1941 Chrysler Newport Phaeton

Gaining widespread notice in 1940, the Chrysler Thunderbolt show car was a huge two-seater with a retractable steel roof and streamlined cladding front to rear. Chrysler turned even more heads on Memorial Day that year when its exotic Newport Phaeton, one of only five built by LeBaron, served as pace car at the 1941 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race — the first convertible ever to do so. It has been displayed at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The 1941 Chrysler Newport was a limited-production concept car and one of the most striking and luxurious prewar American automobiles. It was officially called the Chrysler Newport Phaeton and served as a “dual cowl phaeton” show car intended to promote Chrysler’s design and engineering prowess on the eve of America’s entry into World War II.

Specifications:

• Production Year: 1941
• Number Built: Only 6 units
• Coachbuilder: LeBaron (a division of Briggs Manufacturing)
• Body Style: Dual-cowl phaeton (convertible with a second windshield for rear passengers)
• Engine: Chrysler L-head inline-8
• Displacement: 323.5 cu in (5.3 L)
• Power Output: Approx. 143 hp
• Transmission: 4-speed semi-automatic “Fluid Drive”
• Chassis: Based on Chrysler’s Imperial Crown Series
• Aviation-Inspired Styling: Streamlined fenders and a low-slung profile, very modern for its time
• Second Windshield: Rear passengers had a fold-down windscreen, a rare and luxurious touch
• Art Deco Influence: Chrome accents, sweeping lines, and an elegant interior
• Open Phaeton Body: A throwback to grand touring cars of the 1920s and early ’30s

The 1941 Indianapolis 500 had co-winners: Floyd Davis and Mauri Rose. While Davis started the race in the No. 16 car, Rose took over the wheel on lap 73 after Davis’ teammate, Rose’s own car, dropped out with an issue, and drove it to victory. This made it the second time in Indy 500 history that co-winners were declared, and Rose’s first of three “500” victories.