The 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt was to Chrysler what the Y-Job was to GM.
Early 1940s Chrysler models were designed conservatively in comparison to the revolutionary but odd-looking Airflow cars of the mid-1930s.
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That’s when Briggs Body Company stylist Alex Tremulis designed the Chrysler Thunderbolt show car. This eye-catching Chrysler Thunderbolt was concept car appearing in the United States before the United States entered World War II.
Nicknamed “the push-button car” when exhibited in dealer showrooms during introduction of 1941 Chrysler models. This two-passenger retractable hardtop coupe, built by LeBaron, featured an automatic, one-piece metal top that disappeared into a compartment behind the cockpit. The Thunderbolt’s top was relatively small, just large enough to cover the cockpit with its single bench seat, so the top could be easily withdrawn into the car’s trunk.
Similarly, the retractable headlights, electric windows, deck lid, and door-locks were also push-button controlled.
Six of these curvaceous cars were built with each copy wearing different paint and trim. Leather and Bedford cord upholstery was used. The instrument panel was leather-covered, had edge-lighted Lucite dials.
Once assembled, they were sent on their journeys to dealers for display for the introduction of the 1941 models. With an appearance that mimics a well-worn bar of soap, the Chrysler Thunderbolt featured a raft of technology that showed what an idea car could be.
Today, there are four of six Thunderbolts still surviving, and still looks striking – a tribute to Alex Tremulis and his future vision.
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