Chrysler Proving Grounds (OT)

[TodFitch]

This was posted over at the AACA forum. I thought it would have some interest here too:

 

[RobertKB]

Thanks for posting. That's a great video with lots of '54 Mopars.

[48Dodger]

Even though this is an old film of antiquated equipment and technology.....its a lot more than the average modern Hotrodder will ever have in his garage today. That's why I always say, if you decide to change anything, you're playing "beat the engineers"....and that's a tough game to win. When was the last time I put anything I built through the mutiple test and challenges that are seen on the film???? None.....cuz a test drive, shake down, or "nothings gone wrong yet" doesn't compare. We do what we can with what common sense we use, and mechanical background we can mustard. I respect what I saw in this film as though it happened yesterday.....I respect that the people who built these cars and trucks that I try to rebuild, restore, or reimagine understood those vehicles better than I ever will. I really like this "old" film. 

 

48D    

[Young Ed]

Robert I noticed all the 54s too. So would you say this was shot sometime in 53 with these being preproduction models? Or do you think they were testing current in production stuff to know what to improve for the next models?

[RobertKB]

Robert I noticed all the 54s too. So would you say this was shot sometime in 53 with these being preproduction models? Or do you think they were testing current in production stuff to know what to improve for the next models?

 

Probably a bit of both. I am thinking a bit more testing current production looking for improvements. A lot of time, effort, and money invested in making a better car. Got to admire Chrysler Corp for doing that. Not sure what the other makes did.

[48Dodger]

The other makes at the time made fun of Chrysler. Saying the could rent out the facility to ford or chevy, to get real use out of the courses. By the late 50's all makes had their own form of proving ground. By early 21st centry Chrysler had 5 proving grounds in the U.S. They just shut down the one in Arizona.  I think as of late they only have two, Chelsea, and Naples. The Chelsea PG was recently upgraded in 2007.

 

48D