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Cadillac

2010-04-25T20:37:43Z

Joeychgo:

{{List Of Cadillac Models}}
'''Cadillac''' was born from Ford's second failed venture. Today, it is a brand of luxury automobile, part of the [[GMC|General Motors Corporation ]], produced and mostly sold in the United States and Canada; outside of North America, they have been less successful. In the United States, the name became a synonym for "high quality", used in such phrases as "the Cadillac of clocks." This is less prevalent, though still known, in other English-speaking countries (who are more likely to use [[Rolls-Royce]] in such phrases).

== History ==
=== Founding ===
Cadillac was formed from the Henry Ford Company upon Henry Ford's departure along with several partners. Ford wanted to build cheap cars but the investors wanted to build the most expensive. With the intent of liquidating the firm's assets, Ford's financial backers, William Murphy and Lemuel Bowen called in engineer Henry M. Leland to appraise the plant and equipment prior to selling them. Instead, Leland persuaded them to continue in the automobile business. Henry Ford's departure required a new name, and on August 22, 1903, the company reformed as the Cadillac Automobile Company.

The Cadillac automobile was named after the 17th century French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, founder of Detroit, Michigan in 1701.

=== Early vehicles ===
[[Image:Cadi-1903.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Cadillac, 1903 (courtesy the Smithsonian).]]
Their first car was completed in October 1902, the 10 [[HP|hp]] (7 kW) Cadillac. It was practically identical to the 1903 [[Ford Model A]]. Many sources say the first car rolled out of the factory on October 17; in the book Henry Leland — Master of Precision, on p.69, that date is shown to be October 20; yet another reliable source shows car #3 to have been built on October 16. In any case, the new Cadillac was shown at the [[New York Auto Show]] the following January, where it impressed the crowds enough to gather over two thousand firm orders. The Cadillac's biggest selling point was precision manufacturing and, therefore, reliability; it was simply a better made vehicle than its competition.

In February to March 1908, three [[Cadillac Model K|Model K]] Cadillacs (1907 production) were released from the stock of Frederick Bennett (UK agent for Cadillac) at the Heddon Street showroom in London to compete in the annual Royal Automobile Club's Standardization Test. They were driven 25 miles to the Brooklands race track at Weybridge where they completed another 25 miles (40 km) before being put under lock and key until Monday March 2, 1908 when they were released and disassembled completely. Their 721 component parts were scrambled in one heap; 89 parts requiring extreme accuracy were withdrawn from the heap,locked away at the Brooklands club house and replaced with new parts from the showroom stock. Using only wrenches and screwdrivers the 3 cars were re-assembled and on Friday March 13 they completed a mandatory 500 mile (800 km) run. On completion of the test, one of the cars was placed under lock and key where it remained until the start of the 2,000 miles (3,200 km) Reliability Trials, several months later. It came out the winner of the R.A.C. Trophy! Parts interchangeability could not have been proven in any other more appropriate way. As a result of these tests, the Cadillac Automobile Company was awarded the [[Dewar Trophy]] for 1908 (actual award date was February 1909). The [[Dewar Trophy]] was an annual award for the most important advancement of the year in the automobile industry.

=== General Motors ===
Cadillac was purchased by the [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] conglomerate in 1909.

Cadillac became General Motors' prestige division, devoted to the production of large luxury vehicles. The Cadillac line was also GM's default marque for "commercial chassis" institutional vehicles, such as ambulances, limousines, hearses, and funeral home flower cars. The latter two of which were custom made by aftermarket manufacturers, GM does not produce any such vehicles on its own.

In 1911, Cadillac was the first gasoline [[internal combustion engine]] auto to incorporate electric start, as opposed to earlier crank start. Originally marketed as a convenience device for female drivers, the [[electric starter]] developed by Charles Kettering was first used on the production models of 1912. Other innovations included the first [[V8 engine|V8]] engine in mass production in 1915; shatter-resistant safety glass in 1926; and the first fully synchronized [[transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] (with gears "locked" in relation to one another to prevent clashing upon execution of a shift) in 1928. About this time, automobile stylist, Harley Earl, whom Cadillac had recruited in 1926 and who was to head the new Art and Color section starting in January 1928, designed for 1927 a new, smaller "companion" car to the Cadillac which he called the [[La Salle (automobile)|La Salle]], after another French explorer, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. That model remained in production until 1940.

Pre-World War II Cadillacs were well-built, powerful, mass-produced luxury cars, aimed at an upper class market, below that of such ultra-exclusive marques such as [[Pierce-Arrow]] and [[Duesenberg]]. In the 1930s, Cadillac added cars with [[V12 engine|12-]] and [[V16|16-cylinder]] engines to their range, many of which were fitted with custom coach-built bodies; these engines were remarkable at the time for their ability to deliver a combination of high power, silky smoothness and quietness.

=== 1932- The year it could have ended ===
In 1932, after Cadillac suffered from record low sales and charges of discrimination against black customers, Alfred Sloan created a committee to consider the discontinuation of the Cadillac line. At a fateful board meeting, Cadillac president Nicholas Dreystadt heard that legendary boxer Joe Louis could not go into a dealership to buy a car, because he was black, and resorted to having a white friend make the purchase for him. Dreystadt gave the GM Board of Directors a 10 minute speech in which he advocated advertising to black consumers so as to increase sales. The Board agreed to give Dreystadt 18 months to produce results. By 1934, Cadillac had regained profitability. It is significant to note that after this decision, Cadillac was the only American automobile manufacturer to remain profitable during the Great Depression. By 1940, Cadillac sales had risen 1,000 percent compared to 1934, thus saving Cadillac from extinction.

The year 1934 brought about a revolution in assembly line technology. Henry F. Phillips introduced the Philips screw and driver onto the market. He entered into talks with General Motors and convinced the Cadillac group that his new screws would speed assembly times and therefore increase profits. Cadillac was the first automaker to use the Phillips technology, which was widely adopted in 1940.

=== Postwar ===
[[Image:Cadillace1947Series75.jpg|thumb|250px|Promotional art of the 1947 Cadillac Series 75 Sedan]]

Postwar Cadillacs, incorporating the ideas of General Motors styling chief Harley J. Earl, innovated many of the styling features that came to be synonymous with the classic (late 1940s-late 1950s) American automobile, including tailfins and wraparound windshields. Cadillac's first tailfins, inspired by the twin rudders of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, appeared in 1948; the 1959 Cadillac was the epitome of the tailfin craze, with the most recognizable tailfins of any production automobile.

Cadillac's other styling attribute was its front bumper designs which became known as Dagmar bumpers or simply ''Dagmars''. What had started out after the war as an artillery shell shaped bumper guard became an increasingly important part of Cadillac's complicated front grille and bumper assembly. As the 1950s wore on, the element was placed higher in the front end design, negating their purpose as bumper guards. They also became more pronounced and were likened to the bosom of 1950s television personality Dagmar. In 1957 the bumpers gained black rubber finials which only heightened the relationship between the styling element and a stylized exaggerated breast and nipple. For 1958 the element was toned down and was completely absent on the 1959 models.

[[Image:Cadillac_at_car_show.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1960 Cadillac]]
In 1960 William Mitchell succeeded Harley Earl as styling chief, and his preference for more austere design combined with changing buyer tastes caused the excess to be rapidly toned down, beginning with the 1960 and 1961 models. Nevertheless, Cadillacs retained their tailfins through 1964, and suggestions of them remain in the peaked rear fenders of many models even to this day. The tailfin style gave birth to the enduring vertical-taillight pattern, which is a subtle trademark of the Cadillac line (the opposite of the horizontal taillight pattern which is a likewise subtle trademark of rival Lincoln.) The vertical taillight design also made Cadillac a favorite of the Professional car industry which easily converted them into hearses for funeral homes. Because the Cadillac tail light was vertical, these firms could bypass the expense of retro-fitting rear bumpers to accommodate the rear swing doors favored on hearses.

Somewhat surprisingly for a marque with such a strong design heritage, Cadillac has resisted the temptation to produce any "retro" models such as the revived [[Ford Thunderbird]] or the [[VW New Beetle]], and has instead pressed ahead with a new design philosophy for the 21st century called "art and science" which it says "incorporates sharp, shear forms and crisp edges — a form vocabulary that expresses bold, high-technology design and invokes the technology used to design it."

===Low points, and the beginning of a recovery===
Cadillac suffered from the malaise that set in to the American auto industry in the late 1970s to the late 1980s. There were high points, such as the launch of the [[Cadillac Eldorado|Eldorado]] two-door personal luxury car in 1967, with its simple, elegant design—a far cry from the tail-fin and chrome excesses of the 1950s. However, the 1970s saw vehicles memorable for other types of excess: engine size, for one (the new generation 472 cubic inch V8 [7.7 liter] that debuted with the 1968 models was designed for an ultimate capacity potential of 600 cubic inches. It was stroked to 500 cubic inches [8.2 liter] for the 1970 model Eldorado, then adopted across all models for 1975 [note: the compact Seville introduced in 1975 as a 1976 model used only a fuel-injected version of the Oldsmobile 350]. For the 1977 large models (all but the Seville), the 500 was replaced with a small-bore 472 for a 425 cubic inch displacement. The bore was further reduced for 1980-1981 to provide 368 inches, again sharing the stroke of the original 472), weight, and physical bulk. The build quality also became poorer when measured against German rivals.

As with most American brands, Cadillac was forced to downsize its offerings between the 1973 and 1979 fuel crises. Its staple [[Cadillac DeVille|De Ville]] and [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] lines were downsized for 1977 and again for 1985. It launched a smaller car around the size of the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class]], the [[Cadillac Seville|Seville]], based on a [[Chevrolet Nova]] platform, which became a success for the marque.

Due to gasoline shortages, Cadillac offered an [[Oldsmobile]] "[[diesel]]ized" (converted from [[gasoline]] use) [[LF9]] 350-cubic-inch (5.7L) [[V8 engine|V8]] engine, in its full-size cars from 1979 to 1981. This was a disaster for GM. The engine was notoriously unreliable and smoky. Ironically, GM's other division, [[Detroit Diesel]] had had decades of experience building [[Diesel]] engines.

However, in an attempt to extend its brand further downward to appeal to younger buyers, Cadillac launched in 1981 (for the 1982 model year) the compact [[Cadillac Cimarron|Cimarron]], which shared the [[GM J platform|J platform]] with the [[Chevrolet Cavalier]] to rival the [[BMW 3-series]]. As the Cimarron was rushed to production about three years ahead of schedule, only a four-cylinder engine was available (though a [[V6|V6]] arrived in 1985) and at first, minimal styling differences were made to distiguish it from the considerably cheaper [[Chevrolet|Chevrolet]] version, and buyers dismissed it as a "warmed-over Cavalier". Though Cimarron came with a hefty list of standard equipment and options (several of which being unavailable on Cavalier) and styling became much more in tune with other Cadillacs in its later years, sales never did significantly improve after its initial rejection, and it was discontinued in 1988. Although the motoring press lauded the first Cadillac [[manual transmission]] in decades, the [[automatic transmission|automatic]]'s extra cost also rankled buyers.

Another low point during the early 1980s was the [[variable displacement]] engine, branded the '''[[Cadillac V8 engine#L62 V8-6-4|L62 V8-6-4]]''' engine. Introduced in 1981, this 368 in³ (6.0 L) engine sequentially shut down cylinders as demand dropped. Company marketing hailed the engine as cutting-edge technology, but it proved unreliable with no tangible gas mileage benefit and was dropped the next year in favor of a family of smaller aluminum V8 engines rushed into production. The HT 4100 (4.1 L) [[V8 engine|V8]] engine was used widely in Cadillacs in the late 1980s. This proved to be one of the worst engines ever built. It suffered from coolant leaks, warped intake manifolds and warped heads. The 4100's problems cost Cadillac the loyalty of many customers.

The mid-1980s saw Cadillac try to rebuild its image, aware that European and Japanese imports were on a rise, and with [[Honda]] launching its American luxury division, [[Acura]]. Some new design approaches were tried: the Seville, for instance, had gracefully rounded wheel arches with a hint of chrome. The greatest challenge to the imports was the [[Cadillac Allante]], a convertible designed by Pininfarina of Italy, and built on what was touted as the world's longest production line—with the car's bodies fabricated in Italy and flown by Boeing 747 to the United States to meet their transmission and engine. The car was, sadly, not a commercial success, but today stands out as a modern classic and more than able to hold its own, image-wise, next to its [[Mercedes-Benz SL]] rival.

The Allante's styling influenced other Cadillacs, especially the Seville, which adopted its sharper, tailored lines. Indeed, Cadillac was so confident of the Seville that it was exported to Europe, but it faced stiff opposition.

The Cimarron and Seville models marked a beginning of "smaller" cars for the Cadillac line. Throughout the 1980s, American auto makers downsized most of their models, and the Cadillac was no exception. By the late '80s, the Brougham was the only Cadillac model that retained the style and size of the "big" DeVilles and Fleetwoods of the '70s. It was discontinued after the 1996 model year (the Brougham was rebadged as the Fleetwood Brougham).

After GM phased out the [[GM D platform|D platform]] in 1996, Cadillac was left with a completely front-wheel drive lineup until the importation of the European-based Catera in 1997. Although not a rear wheel drive passenger car, the introduction of the [[Chevrolet Tahoe]]-based [[Escalade]] filled the void after the demise of the Fleetwood Brougham.

=== The Art and Science era ===
The latest incarnation of Cadillac styling — Art and Science (A&S) was previewed with the 1999 [[Evoq|Cadillac Evoq]] concept roadster at that year's [[Detroit Auto Show]]. With its crisp lines, hard creases, and sharp corners, the Evoq not only had a striking presence of its own, but also marked a significant departure from the conservative design of recent Cadillacs.

The distinctive characteristics of Cadillac's Art and Science design include stacked headlamps, vertical taillamps, angular grille, and creased body lines in addition to alphanumeric model names.

The 2002 [[Cadillac Escalade|Escalade]] sport utility was the first production execution of the Art and Science design, though it should be appropriately noted as more of a transitional vehicle as it combined A&S design cues with the over-all shape of GM's corporate large SUV package, and tested the waters for public acceptance of this new design direction.

Cadillac's 2003 [[Cadillac CTS]] was the first ground-up incarnation of A&S and was an instant hit. Following in its success was the [[Cadillac SRX]] sport utility wagon and the Evoq-inspired [[Cadillac XLR]] roadster. The 2006 [[Cadillac DTS]] was the last model to transition to the A&S motif and completed the transition between the old school of design and the new. The new [[Cadillac V-Series]] was also introduced to provide sporty models based on Cadillac production cars, with extensive chassis and engine upgrades.

An evolution of A&S was shown at Detroit's 2003 Auto Show with the [[Cadillac Sixteen]] concept, which combined a more-rounded form coupled with crisp A&S features. This evolution of the design language was first manifested in a production model with the all-new [[Cadillac Escalade|Escalade]] that debuted in 2007, followed by the [[Cadillac CTS|CTS]] in 2008.

In 2005, [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] announced the first '''Cadillac''' designed exclusively for the European market, a model called the BLS, to be built in Sweden by [[Saab]] using their [[Saab 900|900]] platform. The [[Cadillac BLS|BLS]] went into production for model year 2006.

The 2006 Presidential limousine first shown at the January, 2005 inauguration of President George W. Bush featured A&S design cues, and foreshadowed the 2006 [[Cadillac DTS]], which replaced the DeVille.

== Cadillac models ==
{{Cadillac timeline}}

=== Historical and Classic ===
* 1902-1903 [[Cadillac runabout and tonneau]] — 72 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1903-1904 [[Cadillac Model A]] — 72 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1904 Cadillac Models A and B
** [[Cadillac Model A|Model A]] — 72 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model B|Model B]] — 76 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1905 Cadillac Models B, C, D, E and F
** [[Cadillac Model B|Model B]] — 76 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model C|Model C]] — 72 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model D|Model D]] — 100 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model E|Model E]] — 74 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model F|Model F]] — 76 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1906 Cadillac Models H, K, L, and M
** [[Cadillac Model H|Model H]] — 102 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model K|Model K]] — 74 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model L|Model L]] — 110 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model M|Model M]] — 76 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1907 Cadillac Models G, H, K, and M
** [[Cadillac Model G|Model G]] — 100 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model H|Model H]] — 102 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model K|Model K]] — 74 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model M|Model M]] — 76 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1908 Cadillac Models G, H, M, S and T
** [[Cadillac Model G|Model G]] — 100 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model H|Model H]] — 102 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model M|Model M]] — 76 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model S|Model S]] — 82 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
** [[Cadillac Model T|Model T]] — 82 in wheelbase [[Piston engine|single-cylinder engine]]
* 1909-1911 [[Cadillac Model Thirty]]
** 1909 — 106 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]]
** 1910 — 110 in wheelbase; 120 in wheelbase (limousine) [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
** 1911 — 116 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1912 — [[Cadillac Model 1912]]; 116 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1913 — [[Cadillac Model 1913]]; 120 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1914 — [[Cadillac Model 1914]]; 120  and 134 in wheelbase [[Straight-4|four-cylinder engine]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1915 — [[Cadillac Type 51]]; 122  and 145 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1916 — [[Cadillac Type 53]]; 122  132  and 145 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1917 — [[Cadillac Type 55]]; 125  and 145 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1918-1919 [[Cadillac Type 57]]; 125  132  and 145 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1920-1921 [[Cadillac Type 59]]; 122  and 132 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1922-1923 [[Cadillac Type 61]]; 132 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1924 — [[Cadillac Type V-63]]; 132  and 145 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]]
* 1925 — [[Cadillac Type V-63]]; 132  138  and 145 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1926-1927 [[Cadillac Series 314]]; 132  138  and 150 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1928 — [[Cadillac Series 341]]-A; 140  and 152 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1929 — [[Cadillac Series 341]]-B; 140  and 152 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1930 Cadillac Series 353, 370 and 452 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 353|Series 353]] — 140  and 152 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 370|Series 370]] — 140  143  and 152 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac V-16|Series 452]] — 148 in wheelbase [[V16]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1931 Cadillac Series 355, 370-A and 452-A [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 355|Series 355]] — 134  and 152 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 370|Series 370-A]] — 140  143  and 152 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac V-16|Series 452-A]] — 148 in wheelbase [[V16]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1932 Cadillac Series 355-B, 370-B and 452-B [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 355|Series 355-B]] — 134  and 156 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 370|Series 370-B]] — 140  and 156 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac V-16|Series 452-B]] — 143 and 149 in wheelbase [[V16]] [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
* 1933 Cadillac Series 355-C, 370-C and 452-C [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 355|Series 355-C]] — 140  and 156 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 370|Series 370-C]] — 134  140  and 156 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]]
** [[Cadillac V-16|Series 452-C]] — 143  and 149 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1934 Cadillac Series 10, 20, 30 and 452-D [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 10|Series 10]] — 128 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 20|Series 20]] — 136 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 30|Series 30]] — 146 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 370|Series 370-D]] — 146 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]]
** [[Cadillac V-16|Series 452-D]] — 154 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1935 Cadillac Series 10, 20, 30 and 452-D [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 10|Series 10]] — 128 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 20|Series 20]] — 136 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 30|Series 30]] — 146 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 370|Series 370-D]] — 146 and 160 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]]
** [[Cadillac V-16|Series 452-D or 60]] — 154 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1936 Cadillac Series 36-60, 36-70, 36-75, 36-80, 36-85, 36-90 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 60|Series 36-60]] — 121 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 70|Series 36-70]] — 131 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 36-75]] — 138 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 80|Series 36-80]] — 131 and 160 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]]
** [[Cadillac Series 85|Series 36-85]] — 138 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]]
** [[Cadillac Series 80|Series 36-80]] — 154 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1937 Cadillac Series 36-60, 37-65, 37-70, 37-75, 37-85, 37-90 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 60|Series 37-60]] — 124  and 160.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 65|Series 37-65]] — 131 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 70|Series 37-70]] — 131 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 37-75]] — 138  and 156 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 85|Series 37-85]] — 138 in wheelbase [[V12 engine|V12]]
** [[Cadillac Series 80|Series 37-80]] — 154 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1938 Cadillac Series 38-60, 38-60S, 38-65, 38-75, 38-90 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Series 60|Series 38-60]] — 124  and 160 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 38-60S]] — 127 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 65|Series 38-65]] — 132  in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 38-75]] — 141  and 160 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 90|Series 38-90]] — 141 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1939 Cadillac Series 39-60S, 39-65, 39-75, 39-90 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 39-60S]] — 127 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 39-61]] — 126  and 162.25 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 39-75]] — 141  and 161.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 90|Series 39-90]] — 141 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1940 Cadillac Series 40-60S, 40-62, 40-72, 40-75, 40-90 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 40-60S]] — 127 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 40-62]] — 129 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 72|Series 40-72]] — 138  and 165.25 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 40-75]] — 141  and 161.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 90|Series 40-90]] — 141 in wheelbase [[V16]]
* 1941 Cadillac Series 41-60S, 41-61, 41-62, 41-63, 41-67, 41-75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 41-60S]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 41-61]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 41-62]] — 126  and 163 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 63|Series 41-63]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 67|Series 41-67]] — 139 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 41-75]] — 136  and 163 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1942 Cadillac Series 42-60S, 42-61, 42-62, 42-63, 42-67, 42-75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 42-60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 42-61]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 42-62]] — 129 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 63|Series 42-63]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 67|Series 42-67]] — 139 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 42-75]] — 136  and 163 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1946 Cadillac Series 60S, 61, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 61]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 129 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 136 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1947 Cadillac Series 60S, 61, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 61]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 129 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 138 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1948-1949 Cadillac Series 60S, 61, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 61]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 136 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]

=== Finned Fifties ===
* 1950-1951 Cadillac Series 60S, 61, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 61|Series 61]] — 122 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 146.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1952 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 147 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1953 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 146.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1954-1955 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 129 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 149.8 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1956 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 129 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 149.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1957-1958 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 70, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 133 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 70|Series 70]] — 126 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] "Eldorado Brougham"
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 149.7 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1959-1960 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 63, 64, 69, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 63|Series 63]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]"De Ville" sub-series
** [[Cadillac Eldorado|Series 64]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]"Eldorado" sub-series
** [[Cadillac Eldorado Brougham|Series 69]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]] "Eldorado Brougham"
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 149.75 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]

=== Sixties and Seventies ===
* 1961-1964 Cadillac Series 60S, 62, 75 [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Sixty Special|Series 60S Fleetwood]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 62|Series 62]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Series 75|Series 75]] — 149.8 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1965-1966 Cadillac "Calais", "De Ville" and "Fleetwood" Series [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Calais|Calais]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]]/[[Cadillac Coupe de Ville|Coupe de Ville]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] — 133  149.8  and 156 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1967-1970 Cadillac "Calais", "De Ville" and "Fleetwood" Series [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Calais|Calais]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]]/[[Cadillac Coupe de Ville|Coupe de Ville]] — 129.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] — 120  133  149.8  and 156 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1970-1973 Cadillac "Calais", "De Ville" and "Fleetwood" Series [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Calais|Calais]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]]/[[Cadillac Coupe de Ville|Coupe de Ville]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] — 126.3  133  151.5 &bnsp; and 157.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1974 — Cadillac "Calais", "De Ville" and "Fleetwood" Series [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Calais|Calais]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]]/[[Cadillac Coupe de Ville|Coupe de Ville]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] — 126  133  151.5 &bnsp; and 157.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1975 — Cadillac "Calais", "De Ville", "Seville" and "Fleetwood" Series [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Calais|Calais]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]]/[[Cadillac Coupe de Ville|Coupe de Ville]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] — 126.3  133  151.5 &bnsp; and 157.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
* 1976 — Cadillac "Calais", "De Ville", "Seville" and "Fleetwood" Series [[Fisher Body|Fisher]] [[Fleetwood Metal Body|Fleetwood]]
** [[Cadillac Calais|Calais]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]]/[[Cadillac Coupe de Ville|Coupe de Ville]] — 130 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Fleetwood|Fleetwood]] — 126.3  133  151.5 &bnsp; and 157.5 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]
** [[Cadillac Seville|Seville]] — 114.3 in wheelbase [[V8 engine|V8]]

=== Alphabetical Model Summary ===
* 1987-1993 [[Cadillac Allante]]
* 1985-1993 [[Cadillac Brougham]]
* 1965-1976 [[Cadillac Calais]]
* 1994-1996 [[Cadillac Catera]]
* 1982-1988 [[Cadillac Cimarron]]
* 1935-1983 [[Cadillac commercial chassis]]
* 1949-2005 [[Cadillac DeVille]]
* 1949-1993 [[Cadillac Coupe de Ville]]
* 1953-2003 [[Cadillac Eldorado]]
* 1956-1962 [[Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz]]
* 1957-1960 [[Cadillac Eldorado Brougham]]
* 1956-1960 [[Cadillac Eldorado Seville]]
* 1963-2003 [[Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado]]
* 1927-1996 [[Cadillac Fleetwood]]
* 1976-2004 [[Cadillac Seville]]
* 1938-1993 [[Cadillac Sixty Special]]
* 1975-1976 [[Cadillac Castilian Station Wagon]]

=== Current ===
* 2006-present [[Cadillac STS V-Series]]
* 2004-present [[Cadillac CTS V-Series]]
* 2006-present [[Cadillac BLS]] (Europe only)
* 2003-present [[Cadillac CTS]]
* 2006-present [[Cadillac DTS]]
* 1999-present [[Cadillac Escalade]] (ESV/EXT) 
* 2004-present [[Cadillac SRX]]
* 2005-present [[Cadillac STS]]
* 2004-present [[Cadillac XLR]]

==See Also==
{{Cadillac}}

==Photos==
<gallery>
Image:757px-1931_Cad.V-8.jpg|'31 Cad. V-8
Image:800px-Classic_Cad.jpg|
Image:437px-Cad.jpg|
Image:Abslide-5.jpg
Image:Cadillac logo detail.jpg
</gallery>

==External links==
* [http://www.cadillac.com/ Cadillac.com] — official site
* [http://autoanything.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/wallpaper-of-the-week-obamas-cadillac-one/ Cadillac One] — Obama's New Limousine: Details and Photos
* [http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/ Lincoln vs Cadillac Forums] — website and community for owners and enthusiasts of Lincoln and Cadillac automobiles
* [http://www.cadillacforums.com/ CadillacOwners.com] — online community for Cadillac owners and enthusiasts
* [http://www.cadillacpartsbans.com/ Classic Cadillac Cars & Parts] — Classic Cadillac Parts and Luxury cars
* [http://www.caddyedge.com/ the Caddy Edge] - community of modern Cadillac fans, product information, and image gallery of Art & Science Cadillac design
* [http://graphic-design.tjs-labs.com/gallery-view?product=CADILLAC&log=Q Gallery of classic graphic design featuring Cadillac automobiles]
* [http://www.americancarimports.com Independent UK Importer of new Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT, in addition to all other Cadillac models]
* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CadillacOwners Cadillac Owners Yahoo group]
* [http://web.bryant.edu/~history/h364material/cars/cars_40.htm Cadillac history]
* [http://100megsfree4.com/cadillac/ Cadillac history] — extensive fan site with many photos from earliest to current models
* [http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/resources-cad.html Cadillac Owner's Resources] — accessing the onboard diagnostic trouble codes, online service manuals, etc
* [http://www.pink-cadillac.de/ Classic Cadillac Community] — community site that captures and documents a large slice of the history of classic Cadillacs
* [http://www.car-nection.com/yann/ The Cadillac Database] — thousands of facts, figures and images that attempt to retrace the history and styling of Cadillac automobiles from 1902 up to 2002
* [http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/ Cadillac-LaSalle Club] — an international organization of Cadillac and LaSalle owners
* [http://www.1958cadillac.com/ 1958 Cadillac Owners Association] — an association of owners of 1958 Cadillacs
*[http://www.autoswalk.com/cadmod30.html The first Cadillac was designed by none other than Henry Ford]
*[http://www.scopecreep.com/Rhapsody/2005/01/ode-to-cadillac-cadillac-is-uniquely.html Playlist of Songs About The Cadillac]
*[http://www.automotoportal.com/ Automotive industry portal with Cadillac news]
*[http://www.topspeed.com/cars/cadillac/index23.html Cadillac] from TopSpeed
*[http://caddy-photo.blogspot.com/ Cadillac Auto Blog - Images]
*[http://www.caddyinfo.com/ Caddyinfo.com Cadillac Discussion and Technical Information]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Automobile manufacturers]]
[[Category:Cadillac]]
[[Category:Automobile manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:General Motors]]
[[Category:Luxury car manufacturers]]

Plymouth

2010-04-25T20:19:52Z

Joeychgo:

{{List of {{PAGENAME}} Models}}[[Image:Plymouthlogo.jpg|thumb|right|Plymouth "sailboat logo" used from 1996 to 2001.]]
[[Image:Plymouthinsignia1960s.gif|thumb|right|Plymouth division logo, 1960s.]]
'''Plymouth''' was a brand of [[automobile]] based in the United States, marketed by the [[Chrysler|Chrysler Corporation]] and [[DaimlerChrysler]] from 1928 to 2001.

==History==
===Origins===

The Plymouth automobile was introduced on July 7, 1928. It was the Chrysler Corporation's first entry in the low-priced field, which at the time was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. Plymouths were actually priced a little higher than the competition, but they offered standard features such as [[hydraulic brakes]] that the competition did not provide. Plymouths were originally sold exclusively through [[Chrysler]] dealerships. The logo featured a rear view of the Mayflower ship which landed at Plymouth Rock, hence the name "Plymouth" as the brand.

The origins of the first Plymouth can be traced back to the [[Maxwell automobile]]. When [[Walter Chrysler]] took over control of the trouble-ridden Maxwell-[[Chalmers|Chalmers]] car company in the early 1920s, he inherited the Maxwell as part of the package. After he used the company's facilities to help create and launch the Chrysler car in 1924, he decided to create a lower-priced companion car. So for 1926 the Maxwell was reworked and re-badged as a low-end Chrysler model. Then at the end of the decade this model was once again reworked and re-badged, this time to create the Plymouth.

===Great Depression, 1940s, and 1950s===

While the original purpose of the Plymouth was simply to cover a lower-end marketing niche, during the Great Depression of the 1930s the car would help significantly in ensuring the survival of the Chrysler Corporation in a decade when many other car companies failed. Beginning in 1930, Plymouths were sold by all three Chrysler divisions (Chrysler, [[DeSoto|DeSoto]], and [[Dodge]]). Plymouth sales were a bright spot during this dismal automotive period, and by 1931 Plymouth rose to the number three spot among all cars.

In 1939 Plymouth produced 417,528 vehicles, of which 5,967 were roadsters, or two-door convertibles [http://www.joesherlock.com/39Ply_history.html]with [[rumble seat]]s. The 1939 Roadster was prominently featured at Chrysler's exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair, advertised as the first mass-production convertible with a power folding top. It featured a 201-cubic-inch, 82-horsepower version of the [[Chrysler Flathead engine|Chrysler Flathead Six engine]].

For much of its life, Plymouth was one of the top selling American automobile brands, along with [[Chevrolet]] and [[Ford Motor|Ford]] ("the low-priced three"). Plymouth even surpassed Ford for a time in the 1940s as the second most popular make of automobiles in the U.S.
Through 1956, Plymouth vehicles were known for their durability, affordability and engineering. In 1957, Chrysler's ''[[Forward Look]]'' styling theme produced cars with much more advanced styling than Chevrolet or Ford, although Plymouth's reputation would ultimately suffer as the cars were prone to rust and sloppy assembly. Because of its new "Forward Look" styling, however, 1957 total production soared to 726,009, about 200,000 more than 1956, and the largest output yet for Plymouth. The marque also introduced its limited production Fury line in 1956, and it too benefited from the crisp Forward Look designs.

===Financial/marketing struggles===

The Plymouth brand lost market share rapidly in the early 1960s. While Plymouth was a styling leader from 1957 to 1958, its 1959 through 1962 models were awkwardly styled cars that failed to strike a chord with the public. Plymouth also found itself in competition with its own corporate sister division Dodge when the lower-priced, full-size [[Dodge Dart]] was introduced for 1960. [[Rambler|Rambler]], and then [[Pontiac]] would assume the number three sales position for the remainder of the decade. Plymouth went into a decline from which it would never fully recover.

The marque regained market share following the introduction of the 1965 models, which returned Plymouth to full-size vehicles and more mainstream styling. Plymouth regained its traditional third place in the sales race in 1971 and 1974, primarily with its popular [[Plymouth Valiant|Valiant]] and [[Plymouth Duster|Duster]] compact models, but as a brand Plymouth was hardest hit by Chrysler's financial woes of the late 1970s. Marketing decisions progressively thinned Plymouth lineup while giving new models to the Dodge and Chrysler brands; by 1979, the Plymouth range consisted of only the domestically produced Volare and Horizon models, and some rebadged [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] imports. Despite the introduction of popular models like the 1981 [[Plymouth Reliant|Reliant]] and 1984 [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager]], Plymouth sales and production numbers continued to decline. Such was the extent of the [[badge engineering]] that substantially identical Dodges and Plymouths were being sold at substantially identical prices, eroding the last of Plymouth's market distinction and quashing any significant reasons for buying one over the other.

===Final years===
Most Plymouth models offered from the late 1980s onward, such as the [[Plymouth Acclaim|Acclaim]], [[Plymouth Laser|Laser]], [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]], and [[Plymouth Breeze|Breeze]], were badge-engineered versions of Chrysler, Dodge, or Mitsubishi models. Chrysler considered giving Plymouth a variant, to be called the Accolade, of the new-for-1993 full-size [[Chrysler LH platform|LH platform]]<ref>[http://www.allpar.com/model/intrepid.html Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler 300M, New Yorker, and LHS - the LH cars, with reviews]</ref>, but decided against it. By the late 1990s, only four vehicles were sold under the Plymouth name: the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager/Grand Voyager]] minivans, the [[Plymouth Breeze|Breeze]] mid-size sedan, the [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]] compact car, and the [[Plymouth Prowler|Prowler]] sports car, which was to be the last model unique to Plymouth.

After discontinuing the [[Eagle (automobile)|Eagle]] brand in 1998, Chrysler was planning to expand the Plymouth line with a number of unique models before the corporation's merger with [[Daimler-Benz]] AG. The first model was the [[Plymouth Prowler]], a modern-day [[hot rod]]. The [[Chrysler PT Cruiser|PT Cruiser]] was to have been the second. Both models had similar front-end styling, suggesting Chrysler intended a retro styling theme for the Plymouth brand. At the time of Daimler's takeover of Chrysler, Plymouth had no unique models besides the Prowler not also available in the Dodge or Chrysler lines. Further, while all Plymouth dealers also sold the Chrysler line of cars, many Dodge dealers sold only Dodge; it would have caused much greater disturbance to the dealer network to discontinue Dodge than Plymouth. Consequently, DaimlerChrysler decided to drop the make after a limited run of 2001 models. This was announced on November 3, 1999.

The last new model sold under the Plymouth marque was the second generation Neon for 2000-2001. The PT Cruiser was ultimately launched as a Chrysler, and the Prowler and Voyager were absorbed into that make as well. Following the 2001 model year, the Neon was sold only as a Dodge in the US, though it remained available as a Chrysler in Canadian and other markets. The [[Plymouth Breeze]] was dropped after 2000, before Chrysler introduced their redesigned 2001 [[Dodge Stratus]] and [[Chrysler Sebring]] [[sedan]].

==Events leading to the demise of Plymouth==
*1960: Dodge introduces the smaller, lower-priced "Dart" series that competes directly with Plymouth's offerings.
*1961 and 1962:[[ Rambler]] and then Pontiac assumes third place in industry sales for the remainder of the 1960s.
*1962: Sales drop dramatically with the introduction of a line of unpopularly-styled, downsized full-size models.
*1971: Unable to afford to develop its own subcompact, the British [[Hillman Avenger]] is imported as the [[Plymouth Cricket]], which is discontinued in mid-1973 due to quality concerns.
*1974: The [[Dodge Dart]] and [[Plymouth Valiant]] are, for the first time, different only in name and minor trim details. This identicality continues with the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volaré]] as well as all further passenger car models. The car that would ultimately become the [[Chrysler Cordoba]] is reassigned to Chrysler from Plymouth. Last year for Barracuda.
*1976: Last model year for the Valiant/Duster. First model year for the Volare.
*1977: The large Gran Fury is discontinued.
*1978: The mid-size [[Plymouth Fury|Fury]] is discontinued at the end of the model year.
*1979: Plymouth's lineup is reduced to the Horizon and Volaré, and three rebadged Mitsubishi imports.
*1979/1980: Chrysler makes several thousand more Dodges than Plymouths for the first time. More Plymouths would be made than Dodges for 1981 and 1982, but from then on there will always be more Dodges made than Plymouths.
*1980: Newport-based Gran Fury introduced. Last year for Volaré.
*1981: The full-size [[Plymouth Gran Fury|Gran Fury]] and [[Plymouth Trailduster|Trailduster]] SUV's last year.
*1989: The [[midsize car|mid-size]] [[Plymouth Gran Fury|Gran Fury]] ([[Plymouth Caravelle|Caravelle]] in Canada) as well as the [[Plymouth Reliant|Reliant]] are discontinued after this model year. The Reliant is replaced by the [[Plymouth Acclaim|Acclaim]].
*1994: The little-advertised [[Plymouth Laser|Laser]] [[Sport compact|sport-compact]] as well as the popular [[Plymouth Sundance|Sundance]] and [[Plymouth Colt|Colt]] [[compact car|compacts]] all end production. They are replaced by a single car, the [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]].
*1995: Plymouth's lineup is at its all time low, just 3 cars: the [[Plymouth Acclaim|Acclaim]], the [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]], and the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager/Grand Voyager]]. The number will go up to 4 in 1997, with the introduction of the [[Plymouth Prowler|Prowler]], but will never get any higher.
*1996: In an attempt to move Plymouth downmarket, Chrysler makes the redesigned Voyager only available in base and mid-level ''SE'' models. All of the higher-end trim levels available on the previous generation can now only be found on the [[Dodge Caravan]].
*1999: The redesigned 2000 [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]] becomes the brand's last new model.
*2000: The [[mid-size car|mid-size]] [[Plymouth Breeze|Breeze]] ends production. This is also the last year for the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager]] [[minivan]] as a Plymouth. All 2000 Voyagers built in December 1999 and beyond are badged as Chrysler Voyagers. In Canada, the redesigned Neon is sold under the Chrysler name, leaving only the Voyager and Prowler in the lineup. Almost 250,000 more Dodges are built than Plymouths for this year.
*2001: Plymouth's final model year. Only the Neon remains in the Plymouth line. The [[Plymouth Prowler|Prowler]] becomes a [[Chrysler]]. The Breeze is dropped as Chrysler issues the [[Chrysler Sebring]] [[sedan]] to replace the [[Chrysler Cirrus]]. The [[Chrysler PT Cruiser|PT Cruiser]] is launched as a Chrysler, though it was originally planned to be a Plymouth. The final Plymouth, a Neon, is assembled on June 28, 2001.

Throughout its later years Plymouth's meager advertisement (in relation to Chrysler and Dodge) played a part in the marque's demise.

== Plymouth car models ==
[[Image:ClassicCar4.JPG|right|thumb|250px|1935 Plymouth PJ Touring Sedan]]
[[Image:800px-1942 Plymouth.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1942 Plymouth]]
[[Image:800px-1966_Plymouth_Barracuda.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1966 Plymouth Barracuda]]
[[Image:PlymouthReliant1987.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1987 Plymouth Reliant K]]
[[Image:1997Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1997 Plymouth Voyager]]
*[[Plymouth Model 30U]] (1930)
*[[Plymouth Acclaim]] (1989-1995)
*[[Plymouth Arrow]] (1976-1980, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Lancer|Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste]])
*[[Dodge Ram 50|Plymouth Arrow Truck]] (1979-1982, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Forte]])
*[[Plymouth Barracuda]] (1964-1974)
*[[Plymouth Belvedere]] (1954-1970)
*[[Plymouth Breeze]] (1996-2000)
*[[Plymouth Business]] (1935-1938)
*[[Plymouth Caravelle]] (1985-1988)
*[[Plymouth Cambridge]] (1951-1953)
*[[Plymouth Champ]] (1979-1982, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Mirage]])
*[[Plymouth Colt]] (1983-1994, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Mirage]])
*[[Plymouth Commercial Car]] (1937-1941)
*[[Plymouth Concord]] (1951-1953)
*[[Plymouth Conquest]] (1984-1986, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Starion]])
*[[Plymouth Cranbrook]] (1951-1953)
*[[Plymouth Cricket]] (1971-1975, rebadged [[Hillman Avenger]])
*[[Plymouth Deluxe]] (1933-1942, 1946-1950)
*[[Plymouth Duster]] (1970-1976)
*[[Plymouth Fury]] (1956-1978)
*[[Plymouth Gran Fury]] (1975-1977, 1980-1989)
*[[Plymouth Grand Voyager]] (1987-2000)
*[[Plymouth GTX]] (1967-1971)
*[[Plymouth Horizon]] (1978-1990)
*[[Plymouth Laser]] (1990-1994, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]])
*[[Plymouth Neon]] (1995-2001)
*[[New Finer Plymouth]] (1932)
*[[Plymouth Model PA]] (1931)
*[[Plymouth Plaza]] (1954-1958)
*[[Plymouth Prowler]] (1997-2001)
*[[Plymouth Model Q]] (1928)
*[[Plymouth Reliant]] (1981-1989)
*[[Plymouth Roadking]] (1938-1941)
*[[Plymouth Road Runner]] (1968-1980)
*[[Plymouth Sapporo]] (1978-1983, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Galant]])
*[[Plymouth Satellite]] (1966-1974)
*[[Plymouth Savoy]] (1951-1965)
*[[Plymouth Scamp]] (1971-1976, 1983)
*[[Plymouth Six]] (1934)
*[[Plymouth Special Six]] (1934)
*[[Plymouth Standard]] (1933, 1935)
*[[Plymouth Sundance]] (1987-1994)
*[[Plymouth Suburban]]
*[[Plymouth Superbird]] (1970)
*[[Plymouth TC3]] (1979-1982)
*[[Plymouth Trailduster]] (1974-1981)
*[[Plymouth Turismo]] (1983-1987)
*[[Plymouth Model U]] (1929)
*[[Plymouth Valiant]] (1960-1976)
*[[Plymouth VIP]] (1966-1969)
*[[Plymouth Volaré]] (1976-1980)
*[[Plymouth Voyager]] (1974-2000)

==Concept cars==

*'''Plymouth XX 500''' was a 1950 [[concept car]].<ref name=concepts>http://www.autoweteran.gower.pl/concept_timeline.html{{ref|concepts|noid=noid}}</ref>
*'''Plymouth Explorer''', was a 1954 [[concept car|concept]] coupe.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Belmont''', was a 1954 [[concept car|concept]] roadster.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Cabana''' was a 1958 [[concept car|concept]] [[station wagon]], which featured a unique glass roof for the rear portion of the car.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth XNR 500''' was a 1960 [[concept car|concept]] sports car.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth VIP''' was a 1965 [[concept car|concept]] four seater [[convertible]] with a unique roof bar from the top of the windshield to the rear deck.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Duster I''' was a 1969 [[concept car|concept]] roadster, with a wraparound boat-style windshield. <ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Slingshot''', was a 1988 [[concept car]]. <ref>[http://www.conceptcars.it/storia/timeline.htm Concept Cars: Concept Cars Timeline]</ref>
*'''Plymouth Speedster''' was a 1989 2-seater concept car.

== Former slogans ==
The Plymouth division went through numerous slogans, including the following:
*"If it's important to you, it's important to Plymouth" (early 1990s) 
*"The nine most important words to Plymouth: Satisfy the customer, satisfy the customer, satisfy the customer" (late 1980s)
*"The pride is back, born in America" (mid and late 1980s) 
*"Now that's imagination, that's Plymouth!" (late 1970s) 
*"Chrysler-Plymouth, coming through!" (early 1970s) 
*"Plymouth is out to win you over this year" (mid-1960s) 
*"Plymouth - star of the forward look" (late 1950s)

==See Also==
{{Plymouth}}

==External links==
* [http://www.stockmopar.com/ Stock Mopar] — dedicated to all Mopars, especially the Mopars from the muscle car era!
* [http://www.forabodiesonly.com/ A Body Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all A Body Classic Mopars
* [http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/ B Body Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all B Body Classic Mopars
* [http://www.forebodiesonly.com/ E Body Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all E Body Classic Mopars
* [http://www.classicmoparforum.com/ Classic Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all Classic Mopars and Muscle cars

* [http://www.allpar.com/ Allpar] — A comprehensive resource for information on Chrysler Corporation and related automobiles and products, including historical information, forums, and current news and reviews.
* [http://www.musclecarfacts.com/mcf/index.asp Muscle Car Facts]- A year by year account of some of the greatest mopar muscle cars ever.
* [http://clubs.hemmings.com/nynjslant6/ NY-NJ Slant-Six Club of America]-A Club dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of all Chrysler products powered by the venerable 'Slant-Six' engine.
* [http://www.plymouthpartsbans.com/ Classic Plymouth Cars & Parts] — Classic Mopar Parts and Muscle cars

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Chrysler]]
[[Category:Discontinued Makes]]

Plymouth

2010-04-25T20:18:38Z

Joeychgo:

{{List of {{PAGENAME}} Models}}[[Image:Plymouthlogo.jpg|thumb|right|Plymouth "sailboat logo" used from 1996 to 2001.]]
[[Image:Plymouthinsignia1960s.gif|thumb|right|Plymouth division logo, 1960s.]]
'''Plymouth''' was a brand of [[automobile]] based in the United States, marketed by the [[Chrysler|Chrysler Corporation]] and [[DaimlerChrysler]] from 1928 to 2001.

==History==
===Origins===

The Plymouth automobile was introduced on July 7, 1928. It was the Chrysler Corporation's first entry in the low-priced field, which at the time was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. Plymouths were actually priced a little higher than the competition, but they offered standard features such as [[hydraulic brakes]] that the competition did not provide. Plymouths were originally sold exclusively through [[Chrysler]] dealerships. The logo featured a rear view of the Mayflower ship which landed at Plymouth Rock, hence the name "Plymouth" as the brand.

The origins of the first Plymouth can be traced back to the [[Maxwell automobile]]. When [[Walter Chrysler]] took over control of the trouble-ridden Maxwell-[[Chalmers|Chalmers]] car company in the early 1920s, he inherited the Maxwell as part of the package. After he used the company's facilities to help create and launch the Chrysler car in 1924, he decided to create a lower-priced companion car. So for 1926 the Maxwell was reworked and re-badged as a low-end Chrysler model. Then at the end of the decade this model was once again reworked and re-badged, this time to create the Plymouth.

===Great Depression, 1940s, and 1950s===

While the original purpose of the Plymouth was simply to cover a lower-end marketing niche, during the Great Depression of the 1930s the car would help significantly in ensuring the survival of the Chrysler Corporation in a decade when many other car companies failed. Beginning in 1930, Plymouths were sold by all three Chrysler divisions (Chrysler, [[DeSoto|DeSoto]], and [[Dodge]]). Plymouth sales were a bright spot during this dismal automotive period, and by 1931 Plymouth rose to the number three spot among all cars.

In 1939 Plymouth produced 417,528 vehicles, of which 5,967 were roadsters, or two-door convertibles [http://www.joesherlock.com/39Ply_history.html]with [[rumble seat]]s. The 1939 Roadster was prominently featured at Chrysler's exhibit at the 1939 World's Fair, advertised as the first mass-production convertible with a power folding top. It featured a 201-cubic-inch, 82-horsepower version of the [[Chrysler Flathead engine|Chrysler Flathead Six engine]].

For much of its life, Plymouth was one of the top selling American automobile brands, along with [[Chevrolet]] and [[Ford Motor|Ford]] ("the low-priced three"). Plymouth even surpassed Ford for a time in the 1940s as the second most popular make of automobiles in the U.S.
Through 1956, Plymouth vehicles were known for their durability, affordability and engineering. In 1957, Chrysler's ''[[Forward Look]]'' styling theme produced cars with much more advanced styling than Chevrolet or Ford, although Plymouth's reputation would ultimately suffer as the cars were prone to rust and sloppy assembly. Because of its new "Forward Look" styling, however, 1957 total production soared to 726,009, about 200,000 more than 1956, and the largest output yet for Plymouth. The marque also introduced its limited production Fury line in 1956, and it too benefited from the crisp Forward Look designs.

===Financial/marketing struggles===

The Plymouth brand lost market share rapidly in the early 1960s. While Plymouth was a styling leader from 1957 to 1958, its 1959 through 1962 models were awkwardly styled cars that failed to strike a chord with the public. Plymouth also found itself in competition with its own corporate sister division Dodge when the lower-priced, full-size [[Dodge Dart]] was introduced for 1960. [[Rambler|Rambler]], and then [[Pontiac]] would assume the number three sales position for the remainder of the decade. Plymouth went into a decline from which it would never fully recover.

The marque regained market share following the introduction of the 1965 models, which returned Plymouth to full-size vehicles and more mainstream styling. Plymouth regained its traditional third place in the sales race in 1971 and 1974, primarily with its popular [[Plymouth Valiant|Valiant]] and [[Plymouth Duster|Duster]] compact models, but as a brand Plymouth was hardest hit by Chrysler's financial woes of the late 1970s. Marketing decisions progressively thinned Plymouth lineup while giving new models to the Dodge and Chrysler brands; by 1979, the Plymouth range consisted of only the domestically produced Volare and Horizon models, and some rebadged [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] imports. Despite the introduction of popular models like the 1981 [[Plymouth Reliant|Reliant]] and 1984 [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager]], Plymouth sales and production numbers continued to decline. Such was the extent of the [[badge engineering]] that substantially identical Dodges and Plymouths were being sold at substantially identical prices, eroding the last of Plymouth's market distinction and quashing any significant reasons for buying one over the other.

===Final years===
Most Plymouth models offered from the late 1980s onward, such as the [[Plymouth Acclaim|Acclaim]], [[Plymouth Laser|Laser]], [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]], and [[Plymouth Breeze|Breeze]], were badge-engineered versions of Chrysler, Dodge, or Mitsubishi models. Chrysler considered giving Plymouth a variant, to be called the Accolade, of the new-for-1993 full-size [[Chrysler LH platform|LH platform]]<ref>[http://www.allpar.com/model/intrepid.html Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler 300M, New Yorker, and LHS - the LH cars, with reviews]</ref>, but decided against it. By the late 1990s, only four vehicles were sold under the Plymouth name: the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager/Grand Voyager]] minivans, the [[Plymouth Breeze|Breeze]] mid-size sedan, the [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]] compact car, and the [[Plymouth Prowler|Prowler]] sports car, which was to be the last model unique to Plymouth.

After discontinuing the [[Eagle (automobile)|Eagle]] brand in 1998, Chrysler was planning to expand the Plymouth line with a number of unique models before the corporation's merger with [[Daimler-Benz]] AG. The first model was the [[Plymouth Prowler]], a modern-day [[hot rod]]. The [[Chrysler PT Cruiser|PT Cruiser]] was to have been the second. Both models had similar front-end styling, suggesting Chrysler intended a retro styling theme for the Plymouth brand. At the time of Daimler's takeover of Chrysler, Plymouth had no unique models besides the Prowler not also available in the Dodge or Chrysler lines. Further, while all Plymouth dealers also sold the Chrysler line of cars, many Dodge dealers sold only Dodge; it would have caused much greater disturbance to the dealer network to discontinue Dodge than Plymouth. Consequently, DaimlerChrysler decided to drop the make after a limited run of 2001 models. This was announced on November 3, 1999.

The last new model sold under the Plymouth marque was the second generation Neon for 2000-2001. The PT Cruiser was ultimately launched as a Chrysler, and the Prowler and Voyager were absorbed into that make as well. Following the 2001 model year, the Neon was sold only as a Dodge in the US, though it remained available as a Chrysler in Canadian and other markets. The [[Plymouth Breeze]] was dropped after 2000, before Chrysler introduced their redesigned 2001 [[Dodge Stratus]] and [[Chrysler Sebring]] [[sedan]].

==Events leading to the demise of Plymouth==
*1960: Dodge introduces the smaller, lower-priced "Dart" series that competes directly with Plymouth's offerings.
*1961 and 1962:[[ Rambler]] and then Pontiac assumes third place in industry sales for the remainder of the 1960s.
*1962: Sales drop dramatically with the introduction of a line of unpopularly-styled, downsized full-size models.
*1971: Unable to afford to develop its own subcompact, the British [[Hillman Avenger]] is imported as the [[Plymouth Cricket]], which is discontinued in mid-1973 due to quality concerns.
*1974: The [[Dodge Dart]] and [[Plymouth Valiant]] are, for the first time, different only in name and minor trim details. This identicality continues with the [[Dodge Aspen]] and [[Plymouth Volaré]] as well as all further passenger car models. The car that would ultimately become the [[Chrysler Cordoba]] is reassigned to Chrysler from Plymouth. Last year for Barracuda.
*1976: Last model year for the Valiant/Duster. First model year for the Volare.
*1977: The large Gran Fury is discontinued.
*1978: The mid-size [[Plymouth Fury|Fury]] is discontinued at the end of the model year.
*1979: Plymouth's lineup is reduced to the Horizon and Volaré, and three rebadged Mitsubishi imports.
*1979/1980: Chrysler makes several thousand more Dodges than Plymouths for the first time. More Plymouths would be made than Dodges for 1981 and 1982, but from then on there will always be more Dodges made than Plymouths.
*1980: Newport-based Gran Fury introduced. Last year for Volaré.
*1981: The full-size [[Plymouth Gran Fury|Gran Fury]] and [[Plymouth Trailduster|Trailduster]] SUV's last year.
*1989: The [[midsize car|mid-size]] [[Plymouth Gran Fury|Gran Fury]] ([[Plymouth Caravelle|Caravelle]] in Canada) as well as the [[Plymouth Reliant|Reliant]] are discontinued after this model year. The Reliant is replaced by the [[Plymouth Acclaim|Acclaim]].
*1994: The little-advertised [[Plymouth Laser|Laser]] [[Sport compact|sport-compact]] as well as the popular [[Plymouth Sundance|Sundance]] and [[Plymouth Colt|Colt]] [[compact car|compacts]] all end production. They are replaced by a single car, the [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]].
*1995: Plymouth's lineup is at its all time low, just 3 cars: the [[Plymouth Acclaim|Acclaim]], the [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]], and the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager/Grand Voyager]]. The number will go up to 4 in 1997, with the introduction of the [[Plymouth Prowler|Prowler]], but will never get any higher.
*1996: In an attempt to move Plymouth downmarket, Chrysler makes the redesigned Voyager only available in base and mid-level ''SE'' models. All of the higher-end trim levels available on the previous generation can now only be found on the [[Dodge Caravan]].
*1999: The redesigned 2000 [[Plymouth Neon|Neon]] becomes the brand's last new model.
*2000: The [[mid-size car|mid-size]] [[Plymouth Breeze|Breeze]] ends production. This is also the last year for the [[Plymouth Voyager|Voyager]] [[minivan]] as a Plymouth. All 2000 Voyagers built in December 1999 and beyond are badged as Chrysler Voyagers. In Canada, the redesigned Neon is sold under the Chrysler name, leaving only the Voyager and Prowler in the lineup. Almost 250,000 more Dodges are built than Plymouths for this year.
*2001: Plymouth's final model year. Only the Neon remains in the Plymouth line. The [[Plymouth Prowler|Prowler]] becomes a [[Chrysler]]. The Breeze is dropped as Chrysler issues the [[Chrysler Sebring]] [[sedan]] to replace the [[Chrysler Cirrus]]. The [[Chrysler PT Cruiser|PT Cruiser]] is launched as a Chrysler, though it was originally planned to be a Plymouth. The final Plymouth, a Neon, is assembled on June 28, 2001.

Throughout its later years Plymouth's meager advertisement (in relation to Chrysler and Dodge) played a part in the marque's demise.

== Plymouth car models ==
[[Image:ClassicCar4.JPG|right|thumb|250px|1935 Plymouth PJ Touring Sedan]]
[[Image:800px-1942 Plymouth.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1942 Plymouth]]
[[Image:800px-1966_Plymouth_Barracuda.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1966 Plymouth Barracuda]]
[[Image:PlymouthReliant1987.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1987 Plymouth Reliant K]]
[[Image:1997Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|250px|1997 Plymouth Voyager]]
*[[Plymouth Model 30U]] (1930)
*[[Plymouth Acclaim]] (1989-1995)
*[[Plymouth Arrow]] (1976-1980, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Lancer|Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste]])
*[[Dodge Ram 50|Plymouth Arrow Truck]] (1979-1982, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Forte]])
*[[Plymouth Barracuda]] (1964-1974)
*[[Plymouth Belvedere]] (1954-1970)
*[[Plymouth Breeze]] (1996-2000)
*[[Plymouth Business]] (1935-1938)
*[[Plymouth Caravelle]] (1985-1988)
*[[Plymouth Cambridge]] (1951-1953)
*[[Plymouth Champ]] (1979-1982, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Mirage]])
*[[Plymouth Colt]] (1983-1994, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Mirage]])
*[[Plymouth Commercial Car]] (1937-1941)
*[[Plymouth Concord]] (1951-1953)
*[[Plymouth Conquest]] (1984-1986, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Starion]])
*[[Plymouth Cranbrook]] (1951-1953)
*[[Plymouth Cricket]] (1971-1975, rebadged [[Hillman Avenger]])
*[[Plymouth Deluxe]] (1933-1942, 1946-1950)
*[[Plymouth Duster]] (1970-1976)
*[[Plymouth Fury]] (1956-1978)
*[[Plymouth Gran Fury]] (1975-1977, 1980-1989)
*[[Plymouth Grand Voyager]] (1987-2000)
*[[Plymouth GTX]] (1967-1971)
*[[Plymouth Horizon]] (1978-1990)
*[[Plymouth Laser]] (1990-1994, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]])
*[[Plymouth Neon]] (1995-2001)
*[[New Finer Plymouth]] (1932)
*[[Plymouth Model PA]] (1931)
*[[Plymouth Plaza]] (1954-1958)
*[[Plymouth Prowler]] (1997-2001)
*[[Plymouth Model Q]] (1928)
*[[Plymouth Reliant]] (1981-1989)
*[[Plymouth Roadking]] (1938-1941)
*[[Plymouth Road Runner]] (1968-1980)
*[[Plymouth Sapporo]] (1978-1983, rebadged [[Mitsubishi Galant]])
*[[Plymouth Satellite]] (1966-1974)
*[[Plymouth Savoy]] (1951-1965)
*[[Plymouth Scamp]] (1971-1976, 1983)
*[[Plymouth Six]] (1934)
*[[Plymouth Special Six]] (1934)
*[[Plymouth Standard]] (1933, 1935)
*[[Plymouth Sundance]] (1987-1994)
*[[Plymouth Suburban]]
*[[Plymouth Superbird]] (1970)
*[[Plymouth TC3]] (1979-1982)
*[[Plymouth Trailduster]] (1974-1981)
*[[Plymouth Turismo]] (1983-1987)
*[[Plymouth Model U]] (1929)
*[[Plymouth Valiant]] (1960-1976)
*[[Plymouth VIP]] (1966-1969)
*[[Plymouth Volaré]] (1976-1980)
*[[Plymouth Voyager]] (1974-2000)

==Concept cars==

*'''Plymouth XX 500''' was a 1950 [[concept car]].<ref name=concepts>http://www.autoweteran.gower.pl/concept_timeline.html{{ref|concepts|noid=noid}}</ref>
*'''Plymouth Explorer''', was a 1954 [[concept car|concept]] coupe.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Belmont''', was a 1954 [[concept car|concept]] roadster.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Cabana''' was a 1958 [[concept car|concept]] [[station wagon]], which featured a unique glass roof for the rear portion of the car.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth XNR 500''' was a 1960 [[concept car|concept]] sports car.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth VIP''' was a 1965 [[concept car|concept]] four seater [[convertible]] with a unique roof bar from the top of the windshield to the rear deck.<ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Duster I''' was a 1969 [[concept car|concept]] roadster, with a wraparound boat-style windshield. <ref name=concepts/>
*'''Plymouth Slingshot''', was a 1988 [[concept car]]. <ref>[http://www.conceptcars.it/storia/timeline.htm Concept Cars: Concept Cars Timeline]</ref>
*'''Plymouth Speedster''' was a 1989 2-seater concept car.

== Former slogans ==
The Plymouth division went through numerous slogans, including the following:
*"If it's important to you, it's important to Plymouth" (early 1990s) 
*"The nine most important words to Plymouth: Satisfy the customer, satisfy the customer, satisfy the customer" (late 1980s)
*"The pride is back, born in America" (mid and late 1980s) 
*"Now that's imagination, that's Plymouth!" (late 1970s) 
*"Chrysler-Plymouth, coming through!" (early 1970s) 
*"Plymouth is out to win you over this year" (mid-1960s) 
*"Plymouth - star of the forward look" (late 1950s)

==See Also==
{{Plymouth}}

==External links==
* [http://www.stockmopar.com/ Stock Mopar] — dedicated to all Mopars, especially the Mopars from the muscle car era!
* [http://www.forabodiesonly.com/ A Body Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all A Body Classic Mopars
* [http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/ B Body Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all B Body Classic Mopars
* [http://www.forebodiesonly.com/ E Body Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all E Body Classic Mopars
* [http://www.classicmoparforum.com/ Classic Mopar Forum] — dedicated to all Classic Mopars and Muscle cars

* [http://www.allpar.com/ Allpar] — A comprehensive resource for information on Chrysler Corporation and related automobiles and products, including historical information, forums, and current news and reviews.
* [http://www.musclecarfacts.com/mcf/index.asp Muscle Car Facts]- A year by year account of some of the greatest mopar muscle cars ever.
* [http://clubs.hemmings.com/nynjslant6/ NY-NJ Slant-Six Club of America]-A Club dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of all Chrysler products powered by the venerable 'Slant-Six' engine.

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Chrysler]]
[[Category:Discontinued Makes]]

Mercury

2010-04-25T20:15:46Z

Joeychgo:

{{List Of Mercury Models}}

'''Mercury''' is an [[automobile]] marque of the [[Ford|Ford Motor Company]] founded in 1939 to market semi-luxury cars slotted between entry-level Ford and luxury [[Lincoln]] models, similar to [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]]' [[Buick]] brand and [[Chrysler LLC]]'s [[Chrysler]] brand. To this day, most Mercury models are based on Ford platforms. The Mercury name comes from the name of roman god of speed who was the messenger of the gods, which was reflected in its focus during its early years on performance.

==History of Mercury's market segment and styling==
[[Image:68 Cougar1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|First generation [[Mercury Cougar]]]]

'''Mercury''' was its own division at Ford until 1945 when it was combined with Lincoln into the [[Lincoln-Mercury Division]], with Ford hoping the brand would be known as a "junior Lincoln", rather than an upmarket Ford. In 1949, Mercury introduced the first of its "new look", integrated bodies, at the same time that Ford and Lincoln also changed styling radically. Again in 1952, Mercury offered a further modernization in its look. In 1958, the [[Lincoln-Mercury Division]] and the ill-fated [[Edsel]] brand were joined into the Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln Division; with the demise of Edsel in 1960, it has been in the [[Lincoln-Mercury Division]] ever since.

Mercury, like the defunct Edsel, was created from scratch, rather than being a takeover of an existing company like Lincoln. Mercury's heyday was in the 1950s, when its formula of stretching and lowering existing Ford platforms was very successful. The marque has changed several times throughout its history. During the 1940s and 1950s, the make moved between as a "gussied up" Ford, to a "junior Lincoln" and even to having its own body designs. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Mercury began to distance itself from Ford and offered several different looking models such as the Cougar and Marquis. But in the late 1970s to the early 1980s the brand was joined at the hip with Ford again and its image suffered as a result.

Mercury sales peaked in 1979 at 669,138. Since then, sales have declined by more than half to roughly 200,000 annually. The Mercury brand is used in the United States, and was used in Canada and Mexico. In 1999, Mercury models were renamed as Fords in both Mexico and Canada. But in early 2000 the Mercury Brand was revived in Mexico.

==History of Mercury from the beginning==
===1938===
Edsel Ford believed there was a golden marketing opportunity to produce a line of vehicles that would fill the price gap between [[Ford]] and [[Lincoln]]. The vehicles would be large, stylish and modern, yet still economical.

Edsel originally had many ideas about what to name his new vehicle line. After much deliberation, he chose the Roman god, Mercury - the fleet-footed winged messenger and god of commerce who symbolized dependability, eloquence, speed and skill.

Bob Gregorie, Ford's first design chief, worked closely with Edsel to develop the first [[Mercury]], the [[Mercury Eight]]. Its 95-horsepower engine offered 10 more horsepower than the Ford [[V8]], making it a robust performer. Design-wise, the Mercury Eight was considered to be among the most aerodynamic cars of its era. It was one of the first [[Ford]] production cars designed using a full-scale clay model. Dubbed The Super Ford, the '''Mercury''' Eight boasted the industry's first two-spoke steering wheel. In 1939, production reached more than 17,000 vehicles.

===1940's===
By 1941, more than 98,000 new '''Mercurys''' were built to meet a staggering demand, for a total of 155,000 vehicles sold since the introduction of the Mercury Eight. From 1942 to 1945, Mercury halted most of its production due to World War II. After the war, [[Henry Ford]] completely separated Mercury from Ford and established [[Lincoln-Mercury Division]]. For the first time, Mercury had its own vehicles. Because of the war, Mercury's 1946 models were slightly modified 1942 models. 1947 saw production increase to more than 86,000 vehicles. On April 29, 1948, '''Lincoln Mercury''' introduced the first all-new postwar Mercury vehicles.

===1950's===
1950 was '''Mercury's''' highest production year to date with 344,081 vehicles built. In August of 1950, Mercury sold its one-millionth car. Mercury was now truly earning a reputation for performance and innovation. In 1951, the first automatic transmission - the Merc-O-Matic - was added to all models. Other stylish appointments followed, including "frenched" (fitted flush with sheet metal surround or behind grille) headlamps, airfoil bumpers, monopane windshields, jet-scoop hoods, aircraft-style instrumentation and hideaway gas caps. In 1955, James Dean drove a customized 1949 Mercury in the movie "Rebel Without A Cause." The '50s closed out with the "Big M" dominating the racetrack and the sales charts.

===1960's===
In 1960, '''Mercury''' introduced the [[Mercury Comet|Comet]] and [[Mercury Meteor|Meteor]] lines. The Comet was a luxury compact and the Meteor was a downsized full-sized vehicle that reflected a trend toward smaller cars. The Comet made a big splash at the 1963 Daytona International Speedway Durability Run. Over the 40-day race, a fleet of Mercury Comet Calientes covered 100,000 miles at speeds averaging more than 105 mph. As a result, sales went through the roof. In 1967, the [[Mercury Cougar|Cougar]] was introduced and became an icon with muscle-car enthusiasts, winning Motor Trend's "Car of the Year" Award.

===1970's===
The oil crisis of the '70s sent gas prices skyrocketing - which had consumers looking to buy smaller cars with better fuel efficiency. '''Mercury''' responded by adding the European-built 1971 [[Mercury Capri]]. Another addition was the [[Mercury Bobcat|Bobcat]]. The late '70s brought about a completely redesigned Cougar XR-7. From 1977-1979, Cougar experienced a great increase in sales, the most impressive being in 1978 when sales reached 213,270 units. Overall, sales continued to climb. In 1979 Mercury sales soared selling 669,138 units and earning 6.75 percent market share.

===1980's===
In the '80s, '''Mercury''' tried to capture a wider audience with a range of vehicles that included the [[Mercury Capri|Capri]], [[Mercury Cougar|Cougar]], [[Mercury Lynx|Lynx]] and the [[Mercury Grand Marquis|Grand Marquis]]. But the biggest success came in 1986 with the launch of the all new [[Mercury Sable]]. The car featured a radical aerodynamic design that reduced drag to increase fuel efficiency. This involved long-term planning of a kind never seen before in the auto industry. In the process, Ford engineers tore apart hundreds of competitors' cars, a process called "reverse engineering."

===1990's===
The early part of the '90s brought about the introduction of the all-new minivan, the [[Mercury Villager]]. Customers loved its spacious interior, exceptional car-like ride and upscale amenities. In 1997, '''Mercury '''introduced its first SUV, the [[Mercury Mountaineer|Mountaineer]]. This vehicle achieved great success in attracting young buyers to the market. '''Mercury''' continued to turn heads with its all-new 1999 [[Mercury Cougar|Cougar]]. It offered new-edge styling that contrasted smooth aerodynamics with crisply intersecting surfaces, and was a big success.

===2000's===
The future direction of '''Mercury''' came to light with the revamped 2002 [[Mercury Mountaineer|Mountaineer]]. America's favorite muscle sedan returned in 2003 as '''Mercury''' introduced the 302-hp [[Mercury Marauder|Marauder]]. In the fall of 2004, Mercury introduced the all-new [[Mercury Mariner|Mariner]] and [[Mercury Montego|Montego]] - marking a bold new era in technological excellence. With such features as unsurpassed interior space, available all-wheel drive and a Continuously Variable Transmission, Mercury Montego was greeted with critical acclaim. Mariner fared equally well, offering the public available Intelligent four-wheel drive, side-curtain and front-seat side-impact airbags and a 200-hp [[V6]], among other amenities. And in 2006 the indrocution of a new mid-size luxury sedan the [[Mercury Milan]] and '''Mercury's''' first ever Hybrid vehicle the [[Mercury Mariner Hybrid|Mariner Hybrid]]. In 2007, Mercury rolled out the redesigned 2008 [[Mercury Mariner|Mariner]] and 2008 [[Mercury Sable|Sable]], which both featured crisp exterior lines and were filled with the latest in driving technologies. One of '''Mercury's''' newest technologies optional for fall of 2007 is the voice-activated, in-car SYNC communication and entertainment system, which was developed in collaboration with Microsoft. For 2008, '''Mercury''' is opening new doors.

===Brand revival and future===
[[Image:2009 Mercury Sable3.jpg|The 2009 Mercury Sable|left|thumb|300px]]

As of 2008, '''Mercury's''' range is quite small and have similarities to those sold under the Ford Brand. Many industry observers have questioned whether Mercury will survive in the long term, but Ford insists that there is no intention of letting the brand die. The introduction of new models, such as the [[Mercury Milan|Milan]], the [[Mercury Mariner|Mariner]], the [[Mercury Mariner Hybrid|Mariner Hybrid]] as well as the revival of the [[Mercury Sable|Sable]] and the up coming 2009 '''Milan Hybrid''' would seem to bear that out. Its alliance with Lincoln has helped keep the brand alive; all Lincoln dealers also sell Mercury vehicles, as they desire some lower-priced vehicles in their showrooms.

As part of their effort to re-assert the brand, Mercury has also begun implementing design elements common to all of their vehicles to create a more "unified" marque. These include an update of the signature "waterfall" front grille and badge lettering based on that of the last generation [[Mercury Cougar|Cougar]]. However, Mercury's future is no longer in doubt. In July, 2008 Ford Motor Company ended speculation about the future of Mercury by making the brand part of its new small-car strategy.
{{-}}

==Logo==
[[Image:Mercury Waterfall Grille.jpg|Mercury's Signature Waterfall Grille and Logo|left|thumb|250px]]
The first logo of the '''Mercury''' brand was its namesake, the Roman god Mercury. The side profile of his head, complete with the signature bowl hat with wings was used during the early years.

In the 1950s, the logo became a simple "M" with horizontal bars extending outward from the bottom of its vertical elements in each direction. This was described in advertising as "The Big M" - probably most notably as the prime sponsor of The Ed Sullivan Show.

During the late 1960s and up to the mid-1980s, the Mercury used the "Sign of the Cat" ad campaign based on its popular Cougar model. Many of the cars during this time carried cat related names such as the Mercury Lynx and Mercury Bobcat. On some of the upper-tier models, such as the [[Mercury Marquis|Marquis]] and [[Mercury Grand Marquis|Grand Marquis]], Mercury also used Lincoln's diamond logo during this time.

During the late 1980s, the logo changed from the Cougar to a highly stylized letter M (nicknamed 'the Waterfall' by some). The reason behind this new logo has never been fully explained, but it is still being used today. Since 1999, the Mercury logo has had "Mercury" written on the top part of the logo.

Mercury sponsored a professional cycling team from 2000 until 2002.

==Sale Numbers==
*Total '''Mercury''' Brand Sales For 2007 Total '''168,422''' '''Down 6.9%''' From Total 2006 Sales.

==Awards==
* '''Mercury''' Takes '''2ND''' Place in J.D. Power 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study.
* '''Mercury''' Takes '''2ND''' Place in J.D. Power 2008 Body & Interior Dependability Ratings.
* '''Mercury''' moved from 8TH to '''2ND''' Place in J.D. Power 2008 Initial Quality Ratings.

==List of Mercury automobiles==
{| class=wikitable align=right
|colspan=3|'''2009 Mercury Model Line-up'''
|-
!width="40%"|Model!!Type!!Price Range
|-
|[[Mercury Grand Marquis|Grand Marquis]]||Flagship||$26,105 - $36,070
|-
|[[Mercury Sable|Sable]]||Full-size sedan||$25,325 - $36,025
|-
|[[Mercury Milan|Milan]]||Mid-size sedan||$19,690 - $30,840
|-
|[[Mercury Mariner|Mariner]]||Compact SUV||$21,820 - $32,280
|-
|[[Mercury Mariner|Mariner Hybrid]]||Compact SUV||$27,860 - $35,345
|-
|[[Mercury Mountaineer|Mountaineer]]||Mid-size SUV||$28,535 - $42,255
|}

===Current models===
*[[Mercury Grand Marquis]] (1975-Present)
*[[Mercury Milan]] (2006-Present)
*[[Mercury Mariner]] (2005-Present)
*[[Mercury Mariner Hybrid]] (2006-Present)
*[[Mercury Mountaineer]] (1997-Present)

==Recent models==
*[[Mercury Sable]] (1986-2005, 2008-2009)
*[[Mercury Montego]] (2005-2007)
*[[Mercury Monterey]] (2004-2007)
*[[Mercury Marauder]] (2003-2004)

==Past models==
*[[Mercury Bobcat]] (1975-1980)
*[[Mercury Capri]] (1979-1986, 1991-1994)
*[[Mercury Colony Park]] (1957-1991)
*[[Mercury Comet]] (1960-1969, 1971-1977)
*[[Mercury Commuter]] (1957-1968)
*[[Mercury Cougar]] (1967-1997, 1999-2002)
*[[Mercury Custom]] (1956)
*[[Mercury Cyclone]] (1965-1971)
*[[Mercury Eight]] (1939-1948)
*[[Mercury LN7]] (1982-1983)
*[[Mercury Lynx]] (1981-1987)
*[[Mercury M-Series]] (1946-1968, Canada)
*[[Mercury Marquis]] (1967-1986)
*[[Mercury Medalist]]
*[[Mercury Meteor]] (1962-1963)
*[[Mercury Monarch]] (1975-1980)
*[[Mercury Montclair]] (1955-1960, 1964-1968)
*[[Mercury Mystique]] (1995-2000)
*[[Mercury Park Lane]] (1958-1960, 1964-1968)
*[[Mercury S-55]]
*[[Mercury Topaz]] (1984-1994)
*[[Mercury Tracer]] (1988-1989, 1991-1999)
*[[Mercury Turnpike Cruiser]] (1957-1958)
*[[Mercury Villager]] (1993-2002)
*[[Mercury Voyager]]
*[[Mercury Zephyr]] (1978-1983)

==Concept cars==
*[[Mercury Messenger (concept car)|Mercury Messenger]]
*[[Mercury Meta One]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:1939 Mercury Eight1.jpg|'39 Mercury
Image:Retro59Mercury.jpg|'59 Mercury
Image:68 Cougar1.jpg|'68 Cougar
Image:78 Grand Marquis1.jpg|'78 Grand Marquis
Image:95 Sable LTS1.jpg|'95 Sable
Image:'05 Mariner1.jpg|'05 Mariner
Image:06 Milan1.jpg|'06 Milan
Image:Mercury Mondeo1.jpg|A suggestion of what could make Mercury the success it once was... (aka Mercury Mondeo)
</gallery>

==See Also==

{{Mercury}}

{{Ford Motor Company}}

==External links==
*[http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/ Mercury Vehicles (Mercury | New Doors Opened)]
* [[Lincoln-Mercury Division]]
*[http://www.fyilondon.com/perl-bin/niveau2.cgi?s=wheels&p=85198.html&a=1 A short history of the marque]
*[http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/mercury-ever-closer-to-getting-the-axe/ Mercury Ever Closer To Getting The Axe]
*[http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/16/mulally-again-professes-faith-in-mercury/1#c8172712/ Mulally professes faith in Mercury]
*[http://www.mercurypartsbans.com/ Classic Mercury Parts]
*[http://jalopnik.com/395606/mercury-brand-to-die-in-blaze-of-ignominious-neglect-by-2012 Mercury Brand To Die In Blaze Of Ignominious Neglect By 2012]

[[Category:Makes]]
[[Category:Ford Motor Company]]
[[Category:Mercury Vehicles]]
[[Category:Mercury]]