The Chrysler Corporation shook up the Motor City with all-new styling for 1957, low and sleek and sporting the tallest tailfins in the industry. This Chrysler promotional spot from ’57 showcases the bold new look.
Chrysler styling chief VIrgil Exner launched his Forward Look styling theme in 1955, but the next leap forward came in 1957, when the corporation unveiled another cycle of all-new sheetmetal for the five divisions: Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, and Imperial. Sleeker and lower than the previous models—as much as five inches lower—and dominated by dramatic tailfins, the new Chryslers suddenly vaulted the automaker to Motor City style leader, rattling the design studios at Ford and General Motors.
Provisions for quad headlamps (not yet legal in all states) and 14-inch tires complemented the fresh look. With its low belt line and generous greenhouse, Plymouth adopted a new tagline, “Suddenly, it’s 1960.” Dodge division invented a new word for the styling theme, “autodynamics,” while the Chrysler brand was touted as “the most glamorous car in a generation. ” In this three-minute commercial spot, the 1957 Chrysler family of cars are described, not too modestly, “as the newest new cars in 20 years.” Video below.
417 color combinations. Wish we could get that now. Seems like all they offer is five exterior colors and two interior. Makes me long for padded vinyl roofs to add some contrast.
And to think, that’s what it took to sell new cars, singing the praises and the call will sell itself. Now , they have to jump them on top of trains and provide a disclaimer,” Do not attempt”. I always thought those cars sagged in the back because of poor spring metal ( like early 60’s Ford’s). Whether you liked them or not ( I did) they sure were a radical change from the frumpy sad faced cars before them. I think the market was wide open for a fresh idea, and Chrysler was right there. And with a spokesperson like Groucho Marx, you couldn’t lose.
The lowest price Chrysler was the Plymouth, and to me had the best styling. I was a fan even before “Christine” came out with her devilish ways, LOL. Too bad all the Chrysler vehicles of that era suffered rust problems, like a lot of the others did. Very seldom see a 1957 Chrysler of any kind, only 57 Chevy’s everywhere.