Chrysler
The Life and Times of an Automotive Genius
Published on 25. October 2001
Book
Paperback/Softback
716 pages
978-0-19-514705-6 (ISBN)
Description
Here is a richly detailed account of one of the most important men in American automotive history, based on full access to both Chrysler Corporation and Chrysler family historical records.
Chrysler emerges as a man who loved machines, an accomplished mechanic who also had highly developed managerial skills derived from half a lifetime on the railroads, a man whose success came from his deep understanding of engineering and his total commitment to the quality of his vehicles. Vincent Curcio traces Chrysler's rise from a locomotive wiper in a Kansas roundhouse to the head of the Buick Division of General Motors, to his rescue of the Maxwell-Chalmers car company, which led to
the successful development of the 1924 Chrysler-the world's first modern car-and the formation of Chrysler Corporation in 1925. Chrysler was quite different from the other auto giants-a colorful and expansive man, deeply involved in the design of his cars, a maverick in establishing his
headquarters in New York City, in the world's most famous art deco structure, the fabled Chrysler Building, which he built and helped to design. Because of his emphasis on quality at popular prices, the company weathered the Great Depression with flying colors-losing money only in the rock-bottom year of 1932-and despite the market fiasco of the Chrysler Airflow (which was years ahead of its time), the company grew and remained profitable right up to Chrysler's death in 1940.
The definitive portrait, Walter P. Chrysler is must reading for all car enthusiasts and for everyone interested in the story of a giant of industry.
Chrysler emerges as a man who loved machines, an accomplished mechanic who also had highly developed managerial skills derived from half a lifetime on the railroads, a man whose success came from his deep understanding of engineering and his total commitment to the quality of his vehicles. Vincent Curcio traces Chrysler's rise from a locomotive wiper in a Kansas roundhouse to the head of the Buick Division of General Motors, to his rescue of the Maxwell-Chalmers car company, which led to
the successful development of the 1924 Chrysler-the world's first modern car-and the formation of Chrysler Corporation in 1925. Chrysler was quite different from the other auto giants-a colorful and expansive man, deeply involved in the design of his cars, a maverick in establishing his
headquarters in New York City, in the world's most famous art deco structure, the fabled Chrysler Building, which he built and helped to design. Because of his emphasis on quality at popular prices, the company weathered the Great Depression with flying colors-losing money only in the rock-bottom year of 1932-and despite the market fiasco of the Chrysler Airflow (which was years ahead of its time), the company grew and remained profitable right up to Chrysler's death in 1940.
The definitive portrait, Walter P. Chrysler is must reading for all car enthusiasts and for everyone interested in the story of a giant of industry.
Reviews / Votes
as much a history of the auto industry and the wheeler-dealer world of pre-1929 as it is biography. * Times, July 2000 * has been rigorously researched and reads well * Richard Drezen, Library Journal, June 1 2000 * this splendid new biography * Richard Drezen, Library Journal, June 1 2000 * "Mr. Curcio's research deserves respect. His book will be the definitive starting point for anyone who wants to attempt a less hefty biography of the charismatic man behind that beautiful Manhattan spire."-The Wall Street Journal "A definitive full-length biography of an exceptional leader who helped raise the American standard of living"- Kirkus (starred review) "Walter P. Chrysler is the subject of a splendid new biography by Curcio...the book has been rigorously researched and reads well. Highly recommended for larger public libraries" -Library Journal This dynamic biography brings a surprisingly neglected giant out of the shadows. * Publishers Weekly, June 2000 * "Curcio's robust, engaging portrait is chock-full of lore from the classic automobile era, as it sets the Chrysler saga against the backdrop of the roaring 20's, the Depression and the labor unrest of the 1930s" -Publishers Weekly "The lives of auto magnates William C. Durant, founder of General Motors, and Henry Ford have been well chronicled, but the remaining founding partner of the Big Three automaking triumvirate is generally known only by name and by the skyscraper he built in New York.... With full access to Chrysler company records and family archives, [Curcio] meticulously details the events in Chrysler's life as a skillful railroad mechanic, automobile designer and manufacturer, andtycoon."-Booklist
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
numerous halftones, 1 frontispiece
Dimensions
Height: 237 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 47 mm
Weight
1017 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-514705-6 (9780195147056)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Vincent Curcio, a veteran theatrical manager-producer, is the author of Suicide Blonde, a biography of Gloria Grahame. A long-time car enthusiast, he lives in Union City, New Jersey.