The Weird Chrysler Cars of the Early 1960s

TLDRChrysler, once at the forefront of futuristic design, made peculiar design choices in the early 1960s, resulting in cars that looked increasingly weirder. The designs, created by Virgil Exner, incorporated aircraft and spacecraft references, as well as a touch of Googie style. However, these designs did not resonate well with the public, and Chrysler faced criticism for their outdated and mismatched body lines. The company eventually moved towards a cleaner and more generic design language in the mid-1960s, thanks to the influence of Elwood Engel.

Key insights

🚗Chrysler Corporation was known for its futuristic designs in the late 1950s.

🌌The 1960s saw a shift in design choices, with Chrysler making peculiar and weird-looking cars.

🔙Chrysler lagged behind other car manufacturers in terms of adopting new design trends.

🛸Virgil Exner, hired by Chrysler in the mid-1950s, played a significant role in the company's design philosophy.

🏰Chrysler faced criticism for its outdated and mismatched body lines, which did not resonate well with the public.

Q&A

What led to Chrysler's peculiar design choices in the early 1960s?

—Chrysler's design choices were influenced by its attempts to incorporate futuristic and space-themed elements, as well as the personal preferences of designer Virgil Exner.

How did the public respond to Chrysler's weird-looking cars?

—The public largely disliked the designs, as they were seen as outdated and mismatched. Chrysler faced criticism, and sales were negatively impacted.

Who was Virgil Exner?

—Virgil Exner was a designer hired by Chrysler in the mid-1950s. He played a significant role in the company's design philosophies and was responsible for the incorporation of futuristic and space-themed elements.

Did Chrysler eventually change its design approach?

—Yes, in the mid-1960s, Chrysler moved towards a cleaner and more generic design language. This shift was influenced by the hiring of designer Elwood Engel.

What can we learn from Chrysler's design choices in the early 1960s?

—Chrysler's design choices highlight the importance of keeping up with evolving design trends and understanding the preferences of the target audience. It also serves as a reminder of the need for cohesive and well-executed design elements.

Timestamped Summary

00:17Chrysler was once known for its forward-thinking and futuristic designs.

00:49Virgil Exner, a designer hired by Chrysler, played a significant role in the company's design philosophy.

02:26Chrysler's design choices in the early 1960s were seen as peculiar and weird.

04:00Chrysler faced criticism for its outdated and mismatched body lines.

06:52Chrysler eventually transitioned to a cleaner and more generic design language in the mid-1960s.

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