Item Info

Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Automobile Reference Collection
Notes: Chrysler Corporation, Detroit, Mich. A HYDROPLANE ON WHEELS. THE DART – Chrysler Corporation’s newest idea car – possesses so much of the streamlined purity common to high-speed hydroplanes that it closely resembles a hydroplane on wheels. Every inch of its 223-inch length was aerodynamically perfected in Europe’s largest wind tunnel. It has many advanced chassis and suspension features developed by Chrysler engineers in this country. The upswept fins are not only glamorous but tests proved them to be extremely functional in eliminating wind wander on the highways. The Dart has a 129-inch wheelbase and is six inches lower than 1956 production cars. The Drat is 80 inches wide and 54 inches high and is powered by an advanced Chrysler FirePower V-8 engine. It is the lowest full four-passenger sedan ever built. Many of its engineering innovations still remain secret. These include a completely new design in chassis construction and suspension. A few of the more outstanding Chrysler innovations which are on trial in this experimental car include: Three-dimensional windshield—sloping at a sharper angle and offering more visibility than any windshield in production. The windshield wraps into the roof as well as around the sides. Full-wrap, rubber mounted bumpers—provide complete protection around the car body, yet blend into the car so aerodynamically they seem a part of the car body. A sliding roof panel—telescopes into a concealed compartment behind the rear seat. The roof can also be partially retracted so as to leave the front seat open and the rear seat covered. Induced brake cooling—is achieved by air forced through the finned wheel covers to the brakes at a rate of eight cubic feet per minutes at 40 miles per hour. 10/1/56