CHRYSLER Six 1924-1931 Photos, engines & full specs

Walter P. Chrysler launched the B-70 model on January 5th, 1924, at the Commodore Hotel in New York City, and it was the first car produced by Chrysler.

Chrysler designed the car for the Willis Corporation in 1919, but since that company went bankrupt, it had two options: selling the project or building it himself. He chose the second and, five years later, unveiled the B70 with the New York Auto Show occasion. He used the marketing name B-70 to reflect the car's maximum speed. For those times, any vehicle that could pass the 60 mph (97 kph) barrier was considered a fast car.

The new Chrysler company built the car with much care since it was addressed to wealthier customers. Its rounded front end for the radiator's casing and hood didn't follow other carmakers' wedged shapes. On the sides of the engine compartment, the louvers helped to cool the engine. A flat, slightly tilted windshield protected the occupants, while the side glass wind wings helped the other ones. The car featured side-marker lamps, running boards, and even a brake light. Its chromed bumpers were a sign of a wealthy owner.

Chrysler installed an interior that featured two bench seats for front and rear passengers and a thick four-spoke steering wheel for better grip. The carmaker installed a center-mounted instrument cluster on the metallic dash panel that featured a barrel-type speedometer and gauges for amperage, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.

Thanks to its inline-six engine that produced 69 hp paired to a three-speed manual. Power went to the rear wheels via a driveshaft. The drum-brakes in all corners ensured a minimum stopping distance for those times.