In the mid-1950s, car companies were moving forward in the design of the automobile. Indeed, cars were getting longer and lower thanks to men like Harley Earl. Both Ford and Chevrolet had designs in place that would bring the car from the high sided look to the sleek and aerodynamic shape that came to epitomize the 1950s. When Chrysler caught wind of what was over the horizon in the early 1950s, they were caught completely off-guard. Chrysler’s Chairman of the Board K.T. Keller was still adamant about a tall and boxy car that you could wear a hat in. Reality soon set in and a sneak peek at the competition let Chrysler know that they were in deep trouble. Virgil Exner was brought in and completely revamped Chrysler’s line-up. Exner’s brilliant work made its debut in 1955 with the all-new “Million Dollar Look.” Chrysler’s cars for 1955 were sleek, sexy, and were all built with V-8 power. Indeed, Exner’s design skills provided Chrysler with a banner year for 1955 with 152,777 cars sold.
Featured here is one of Exner’s more glamorous designs in the way of a Windsor Deluxe convertible for 1955. Certainly there was no shortage of Ford or Chevrolet convertibles for 1955, but with just 1,395 Windsor Deluxe convertibles built they were rare then and are even rarer today. This fine example carries a fresh restoration that has returned to like-new condition. Its finish in Chrysler’s “Tango Red” doesn’t exactly detract from its curb appeal, especially with the top down. Everything that was good about Exner’s design expertise is clearly demonstrated in this classic cruiser from its nicely detailed split front grille to its full length trim spear and chrome rear tail lights that give just a hint of the fin wars that were just around the corner. This Windsor Deluxe rides on a 120-inch wheelbase and also wears a dazzling set of Chrysler’s optional Kelsey Hayes wire wheels with wide white wall tires. Power comes from Chrysler’s tried and proven 301 cubic-inch V-8 rated at 188 horsepower. The interior is clad in beautiful two-tone red and white and features just a hint of the emerging jet age with gauges neatly housed in the center and futuristic steering wheel. Clearly Chrysler was on top of its game with their fine cars for 1955, but the convertible took that beauty to a whole new level.
Exner’s tenure with Chrysler was over by 1961, but his dazzling work made Chrysler one of the best cars of the 1950s. Exner even had an association with Ghia of Italy that gave rise to some of the most dynamic show cars ever seen. This 1955 Windsor Deluxe convertible is a car that carries an iconic design from a bygone era. Cruising the boulevard doesn’t get any better than in the “Million Dollar Look” of a Chrysler for 1955.
