Imagine yourself walking onto an auto show floor back in 1957. Amid the chrome and optimism, one car completely steals your attention. This was the intense and sophisticated presence of the 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept. This one-of-a-kind machine was not just a flight of fancy. It was a serious statement about the future of American automotive design. It embodied the fusion of Italian coachbuilding elegance with raw Detroit power. This stunning car stands as a profound milestone in the history of Chrysler’s famous “Forward Look” era.
The Forward Look’s Italian Connection
Chrysler’s chief designer, Virgil Exner, championed a new, sleeker aesthetic in the 1950s. This revolutionary change became known as the “Forward Look.” Exner realized that to create truly dramatic concepts, he needed help from abroad. Thus, he forged a strong partnership with the legendary Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Ghia. The 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept, also known as the Super Dart 400 or Dart Diablo, was a product of this fruitful collaboration. It evolved from the earlier 1956 Dart concept. Ghia’s masterful craftsmanship brought Exner’s bold sketches vividly into reality.
A Design Dictated by Aerodynamics
The design of the Dart was driven by the latest thinking in aerodynamic efficiency. Engineers tested the original version in a wind tunnel in Turin, Italy. This testing resulted in an exceptionally low drag coefficient for the time. That sleek, dart-like body profile was no accident, therefore. The concept’s long, low stance conveyed a sense of speed even when parked. Consequently, the car felt like a hydroplane on wheels.
Jet-Age Styling and Dramatic Fins
The look of the 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept perfectly captured the public’s fascination with the Space Age. Its exterior design was dramatic, yet it was also purposeful. The striking, exaggerated tailfins flared outward, giving the car a distinct aircraft-like contour. These fins were not purely for show, however. Exner asserted that they added crucial directional stability at higher speeds. Quad headlights sat low, framing an intricate, stretched oval grille. A chrome reveal flowed from the grille back along the car’s flanks. It provided a visual ribbon that emphasized the length of the beautiful body.
Ghia’s Hand-Built Craftsmanship
Ghia built the car’s remarkable body by hand, showcasing incredible attention to detail. The structure was based on a modified Chrysler 300C chassis. Its hardtop-style convertible roof was initially retractable, a highly complex feature. Later, this feature was replaced with a more conventional fabric soft top for the Diablo iteration. The combination of American engineering principles and Italian artistry defined its unique identity.
Advanced Interior for the Modern Driver
The luxury continued inside the stunning cabin of the 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept. The interior featured four individual bucket seats, a truly opulent touch for the era. These seats were upholstered in sophisticated black and white leather. A flowing center console separated the driver and passenger areas. Furthermore, the car included features considered highly advanced for the late 1950s.
Innovative Features of the Super Dart
The car boasted amenities that signaled future production trends. You would find power windows and air conditioning in the elegant cabin. It was also equipped with a push-button operated Torqueflite automatic transmission. Perhaps the most unique feature was the installation of Chrysler’s Highway Hi-Fi record player. This novelty allowed for nearly two hours of in-car music.
The Mighty Power of the HEMI V8
The 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept was an absolute showpiece of performance as well as design. This particular example was a powerful grand tourer.
Powertrain and Performance Specifications
Under the long, sleek hood sat Chrysler’s top-tier, 392-cubic-inch “Power Pack HEMI” V8 engine. This mighty 6.4-liter engine utilized two four-barrel carburetors and a 10:1 compression ratio. This configuration helped the concept car deliver an impressive 400 horsepower. That level of power was remarkable for the time. Power flowed through the advanced TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. This setup ensured the Dart was more than just a static styling exercise. It possessed the heart of a true high-performance machine.
The Dart Concept’s Lasting Legacy
The 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept became a vital rolling laboratory for Chrysler. It provided a glimpse into the future direction of the brand. Design cues from this concept influenced later production vehicles. The long, low lines and dramatic fins directly inspired Chrysler’s production models. This car toured extensively, influencing public taste and competitor designs alike. It is a stunning, physical testament to the daring vision of Virgil Exner.
The 1957 Chrysler Dart Concept has remained a preserved piece of automotive history. It represents the height of the mid-century American dream car. From its Ghia-penned body to its potent HEMI engine, it’s a car with a rich, lasting heritage. This automotive icon captured the spirit of a forward-looking, jet-crazed decade perfectly.
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Source: Stellantis
