1957-1958
1958 Chrysler Windsor Sedan |
|
| Layout | FR |
|---|---|
| Engine | 354 CID "Spitfire" 2-bbl. 285hp (290 in 1958) V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual TorqueFlite Automatic |
| Wheelbase | 126 in (3,200 mm) (1957) 122 in (3,099 mm) (1958) |
| Length | 219.2 in (5,568 mm) (1957) 218 in (5,537 mm) (1958) |
| Width | 78.8 in (2,002 mm) |
For 1957, Chryler cars, including the Windsor, were restyled again. This time with taller tailfins with vertical taillights, thinner C-pillars, and a wraparound front bumper. Mid-year, dual headlights became standard. Front head room grew to 35.7 inches. Safety equipment was optional on the Windsor. Unfortunally for Chrysler, 1957 cars were plagued with quality problems, such a breaking torsion bars and rust.
In 1958, the Windsor body was moved to the DeSoto Firesweep 122-inch (3,100 mm) chassie. It looked part Dodge and part Chrysler. New this year for all Chrysler cars was the new "Auto-Pilot" cruise control system. It had two features. One was the speed-warning feature that the driver would turn the knob to set a certain speed. Then, when the driver would start to pass the speed, pressure would be felt in the pedal, letting the driver know that they were going too fast. The other feature was the actual cruise control. It was activated by pressing on the speed-set knob. The Windsor made up 42.36% of Chrysler's sales in 1958.
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