|
1940
|
Willys |
Willys delivers two prototypes, both with 2 or 4 WD, one with 4 wheel steering; Overland renamed Americar.
|
| 1940 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Thunderbolt and Newport show cars are shown. Walter Chrysler dies. Safety rim wheels introduced.
|
| 1940 |
|
The Jeep Story 1940 - 1970 (pdf) -- In June 1940, the U.S. military informed automakers that it was looking for a light reconnaissance vehicle to replace the Army's motorcycle.
|
| 1941 |
Willys |
Willys unit accepted, incorporating modifications from submissions by Ford and American Bantam. First units produced of eventual 368K from Willys and 232K from Ford.
|
| 1941 |
Nash |
Nash 600 replaces LaFayette; has unitized body and low price, major success.
|
| 1941 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Last models (year ’42) are produced without plated trim due to strategic need for chrome.
|
| 1941 |
|
The Thunderbolt and Newport Show Cars, 1941 (pdf) - In 1941, Chrysler built two concept cars: the Thunderbolt and the Newport. No mere flights of fancy, these automobiles were based on solid engineering and proven technology, as would be many of the advanced Chrysler design concepts in the coming years.
|
| 1941 |
Dodge |
Chapter Seven — Chrysler Goes to War (pdf)
|
| 1942 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
’42 DeSoto has hidden headlamps. Production stops for war. By wars end Chrysler will produce, among other things, 397,209 trucks, 25,507 tanks, 3 billion cartridges, and 175,000 engines of all types. |
| 1942 |
|
The War Effort 1942 - 1945 (pdf) -- Doug Fraser retired President, United Auto Workers, Oral History Interview.
|
| 1945 |
Willys |
First civilian model CJ2A.
|
| 1945 |
Willys |
Kaiser Motors set up to produce Kaiser and Frazer marques.
|
|
1945
|
Dodge |
Dodge introduces the “Power Wagon” truck—the civilian version of a military truck.
|
| 1945 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Re-conversion to car production begins July, Chrysler begins production in December. |
| 1945 |
Dodge |
Chapter Eight — Postwar Adjustments (pdf)
|
| 1946 |
Willys |
Jeep Station wagon appears; First Kaisers and Frazers sold (1947 models).
|
|
1946
|
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
Town and Country convertible and sedan introduced, replacing wagon. |
|
1946
|
|
Working for Chrysler - Like joining a family, 1946 (pdf) -- Bruce Thomas retired Chrysler Engineer, Oral History Interview.
|
|
1947
|
Willys |
All assets of Graham Motors (controlled since ’44 by Joseph Frazer) are transferred to Kaiser Frazer.
|
|
1947
|
Hudson |
Step-down design used on Hudson.
|
|
1948
|
Willys |
First Jeepster produced.
|
| 1948 |
Nash |
Charles Nash dies.
|
|
1948
|
Dodge |
“Pilot House” Dodge pick-ups appear.
|
| 1949 |
Nash |
Nash Airflyte.
|
| 1949 |
Chrysler / Plymouth / DeSoto
|
As a “Second Series” the corporation offers re-styled cars; Virgil Exner joins Chrysler. |