The 1924 Chrysler Six: The Car That Started It All

As Chrysler gets ready to celebrate its 100th Anniversary next month, it’s time to pay tribute to the car that started it all—the 1924 Chrysler Six. More than just the first car to wear the Chrysler badge, it was a bold statement that a new kind of American automaker had arrived, one that valued safety, performance, and innovation just as much as luxury and style.

This car wasn’t some warmed-over version of an old design either. It was a fresh start from the ground up, created by a determined Walter P. Chrysler and a talented group of engineers who believed the average American deserved more from their vehicle. It instantly positioned Chrysler as a force to be reckoned with in Detroit and beyond.

Walter P. Chrysler’s Vision Comes to Life – 

Walter Chrysler had already made a name for himself in the railroad and automotive world before taking on the Maxwell Motor Company in 1921. With that company floundering, he brought in a trio of brilliant engineers—Fred Zeder, Owen Skelton, and Carl Breer, collectively known as the “Three Musketeers.” Together, they envisioned a car that was reliable, fast, safe, and full of modern features usually found only on high-end models.

Their work paid off. In early 1924, the all-new Chrysler Six Model B-70 debuted to a stunned crowd at the New York Auto Show. It was sleek, modern, and packed with cutting-edge technology. By June 6, 1925, after a wildly successful sales launch, the Maxwell brand was officially reorganized into the Chrysler Corporation.

Technology That Left the Competition in the Dust – 

The Chrysler Six wasn’t just ahead of its time—it redefined what Americans could expect from a car. For starters, it featured four-wheel hydraulic brakes, a massive leap forward in safety. At the time, most cars still relied on mechanical brakes that weren’t always reliable. Chrysler made hydraulic brakes standard, not an option, making driving significantly safer.

Power came from a high-compression, 3.3-liter (201-cubic-inch) L-head I6 engine, good for about 68 horsepower. That might not sound like much today, but back in 1924, it meant you could hit speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h)—in a time when many roads were still made of dirt and gravel.

Other cutting-edge features included aluminum pistons, replaceable oil and air filters, full-pressure lubrication, and shock absorbers—all at a time when those items were rare or nonexistent on competing vehicles. Even the indirect interior lighting gave the cabin a more refined feel.

More for Your Money: Affordable Luxury and Options Galore – 

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Chrysler Six wasn’t just what it offered—it was the value it delivered for the price. With a price tag ranging from about $1,565 to $3,725 (equivalent to roughly $28,000 to $66,600 in today’s money), it competed directly with mid-market brands but delivered features and engineering typically found in much more expensive luxury vehicles.

The entry-level roadster came with a rumble seat and sporty styling, while the top-trim Town Car gave buyers a chauffeur-ready experience. Nine different body styles were available, supplied by the renowned Fisher Body Company, offering unprecedented choice for the customer. And unlike competitors, Chrysler didn’t charge extra for critical features. You got performance, safety, and comfort—all bundled in.

Performance That Proved Itself on the Track – 

The Chrysler Six wasn’t just a family car but a performance machine with racing credentials. In January 1925, famed racer Ralph DePalma won the Mt. Wilson hill climb with a stripped-down touring version of the Chrysler Six, covering 1,000 miles in just 786 minutes.

That same year, a roadster version of the car finished the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, proving its durability on an international stage. Not to be outdone, legendary British driver Sir Malcolm Campbell took a streamlined Chrysler Six roadster to 100 mph at Brooklands, making it one of the first American cars to hit that kind of speed in a controlled test.

Record-Breaking Sales and Rapid Growth – 

With its unmatched combination of power, features, and price, the Chrysler Six flew off showroom floors. Over 32,000 units were sold in its first year, breaking industry records for a brand-new model. It instantly vaulted Chrysler into the big leagues, alongside brands like Ford, Buick, and Packard.

This success paved the way for the formal birth of the Chrysler Corporation in June 1925. Maxwell was phased out, and a new era of American motoring began—an era built on innovation, quality, and value.

Manufacturing Moves In-House – 

Early production relied on third-party body builders like Fisher, but by mid-1925 Chrysler made a major move to streamline operations. They purchased the Kercheval Body Factory in Detroit and began building their bodies at the iconic Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant. This vertical integration helped Chrysler maintain quality while ramping up production to meet booming demand.

The open-top models also saw a key refinement—the early two-piece, horizontally split windshield was replaced with a one-piece, top-hinged windshield for better visibility and reduced wind noise.

The Viking Touch: Bold Looks to Match the Engineering – 

The Chrysler Six didn’t just drive well—it looked the part too. Sitting proudly atop the radiator was a stylized Viking winged helmet, which served as both a radiator cap and an early form of hood ornament. It symbolized strength, boldness, and the pioneering spirit that defined the Chrysler brand from day one.