The Dodge Firearrow – Taking Aim at Concept Cars

In the 1940s, Chrysler Corporation’s Dodge division had a reputation for building solid, dependable, conservatively styled cars. That was fine, however, Chrysler wanted to add some glamour and excitement to their cars. The American public was fascinated with the new jet-age technology that had developed after the war and car companies where eager to capitalize on not only the new technology, but the design aesthetic that could capture the imagination of potential car buyers. This trend would evolve over the next decade, reaching new peaks by the end of the 1950s.

Another factor influencing automakers in the early post-war period was European design. Thousands of American servicemen, serving in Europe during and after the war, had seen some of the elegant and stylish designs that had originated in England, Germany, France and especially Italy. Wanting to bring some of that glamour to America, American manufacturers and designers began working with some of the Italian coachbuilders, all of which were were eager for business after the devastating effects of the war on the European economy.