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Topic starter
31/10/2025 7:45 pm
1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt
The 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt was a futuristic concept car featuring a retractable metal hardtop, concealed headlights, and an aerodynamic design, created by LeBaron Studios. While eight were planned, only five were built due to the onset of World War II, and it was one of the first American cars to feature an electric, retractable roof. The car was considered the "Car of the Future" and is now an extremely rare collectible.
Key features
- Retractable hardtop: The Thunderbolt was the first American car with an all-electric, retractable metal hardtop that folded into the rear of the car.
- Futuristic design: It had a sleek, aerodynamic body, concealed headlights, and a full-envelope body with no visible grille.
- Electric features: Beyond the roof, the car was equipped with numerous electric features.
- Unique construction: Each of the five vehicles had a different color combination and subtle, unique differences.
- Engine: It was powered by a 143 bhp "Spitfire" inline-8 engine with dual carburetors and a three-speed Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission.
- Production and legacy
- Concept car: It was a concept car that debuted at the 1940 New York Auto Show and was built by the Briggs Manufacturing Company's LeBaron Studios.
- Limited production: Only five were built because the start of World War II halted further production plans.
- High cost: At the time, the car cost $8,250, a significant amount.
- Modern revival: The Thunderbolt name was later revived by Chrysler for concept cars, including a 1993 model.
John Bono
North Jersey
31/10/2025 7:59 pm
Now that is different. I may be wrong, but I don't recall ever seeing this one.🤔
01/11/2025 1:25 am
I wonder if the Nash company decided to incorporate some of the design cues from this body style in later years.
01/11/2025 5:38 am
Something we might look on with a certain disdain today, but that was some spectacular feat back in the day. Great info John! Can you imagine the attention you'd draw driving the Thunderbolt on today's highways?? WOW!
01/11/2025 5:51 am
Thank you John. I was aware of the car but not the details. Amazing that this car came about when it did with WW II in the shadows.
01/11/2025 6:33 am
Thanks John, that is a cool and interesting video. An amazing car as well.💯👍
01/11/2025 7:24 am
I have always wondered what people thought when they first saw this back in the day. It was so radical. It was an Alex Tremulis design that was in every way the "Forward Look" long before that term became a trademark. Nice one, John B!
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
02/11/2025 2:32 am
yeh, I'm still in a state of flux over this. IMHO just seems to lack the 'out there' look of so many concepts. Still such an interesting vehicle. I wouldn't hesitate at the chance to add a scale replica. My favorite feature is the dash.
As always thanks John, a fantastic series
John Bono and Tony Perrone reacted