1941 Chrysler Newport Concept Dual Cowl Phaeton

There were as many as six of these Newport Dual Cowl Phaetons produced in 1940 and 1941. Some say five examples were produced, others say six. The vehicle was designed primarily as a show car by Ralph Roberts, and each car was basically custom built, and each was trimmed and painted differently. All rode on Imperial chassis and were powered by straight-eight engines driving their rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox.

This was the first Chrysler to be given the Newport name, which would later be used on a series of 1949-1961 two-door hardtops. After that, it was used on the company's entry-level full-size models following the cancellation of the mid-range DeSoto line.

Walter P. Chrysler, the founder of Chrysler, drove one as his personal vehicle, with another - mostly unmodified - served as the pace car for the 1941 Indianapolis 500. One other famous owner was actress Lana Turner.

This example was purchased by Chrysler in 1997 from a collector in New Jersey. It has been restored prior to its purchase.