A Look Back at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum
By Award-Winning Automotive Historian Robert Tate
Images Courtesy of Stellantis Chrysler Archives
Published 1.14.2026
One of the most unforgettable moments in automotive history was the opening of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan. I was there on October 5, 1999, as part of the heritage collection staff. Before the doors opened, I looked out at thousands of visitors who had traveled from around the world. The museum was a spectacular showcase of Chrysler’s rich history.
Some of the early automotive pioneers that were a part of the museum at the beginning chapter were Tom Gale, Frank Fountain, Bud Liebler, and Otto Rosenbusch. Others included Bruce Thomas, Bill Ridenour, Mike Krag, and Brandt Rosenbusch who is the collections manager at Chrysler Group LLC. The Walter P. Chrysler Museum was managed as a public facility within Corporate Communications under Rita McKay who was the museum director, later followed by Terrie Holtman. Barry Dressel was the manager at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.
The 60,000-square-foot facility featured a theater, interactive exhibits, and a rotating tower displaying three concept cars. Visitors were greeted by a life-size figure of Walter P. Chrysler, cast from his great-grandson Frank Rhodes. Exhibits highlighted Chrysler’s role in World War II, complete with a diorama featuring two GIs and a 1943 Jeep.
Tower display at the Walter Chrysler Museum
1924 Chrysler on display
The lower level, “Boss Chrysler’s Garage,” displayed iconic performance cars from the 1960s and 1970s, including the 1965 A/FX Drag Car, the 1978 Lil Red Express pickup, and Roger Lindamood’s 1964 “Color Me Gone II” Dodge. Dodge trucks and other historical models were also featured along with a complete timeline of Chrysler history.
1934 Chrysler Air Flow
1963 Chrysler Turbine
The museum offered an educational experience supported by a volunteer program organized by Sue Krupansky, with help from employees, retirees, and Mopar enthusiasts. Its gift shop became one of the best automotive history stores in the country. As Bruce Thomas, a retired Chrysler engineer, once said, “I can’t believe we’ve finally done it after all these years.”
1951 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible
Despite attracting about 90,000 visitors annually, declining attendance led to its closure on December 31, 2012. Though some of the founders are no longer with us, I cherish the memories of this world-class museum. This story is dedicated to the late Otto Rosenbusch and Gregory Quay, floor supervisors who helped make it all possible.
1964 "Color Me Gone" Dodge by Roger Lindamood
Bibliography
Daimler Chrysler Corporation. “Forward: The American Heritage of Daimler Chrysler” Produced by Zenda Inc for Daimler Chrysler Corporation. October 1999.
Forward Magazine. “Forward the American Heritage of Daimler Chrysler” Premiere issue -Published by The Walter P. Chrysler Museum 2000.