Chrysler Royal (Australia)

Chrysler Royal
Chrysler Plainsman
Chrysler Wayfarer
Chrysler AP3 Royal
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Australia
Production1957-1963
AssemblyMile End, South Australia[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body styleChrysler Royal 4-door sedan
Chrysler Plainsman 5-door station wagon
Chrysler Wayfarer 2-door coupe utility
Powertrain
Engine
  • 230 cu in (3.8 L) PD I6
  • 250 cu in (4.1 L) CD I6
  • 313 cu in (5.1 L) A V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase115 in (2,900 mm)
Length199.7 in (5,070 mm)
Width73.25 in (1,861 mm)
Height63.5 in (1,610 mm)
Curb weight3,500 lb (1,588 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorPlymouth Cambridge
Plymouth Cranbrook
SuccessorChrysler Valiant

The Chrysler Royal is an automobile which was produced by Chrysler Australia from 1957 to 1963. After investing in tooling to stamp body panels for the 1954 P25 series Plymouth locally, and with Chrysler headquarters in Detroit unwilling to assist in the costs of retooling for the new US models, Chrysler Australia made the decision to develop their own range, using as much of the existing tooling as possible, whilst also realising that the new car had to appear as different as possible. The doors and basic structure of the P25 sedan was retained, and with input from Australian and American Chrysler designers, the 1955 US Plymouth front sheetmetal was adapted to the P25 body and the rear quarter panels redesigned. They also added a wraparound rear windscreen, which caused development problems with Pilkington Glass, the Australian suppliers, who struggled to get the correct curved shape.[2]

  1. ^ Chrysler Royal, A Commanding Performer, Motor Manual, September 1984, pages 71-74
  2. ^ "Great Ideas in Motion, A History of Chrysler in Australia 1946-1981 by Gavin Farmer"