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1959 Chrysler Royal AP2

Richard Keane1959-01-01/1959-12-31

National Motor Museum, Australia

National Motor Museum, Australia
Birdwood, Australia

Front view. In the 1950s prestige motoring in Australia was dominated by American based sedans such as Chevrolets and Fords. As a uniquely Australian model, Chrysler Australia produced the Royal from 1957 to 1963. The vehicles were assembled in Keswick, South Australia. With its two tone paintwork, upswept tail fins and streamlined body the Royal made an immediate impression on the Australian market.
The first Royal, known as the AP1 was developed by modifying the design of the American 1954 Plymouth P25. Hence, the ‘AP’ stands for Australian Plymouth. The AP1 differed from the American design with its larger back window, and rear and front mudguards.
Introduced in late 1958 the AP2 was a revised model of the Royal. The styling was quite different; it featured a new grille and additional fins. The fins were the most radical change, one set of tailfins was considered fashionable, but the AP2 featured saddle fins, which is literally fins on top of fins. The fins were optional, but most cars left the factory with them. Although the top fin looks apart of the body, it was actually bolted on.
The Chrysler Royal is a beautiful representation of prestige motor vehicles in the 1950s.

Specifications:
Engine: 250cid straight six

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  • Title: 1959 Chrysler Royal AP2
  • Creator: Richard Keane, Richard Keane
  • Date Created: 1959-01-01/1959-12-31
  • Location: Birdwood, South Australia
  • Provenance: Produced by Chrysler Australia from 1957 to 1963. Assembled in Keswick, South Australia. Purchased by the Museum.
  • Rights: History Trust of South Australia, CC-0, photographer: Epsom Rd Studios
National Motor Museum, Australia

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