1956 Chrysler Plainsman Concept Wagon

The Plainsman debuted at the 1956 Chicago Auto Show as a Chrysler Corporation's Idea Car'. Like popular Chrysler minivans which followed decades later, the Plainsman greatly anticipated user needs. It had many pioneering firsts including a full power tailgate with a retractable rear window, a power third-row rear-facing seat, a hidden spare tire, power retracting hidden gas filler, rear entry steps, flow-through ventilation, and luxury interior with flat-folding seats. Designed by David E. Scott and approved by Virgil Exner, Plainsman was built by Ghia in Italy. After its show career, the car was sold directly to Chrysler's Latin American Sales V.P. Elwood Parrish, stationed in Cuba. Upon Castro's takeover, Parrish made a desperate escape with the car to Puerto Rico. It was later taken to Australia, Japan, and driven cross country in the United States. Plainsman spent most of its life in California and has just undergone a painstaking full restoration.