Chrysler Falcon

{{Short description|1955 Chrysler concept car by Ghia}} {{Distinguish|Ford Falcon}} {{Use American English|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Chrysler Falcon | image = ChryslerFalconConceptfront.jpg | caption = | manufacturer = [[Carrozzeria Ghia]] | aka = Model A-488 / Model A-489 | production = | model_years = | assembly = | designer = {{ubl|[[Maurice Baldwin (designer)|Maurice Baldwin]]|[[Virgil Exner]]}} | class = | body_style = 2-door [[convertible]] | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|F/R layout]] | platform = [[Chrysler 300 letter series#1955 C-300|Chrysler C-300]] | related = | engine = {{ubl|{{cvt|331|cuin|L|1}} [[Chrysler Hemi engine#Chrysler and Imperial|FirePower V8]]|{{cvt|276|cuin|L|1}} [[Chrysler Hemi engine#DeSoto|FireDome V8]]}} | transmission = 2-speed [[Chrysler PowerFlite transmission|PowerFlite]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] | propulsion = | wheelbase = {{cvt|105|in|mm|0}} | length = {{cvt|182|in|mm|0}} | width = {{cvt|68.25|in|mm|0}} | height = {{cvt|51.125|in|mm|0}} | weight = {{cvt|3300|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} | predecessor = | successor = | sp = us }}

The '''Chrysler Falcon''' is a two-seat roadster [[concept car]] commissioned by [[Chrysler]] and built by [[Carrozzeria Ghia]] for the 1955 model year. The car was never put into production, but some of its features reappeared on later Chrysler designs.

==History== Automobile designer [[Virgil Exner]] left [[Studebaker]] to join Chrysler in 1949.<ref name="dhs-bio"/> Chrysler's previous designers favored conservative, upright bodystyles, but sales were declining.<ref name="mt-jan2013"/> Exner was personally recruited to become head of Chrysler's Advanced Styling Studio by [[K. T. Keller|Kauffman Thuma (K.T.) Keller]], who was first President, then Chairman of the Board of Chrysler, to overcome Chrysler's reputation for uninspiring design, and to spur sales.<ref name="adlerbook"/>

Exner commissioned a range of what he called "Idea cars" to explore new design concepts.<ref name="adlerbook"/> Most of these cars were built in Italy by Ghia.<ref name="pi-jul2014"/> Among them were several sporty, open-top, two-seat cars, including the 1955 Chrysler Falcon. The Falcon is often described as Chrysler's answer to the [[Ford Thunderbird (first generation)|Ford Thunderbird]] and [[Chevrolet Corvette (C1)|Chevrolet Corvette]].<ref name="faa-jan2015"/><ref name="ccsc-jan2019"/><ref name="ccc-may2018"/>

Much of the actual design of the Falcon is credited to Maurice Baldwin.<ref name="ap-falcon"/><ref name="acj-mar2014"/><ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/><ref name="mc-oct2011"/>

The Chrysler Falcon debuted on 17 August 1955 at the Chrysler International Salon, alongside the Flight Sweep I and Flight Sweep II.<ref name="aci-flightsweepi"/>

The Falcon incorporated many parts and assemblies from existing Chrysler products, and could be built with production methods already in place.<ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/><ref name="gw-falcon"/> The cars that were built were considered pre-production examples, with the expectation that the Falcon would go into full production.<ref name="mr-janmar2016"/><ref name="nyt-may1959"/> Ultimately, Chrysler's Engineering staff scuttled these plans.<ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/><ref name="gw-falcon"/>

A Chrysler Falcon is reported to have been shipped back to Ghia in Italy, and from there to South America.<ref name="hcc-mar2007"/> A Chrysler Falcon was offered as the prize in a 1955 fundraiser for the Venezuelan Red Cross. The car was made available through the sponsorship of "C.A. El Automóvil Universal de Occidente", the official Chrysler representative in Venezuela at the time.<ref name="flickr-ticket"/> By the middle of the 1970s the car had been returned to North America, and was owned by Paul Stern. After a few more changes of ownership, in the late 1980s it became part of the collection of owner Joe Bortz.<ref name="hcc-mar2007"/>

Moving on from the Idea Cars, Exner's influence reached Chrysler's production lineup with the debut of the [[Virgil Exner#Forward Look design program|''Forward Look'']] models in 1955 and the major restyling of the lineup in 1957.<ref name="aals-interview"/>

Some of the Falcon's styling elements would be used in other Chrysler designs. The Falcon's egg-crate grille later appeared on the 1957–59 Chrysler 300.<ref name="ccsc-jan2019"/> Its exposed side exhaust pipes appeared on the 1960 [[Plymouth XNR]], but only on the driver's side of this [[Chrysler Slant-6 engine|Slant-6]] powered concept, and then again many years later on the 1992 [[Dodge Viper]]. The Falcon is in fact referred to as "Exner's Viper" by Daimler-Chrysler.<ref name="hcc-mar2007"/>

Years later Chrysler planned to reuse the ''Falcon'' name for their new-for-1960 [[Plymouth Valiant]] [[Compact car|compact]], but it was the [[Ford Motor Company]] who released the [[Ford Falcon (North America)|Ford Falcon]] production car with the name. There are two explanations for the change.<ref name="cg-oct2013"/> One holds that [[Henry Ford II]] asked Chrysler for permission to use the name, which Chrysler gave.<ref name="mt-apr1984"/><ref name="auwm-nov2008"/> The other says that Ford registered the name before Chrysler was able to, forcing Chrysler to scramble for a new name for their own car by sponsoring a contest among their employees.<ref name="waw-sep2001"/><ref name="vo-falcon"/><ref name="nyt-may1959"/>

==Number built== [[File:ChryslerFalconConceptrear.jpg|thumb|230x230px|Rear view]] For some time it was believed that only one Chrysler Falcon was built.<ref name="cnc-may2013"/> It is now generally accepted that at least two Falcons were completed.<ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/><ref name="gw-falcon"/><ref name="hcc-aug2014"/> This is in part based on observed differences in the bodies of cars in original photos of the Falcon.<ref name="cnc-may2013"/>

The first car built was painted black, and was used by Exner as his personal vehicle. Exner also drove the car in some SCCA events. The fate of this car is currently unknown, but there is no record of it having been destroyed.<ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/>

Some references suggest that as many as three cars were built.<ref name="hemmings-dec2021"/><ref name="adlerbook"/>{{rp|87}} This is based on the existence of a letter from Ghia designer [[Luigi Segre]] that refers to three cars: one described as a “DeSoto Sports Roadster” (Model A-489), and the others as Chrysler Sports Roadsters (Model A-488).<ref name="cnc-may2013"/><ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/><ref name="ms-falcon"/>

==Features== The Chrysler Falcon is built on a [[Vehicle frame#Unibody|unitary chassis]].<ref name="jj-jun2010"/><ref name="hemmings-dec2013"/><ref name="cnc-may2013"/><ref name="vo-falcon"/><ref name="mc-oct2011"/> It is a modified version of the [[Chrysler 300 letter series#1955 C-300|Chrysler C-300]] platform.<ref name="hcc-mar2007"/><ref name="cc-falcon"/> Overall weight is {{cvt|3300|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="hcc-mar2007"/>

Two different models of Chrysler's first generation "Double rocker" [[Chrysler Hemi engine|Hemi]] V8 were used in the cars.<ref name="cnc-may2013"/> One was the Chrysler FirePower V8 that displaced {{cvt|331|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}}, while the other was the DeSoto FireDome V8 that displaced {{cvt|276|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}}. The 331 and 276 differ not only in their bore and stroke, which are {{cvt|3.8125| × |3.625|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} for the Chrysler V8, and {{cvt|3.625| × |3.344|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} for the DeSoto engine, but also in their [[bore pitch]], which are {{cvt|4.5625|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} for the FirePower and {{cvt|4.3125|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} for the FireDome. The Bortz car has its original 331 cubic inch FirePower V8.<ref name="ct-apr1997"/><ref name="hcc-mar2007"/>

The transmission is a 2-speed [[Chrysler PowerFlite transmission|PowerFlite]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]. It is controlled by a floor-mounted lever on the interior.<ref name="vo-falcon"/> Other interior features include leather upholstery, an adjustable split-bench seat, concave inner door panels, power windows, and a wooden steering wheel by Nardi.<ref name="vo-falcon"/><ref name="cnc-may2013"/><ref name="aci-flightsweepi"/><ref name="cc-falcon"/>

The brakes are drums at all wheels. Both the brakes and the steering are power assisted.<ref name="vo-falcon"/><ref name="aci-flightsweepi"/><ref name="cnc-may2013"/>

== Technical data == {{Table alignment}} {| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" |- ! || Chrysler Falcon specifications: |- |Type: || [[Concept car]] / [[Roadster (automobile)|Roadster]] |- |Body stylist: || Maurice Baldwin [[Virgil Exner]] |- |Production: || 3 |- |Driven wheels || [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout | Rear]] |- |Engine: || Chrysler FirePower V8 DeSoto FireDome V8 |- |Engine materials: || [[Cast iron]] block and cylinder heads |- |Bore × Stroke: || {{cvt|3.8125| × |3.625|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} (FirePower V8) {{cvt|3.625| × |3.344|in|mm|2|abbr=on}} (FireDome V8) |- |Displacement: || {{cvt|331|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} (FirePower V8) {{cvt|276|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} (FireDome V8) |- |Compression ratio: || 7.5:1 (FirePower V8) 7.5:1 (FireDome V8) |- |Maximum power: || {{cvt|195|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 4400 rpm (FirePower V8) {{cvt|170|bhp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 4400 rpm (FireDome V8) |- |Maximum torque: || {{cvt|260|ftlb|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 2400 rpm (FirePower V8) {{cvt|255|ftlb|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 2000 rpm (FireDome V8) |- |Valvetrain: || Single [[cam-in-block]], pushrods, rocker arms, 2 overhead valves per cylinder |- |Induction: || 2 barrel Carter BBD carburetor (FirePower V8) 2 barrel Stromberg carburetor (FireDome V8) |- |Cooling: || [[Radiator (engine cooling)#Automobiles and motorcycles|Water-cooled]] |- |Transmission: || 2-speed [[Chrysler TorqueFlite transmission|TorqueFlite]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] |- |Steering: || [[Recirculating ball]] |- |Brakes f/r: || Drum / drum |- |Suspension front: || [[Double wishbone suspension]], [[Coil spring]]s, tubular shock absorbers |- |Suspension rear: || [[Beam axle|Live axle]] on [[leaf spring]]s, tubular shock absorbers |- |Body/Chassis: || Steel body on shortened [[Chrysler 300 letter series#1955 C-300|Chrysler C-300]] [[Vehicle_frame#Unibody|unitary chassis]] |- |Track f/r: || Not available |- |[[Wheelbase]]: || {{cvt|105|in|mm|0||abbr=on}} |- |Tires and wheels: || 7.60 × 15 tires on 15 inch wire wheels |- |Length Width Height: || {{cvt|182|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} {{cvt|68.25|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} {{cvt|51.125|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} |- |Weight: || {{cvt|3300|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} |- |{{cvt|0 – 60|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}: || 10 seconds<ref name="vo-falcon"/> |- |Quarter mile: || 17.5 seconds<ref name="vo-falcon"/> |- |Top speed: || {{cvt|115|mph|kph|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="vo-falcon"/> |}

== References == {{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="dhs-bio">{{cite web |url=https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/exner-virgil |title=Exner, Virgil |author= |date= |website=Encyclopedia Of Detroit |publisher=Detroit Historical Society |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="mt-jan2013">{{cite web |url=https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/12q2-1960-plymouth-xnr-classic-drive/ |title=1960 Plymouth XNR Concept Classic Drive |last=Gross |first=Ken |date=3 January 2013 |website=Motortrend |publisher= |access-date=2017-02-18 }}</ref>

<ref name="adlerbook">{{cite book |last=Adler |first=Dennis |author-link= |date=14 May 2000 |title=Chrysler |url= |location= |publisher=Motorbooks |page= |isbn=978-0760306956 }}</ref>

<ref name="pi-jul2014">{{cite web |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/business/cars/A_Chrysler_visionary_to_get_his_due.html |title=A Chrysler visionary to get his due |last=Phelan |first=Mark |date=25 July 2014 |website=Philadelphia Inquirer |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="faa-jan2015">{{cite web |url=https://fineartamerica.com/featured/1954-dodge-firearrow-ii-dsc2518-wingsdomain-art-and-photography.html |title=1954 Dodge Firearrow II DSC2518 |author= |date=29 January 2015 |website=fineartamerica |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="ccsc-jan2019">{{cite web |url=https://www.curbside.tv/blog/2019/1/25/chryslers-mid-20th-century-concept-cars |title=Vintage vehicles, Automotive history and stories from motoring's past. Chrysler's Mid-20th Century Concept Cars |last=Cherry |first=Jim |date=25 January 2019 |website=Curbside Car Show Calendar |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="ccc-may2018">{{cite web |url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/last-nights-dream-mostly-visual-and-playful/ |title=Last Night's Dream: Colorful, Powerful and Fun |last=Niedermeyer |first=Paul |date=12 May 2018 |website=Curbside Classic |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="ap-falcon">{{cite web |url=http://www.archivioprototipi.it/usa/chrysler/falcon.html |title=1955 Chrysler Falcon |author= |date= |website=ArchivioPrototipi.it |language=it |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="acj-mar2014">{{cite web |url=https://blog.autoparkchryslerjeep.com/almost-1955-chrysler-falcon/ |title=What Almost Was: The 1955 Chrysler Falcon |author= |date=31 March 2014 |website=Autopark Chrysler Jeep |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="hemmings-dec2013">{{cite web |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2013/12/19/exner-in-excess-chrysler-falcon-1966-duesenberg-to-appear-at-amelia-island |title=Exner in excess: Chrysler Falcon, 1966 Duesenberg to appear at Amelia Island |last=Strohl |first=Daniel |date=2013-12-19 |website=Hemmings |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="mc-oct2011">{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date=October 2011 |title=1950s Chrysler Concept Cars |url=https://www.pre50aac.com/members/multipdfs/201110October.pdf |magazine=Multicylinder |volume=45 |number=10 |pages=12, 13 |location= |publisher=Pre '50' American Auto Club |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="gw-falcon">{{cite web |url=https://www.gregwapling.com/hotrod/prototypes/1955chrysler-ghia-falcon.html |title=1955 Chrysler Ghia Falcon |author= |date= |website=Greg Wapling |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="mr-janmar2016">{{cite magazine |last=Borg |first=Tony |date=January–March 2016 |title=The 1955 Chrysler Falcon Concept Car |url=https://vic.mustang.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2020/07/Mustang-RndUp-Autumn-2016.pdf |magazine=Mustang Roundup |pages=36, 37 |location= |publisher=Mustang Owners Club of Australia, Victoria. Inc. |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="nyt-may1959">{{cite news |last=Ingraham |first=Joseph C. |date=21 May 1959 |title=TWO AUTO MAKERS PICK SAME NAMES; But Ford Wins Falcon by Minutes Over Chrysler |url= |work=New York Times |page=1 |location= |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="aals-interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Design/Exner_interview.htm |title=The Reminiscences of Virgil Max Exner, Jr |editor-last=Crippen |editor-first=David |date=3 August 1989 |website=Automobile In American Life and Society |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="hcc-mar2007">{{cite magazine |last=LaChance |first=David |date=March 2007 |title=Chrysler's Falcon |url= |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |pages=62–67 |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="cg-oct2013">{{cite web |url=https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/the-first-ford-falcon-was-a-chrysler-22831 |title=The First Ford Falcon was a Chrysler |last=Burrell |first=David |date=3 Oct 2013 |website=carsguide |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="mt-apr1984">{{cite magazine |last=Witzenburg |first=Gary |date=April 1984 |title=The Name Game |url=https://www.witzwrites.com/_files/ugd/441e52_56354e0958f64d72b5caffd1d4cec5c6.pdf |magazine=Motor Trend |pages=81–86 |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="auwm-nov2008">{{cite web |url=https://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/american-ford-falcon-history/ |title=The Salesman and the Statistician: Robert McNamara, Lee Iacocca, and the Ford Falcon |last=Severson |first=Aaron |date=2 November 2008 |website=Ate Up With Motor |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="waw-sep2001">{{cite web |url=https://www.wardsauto.com/node/9731 |title=Rearview Mirror — 42 Years Ago |last=Binder |first=Al |date=1 September 2001 |website=Ward's Auto World |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="vo-falcon">{{cite web |url=http://www.valiant.org/falcon.html |title=The 1955 Chrysler Falcon Concept Car |last=Vaccaro |first=Mark |date= |website=Valiant.org |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="aci-flightsweepi">{{cite web |url=https://www.allcarindex.com/concept/united-states/chrysler/flight-sweep-i/ |title=Chrysler - Flight Sweep I |author= |date= |website=AllCarIndex |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="cnc-may2013">{{cite web |url=https://www.carnewscafe.com/2013/05/coffee-and-a-concept-1955-chrysler-falcon/ |title=Coffee and a Concept — 1955 Chrysler Falcon |last=Turpen |first=Aaron |date=17 May 2013 |website=CarNewsCafe |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="hcc-aug2014">{{cite magazine |last=Strohl |first=Daniel |title=Lost & Found — Ferreting Out the Falcon |url=https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/HCC/2014/2014-08.pdf |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |page=10 |location= |publisher= |date=August 2014 |access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="hemmings-dec2021">{{cite web |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/classics/euro-influenced-sporting-concepts-showed-a-chrysler-that-might-have-been |title=Chrysler's Euro-influenced 1950s Sporting Concepts Showed What Might Have Been |last=Foster |first=Pat |date=2021-12-29 |website=Hemmings |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="ms-falcon">{{cite web |url=http://www.moparstyle.com/history/falcon.htm |title=1955 Chrysler Falcon |date= |publisher= |access-date=2022-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306202343/http://www.moparstyle.com/history/falcon.htm |archive-date=2016-03-06}}</ref>

<ref name="flickr-ticket">{{Cite sign |title= Boleto de la Cruz Roja... primer premio un Chrysler Falcon. |trans-title= Red Cross ticket... first prize a Chrysler Falcon. |year= |date= 2012-03-22 |publisher= |location= |author= |url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/61968032@N05/6859402808 |access-date= |medium= Lottery Ticket }}</ref>

<ref name="jj-jun2010">{{cite web |url=https://www.jalopyjournal.com/?p=9008 |title=The 1955 Chrysler Falcon |author=Jive-Bomber |date=10 June 2010 |website=The Jalopy Journal |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="cc-falcon">{{cite web |url=https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/19176,23790/1955-chrysler-falcon-concept.aspx |title=1955 Chrysler Falcon Concept |author= |date=2014-03-26 |website=Conceptcarz |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="ct-apr1997">{{cite news |last=Mateja |first=Jim |date=23 April 1997 |title=Dream Lover |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-04-24-9704240257-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |location= |access-date=}}</ref>

}}

==Further reading== * {{cite magazine |last=Keefe |first=Don |date=December 2017 |title=Rapturous Raptor: The Story of the Chrysler Falcon |url= |magazine=Collectible Automobile |volume=34 |number=4 |location= |publisher= |access-date=}} * {{cite magazine |last=Beck |first=Lee |date=June 1991 |title=1955 Chrysler Falcon Idea Car — Free-form flight |url= |magazine=Cars & Parts |location= |publisher= |access-date=}}

==External links== {{commons category}} * {{cite AV media |people= |date= |title=The 1955 Chrysler Falcon is unveiled at an exhibition in New York. |type= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvRu4nof9FI |access-date= |format= |time= |location= |publisher=CriticalPast |via=Youtube |id= }} * {{cite AV media |people= |date=2016-09-25 |title=1955 Chrysler Ghia Falcon Concept Car |type= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRBDMgqmjU0 |access-date= |format= |time= |location= |publisher=My Car Story with Lou Costabile |via=Youtube |id= }} * {{cite AV media |people= |date=2014-03-14 |title=1955 Chrysler Ghia Falcon |type= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U-O_oDkfko |access-date= |format= |time= |location= |publisher=Bortz Auto Collection |via=Youtube |id= }}

[[Category:Chrysler concept vehicles|Falcon]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1955]] [[Category:Convertibles]]