Slot Classic CJ-57 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl – New & Boxed
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- Reference CJ-57
- Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Model
- Limited Edition of 400 units
The Slot Classic 30th Anniversary box includes:
-Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton.
-Wooden base.
-CJ-57 Brochure.
-Three sheets with pen and ink drawings by the artist Diego Serrano.
More information
In 1940, Walter P. Chrysler died, and KT Keller succeeded him as CEO. At this point, accounts of the story diverge; some maintain that Keller wanted to stimulate the imagination of Chrysler’s designers by working with independent coachbuilders, while others say it was Ralph Roberts, at the helm of LeBaron, who approached Keller with a proposal to develop two concept cars.
The fact is that two very special projects started that year: on the one hand, the Thunderbolt, a futuristic convertible by the prestigious designer Alex Tremulis, and on the other hand, the Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton, coordinated by Ralph Roberts.
The new model shared its chassis with the Chrysler Imperial Crown (3695.7 mm wheelbase), as well as a 5301.21 cc inline 8-cylinder engine that produced 143 hp at 3400 rpm. Given that this performance was superior to that of the Imperial, it is suspected that it may have been modified. The transmission was a Chrysler-patented “fluid drive” semi-automatic with three gears.
But it was in the design of the aluminum bodywork that this model truly shone. With a minimalist approach, any embellishments that might distract from the elegant, organic lines were eliminated, removing joints and moldings between the body and the fenders, which were bolted on.
The delivery deadlines were nearly impossible to meet (just 90 days, by autumn 1940), but five units were built (though some sources say six) for their debut at the New York Auto Show. Subsequently, they participated in parades and shows across the country. The great success of these promotional tours caught the attention of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials, who selected this model as the pace car for the 1941 Indy 500.
The chosen car was chassis number C7807503, gold in color with maroon upholstery, which had a distinctive and easily identifiable feature: it was the only one with visible headlights (the others had retractable ones). The driver selected was Allen B. “Tobe” Couture, Chrysler’s chief test engineer and a personal friend of Walter P. Chrysler. Furthermore, to ensure no promotional opportunity was missed, the company sent another car to the track to transport VIPs.
Slot Classic CJ-57 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl – New & Boxed
