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By: Mopar92 - (Keith)
The year was 1941.
Chrysler was a growing company and wanted to show the world
that their technology and styling was up to date. Only six of
these wild new cars were made and spread across the country
for various shows. All of which had different trim and color
schemes. It was nicknamed the “pushbutton car” because of its
push button feature. A simple push of a button opened up the
rear deck lid, doors, and windows without effort. The actual
name “Thunderbolt” came from a land speed record car named the
Thunderbolt. In 1938 at the Bonneville Salt Flats the twin
Rolls-Royce 12 cylinder went an amazing 357.53 M.P.H.! It was
then that Captain George Eyston granted Chrysler permission to
use the name.
One of the most
distinct things you will notice about the Thunderbolt is the
slab sides, or smooth sides if you will. It does not have
creases or bubbled out fenders. Aerodynamics was somewhat of
a factor as much as looks itself. By designing and installing
working “hide away” headlights, this car was definitely ahead
of it’s time!! Lack of body molding and enclosed wheels from
the fender skirts also aid in the aerodynamic appearance.
Nothing special under the hood for the show cars is known. A
143 horsepower Chrysler 323.5 cubic inch inline eight cylinder
engine mated to the Chrysler Fluid Drive transmission powered
the vehicle. The actual platform used for this project was a
1940 Crown Imperial. It had very strong structural integrity
as you can see from the lack of A pillars.
Tremulis, who had
been working with Crosley and American Bantam in the late
30's, returned to Briggs Body Works to create this fantastic
concept car for Chrysler.
There are only 4 of
the original 6 known to still exist. One of which is in the
Walter P. Chrysler museum today. Alex Tremulis will never be
forgotten as a great American designer. Tremulis is also known
for his design work on the Tucker. Only a few small ideas
actually made it into production anytime soon after the idea
of the Thunderbolt. In 1942 the DeSoto introduces the
“airfoil” hidden headlights as you see on the
Imperial/Thunderbolt.
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