History Buffs Shed a Tear
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is closing
Autoweek / Graham Kokak / November 9, 2016
(photos courtesy Autoweek and FCA US LLC)
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan is closing later this month to make way for expansion of the FCA world headquarters. The museum features three floors of more than 65 antique, custom, racing and concept vehicles from the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® brands as well as such predecessor marques as DeSoto, Hudson, Nash, Plymouth, Rambler and Willys-Overland.
The museum, which opened in 1999, closed to the public at the end of 2012 only to reopen earlier this year on select dates. Despite a great collection of concept, racing and production cars and knowledgeable staff, it was never a huge tourist draw; Auburn Hills is a little far off the beaten path for Motor City visitors, and we found that many locals had no idea it was even there.
As to the fate of the roughly 65 vehicles in its collection, plus artifacts and informational displays: Don’t expect a firesale auction. FCA claims that the cars will be retained, cared for and displayed at the automaker’s various facilities, and we hope the company continues to bring them out for car shows from time to time. This is likely your last chance to see all the cars together for the foreseeable future, though.
The museum will be open for the last time the weekend of December 17th and 18th. This may be the last time you can see these incredible, historic vehicles all in one place. Visit wpchryslermuseum.org for details on hours of operation, directions, parking, etc.
