1995 Chrysler Atlantic Concept

Drawing on classic designs from the past, Chrysler hit the auto show circuit in 1995 with the stunning Atlantic. Displaying an upright grille, long hood, short deck, and pontoon fenders, it was reminiscent of certain Bugatti’s that wowed the auto world back in the Thirties.

As the story goes, the Atlantic was inspired by some “what if” sketches done by then Chrysler President Robert Lutz during a luncheon with design chief Thomas Gale, who passed Lutz’s ideas to the design staff.

The Atlantic wore a regulation Chrysler badge carried within a pair of chrome feathered wings, giving the emblem a classic appearance. Integrating federally required 2.5mph bumpers would be difficult without compromising the existing front-end design. There’s a hint of mid Sixties Corvette at the rear, particularly in the spine that runs down the car’s centerline. Note the smoothly integrated chrome exhaust outlets. The interior combined traditional “watch-face” gauges with futuristic styling touches for a dashing look.

Like the Bugatti’s of the Thirties, the Atlantic was powered by a dual overhead camshaft straight-8 powerplant actually two 4-cylinder engines from Chrysler’s Neon mated nose to tail under a single gleaming valve cover. Dominating the side view are large chrome wheels carrying the “winged” Chrysler emblem.

Though its curvaceous lines would likely be difficult to duplicate in production, should anything similar to the Atlantic ever be offered to the public, it wouldn’t be the first Chrysler concept car to go from the show car circuit to the street. The Dodge Viper Roadster started life as a concept car.