPC board of directors. If you ever get a chance, check out his museum. You will enjoy it.

 

[patfromigh]

I'm not that far from Isanti. I'll have more time on my hands in a few weeks when I'm fully retired. I'll put that on my to-do list along with going to Nebraska to see Speedy Bill's museum.

 

[james.mooney.]

The Airflow styling, IMHO, was boring and too safe. It had all the excitement and charisma of a Dodge Hornet, and I suspect would have sold in similar numbers. An idea from the web that I think is much better:

Chrysler and Dodge both need to go big and bold with their styling, in all segments, in order to stand out against better-established competitors with better reputations (earned or unearned) for quality and reliability. They also need to be more affordable than the competition (in most segments, especially ones they are re-entering after an absence and/or failed to successfully compete in previously).

Dodge nailed the styling on the Charger Daytona but it is not selling because so far it is only available as an expensive two-door EV. (I think a $35K V6 SXT four-door would be flying off the lots!)

When is the last time Dodge or Chrysler had a successful vehicle smaller than the Dodge Journey? Neon/PT Cruiser? Avenger/Sebring? They need to figure out a way to crack the C-/D-segments. Their most recent offerings (Caliber, Dart, 200, Hornet) have all failed to gain traction (Caliber sold well in its first three years but its sales never recovered after 2009).