1998 Plymouth Pronto Cruiser

A small concept car released after 1997, the Plymouth Pronto design modern yet featured several retro touches. While the front resembled the Plymouth Prowler, a roll-back fabric top was used on the Pronto. While the Pronto never was released into production, its design did prompt two more concept vehicles, the Plymouth Pronto Spyder and the Plymouth Pronto Cruiser.

The Pronto's design did prompt the creation of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which did go into production in 2001, and had the Plymouth marque not been discontinued, the PT Cruiser would have been sold as a Plymouth. During the mid 1990's, the Chrysler Corporation launched the Neon a small saloon vehicle was created to appeal to both International and US markets. Increasingly popular in Europe, a tall versatile vehicle, like the Renault Megane Scenic made an ideal stablemate to the newly launched Neon. Also, in the YS, Chrysler sold many large trucks, and felt the need to produce a small truck-like vehicle to satisfy government regulations on fuel economy.

Introduced in 1997, a Plymouth badged Pronto concept vehicle debuted. A tall vehicle with many practical features, the Pronto had both a roomy interior and flexible seating. It was a modern design, apart from the Plymouth Prowler style grill. The basic concept was correct, but a more attention grabbing design was necessary. To somehow capture the ‘Spirit of America', lengthy research and management debate led to the idea of a new car.

Bryan Nesbitt, one of Chrysler's innovative designers, a 27-year old graduate, became closely involved with the project and was given a free hand to develop his own ideas. Following research in Europe, he found that the vehicle would fit into the popular MPV category, and American styling would make it stand out as an import. Unfortunately in the US this was a completely different story. No appeal, let alone any prestige would be found in a small hatchback. Though the concept of a truly original car could possibly make its own niche in the market and hopefully attract buyers from a wide spectrum.

Nesbitt's inspiration was taken directly from the 1930s era, with their high curvaceous vehicles with bold radiator grilles. New modern touches were added to the headlights, windscreen and short body that hung over the front and rear wheels. Keeping the concept of a hatchback, a flat-floor was necessary so that the vehicle could be classed as a truck to benefit the company's official fuel economy quotas.

In 1998 a very stylish 3-door concept car, the Pronto Cruizer debuted at the Geneva car show. The purpose of this was to test public reaction and throw Chrysler's competitors for a loop. They succeeded, and in 1999 the PT made a surprise launch at the North American International Auto Show.

Destined to be a classic right from its launch in the USA in April 2000, the PT Cruiser was not just different, but completely different. Waiting list of nearly a year led to some PT's changing hands at twice their original selling price. PT for personal transportation, the car was built at the Toluca plant in Mexico.

By Jessica Donaldson