By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North American Archives, The Robert Tate Collection
Published 10.2.2024
1963 Dodge Dart GT Series advertising (Robert Tate Collection)
The 1963 Dodge models were designed under the design direction and leadership of Elwood Paul Engel. He had replaced the legendary Virgil Exner at the Chrysler Corporation.
The 1963 Dodge line was changed from the previous year’s models. The wheelbase was lengthened to 119 inches on sedans and regular vehicles.
The Dodge Custom 880 (Stellantis North American Archives)
The compact Dodge Lancer models were dropped after the 1962 model year and replaced with the new Dodge Dart for 1963. The Dart offered a tastefully designed body style and immediately became one of the brand’s fastest selling models.
A 1963 Dodge model (Stellantis North American Archives)
One of the top performance engines for Dodge in 1963 was the Ram Charger, a 426-cid wedge-head V-8 with an automatic transmission. The popular Slant Six engines were also very popular as well.
Automotive historians have said that the Dodge Custom 880 models were introduced in 1962 to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the DeSoto nameplate. The Custom 880 hardtop was a great-looking luxury car and offered in five different body styles, including a hardtop station wagon which many customers thoroughly enjoyed.
A 1963 Dodge Police Pursuits ad (Robert Tate Collection)
Overall, in 1963, Chrysler under President Lynn A. Townsend made substantial progress in improving its competitive position in the world automotive market. I remember as a kid growing up in the 1960s watching “The Beverly Hillbillies” on television, and Ms. Jane was driving a new 1963 Dodge convertible.
1963 Dodge Ramcharger (Torqtalk.com)
Dodge also offered a great line of police pursuit models featuring a 225 cubic inch Slant Six engine, which became very popular among the law enforcement community.
The 1963 Dodge Polara was the brand’s most popular model. It was offered in four body styles, including a station wagon. The Polara 500 series with a 305-horsepower engine had a price tag of $2,965, which cost more than the station wagon models.
A 1963 Dodge factory assembly line (Stellantis North American Archives)
Dodge took first place in the low-priced V-8 class in the Mobil Gas Economy run at 21.2 miles per gallon. This advertising contributed to Dodge’s success in 1963.
A 1963 Dodge (Barrett Jackson Auction)
Dodge also became very popular among race car drivers and fans in 1963. For example, the 426 Hemi-powered Ram Charger Dodge 330 was a very popular model among racing fans. Dodge also offered great-looking station wagon models in the 330 and the 440 series with a price tag of $2,854.
A 1963 Dodge color chart (Robert Tate Collection)
In conclusion, Dodge had a record sales year in 1963, with 67 percent increase over the previous year. It was also a very good year for Dodge in Canada, where production increased dramatically. Chrysler’s Windsor plant turned out 17,287 Dodge units during the 1963 model year. The Dodge brand will always have a great place in our automotive history.
Chrysler Corporation Annual Report, 1963. 39th Annual Report, December 31,1963.
McPherson, Thomas A. “The Dodge Story.” Crestline Publishing, 1975.
Langworth, Richard M. & Norbye, Jan P. “The Complete History of Chrysler Corporation 1924-1985.” Beekman Publishing, 1985.
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from the Ferens Collection
Published 9.25.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of General Motors Archives & Special Collections
Published 9.18.2024
Read more: Remembering the Contributions of Elliott "Pete" Estes at GM
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Henry Ford Media Center Archives
Published 9.11.2024
Read more: Remembering the 1949 Ford Models That Saved the Company
by Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North American Archives
Published 9.4.2024
Read more: Jeep's History of Great Advertising Sold Their Vehicles
by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Director of Communications & Engagement
Images Courtesy of the Walter Reuther Library
Published 8.28.2024
Read more: The United Auto Workers Was Founded 89 Years Ago This Week
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North American Archives, Old Car Weekly, BBspot.com
Published 8.21.2024
Read more: Remembering the Popular 1960s Dodge Little Red Wagon Truck
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of The Henry Ford Media Center Archives
Published 8.14.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of General Motors Archives & Special Collections
Published 8.7.2024
Read more: Remembering the Talented General Motors Designer Dave Rand
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Steve McQueen’s Estate, Warner Brothers
Published 7.31.2024
Read more: Actor Steve McQueen was a Great Collector of Auto History
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of Shelby American and Hertz
Published 7.24.2024
Read more: Remembering the 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H Rent-a-Racer
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Cheryl Kelley
Published 7.17.2024
Read more: Cheryl Kelley Creates Great Automotive Works of Art
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North America Archives, Muscle Car Plus and the St. Louis Car Museum
Published 7.10.2024
Read more: The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner was a Very Popular Muscle Car
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection
Published 7.3.2024
Read more: An Inside Look at the 1963 Chevy Corvette Color & Trim Book
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from the Ferens Collection
Published 6.26.2024
Read more: A Look Inside the 1967 Ford Le Mans-Winning GT Mark IV
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ebony Magazine, Road & Track Magazine, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
Published 6.19.2024
Read more: Remembering Cheryl Linn Glass, One of the 1st Black Racers
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Stellantis North America Archives, Vlad Radu Auto Evolution, Steven Juliano
Published 6.12.2024
Read more: The 1970 Dodge Diamante, A Forgotten Hemi Show Car
By Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images Courtesy of Jack Teetor and the Automotive Hall of Fame
Published 6.7.2024
Read more: EXTRA: "Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story" Film Debuts
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the GM Heritage Archives
Published 6.5.2024
1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III design sketches (GM Heritage Archives)
One of the most stylish concept Corvette models that came out of the General Motors Technical Center was the 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept. This concept was created under the direction of Charles M. “Chuck” Jordan (1927-2010), who was a part of the GM design team for many years.
Charles M. Jordan, VP of GM Design staff 1986-1992 (GM Heritage Archives)
Throughout GM history, Jordan contributed many great designs to the company’s various brands that were very successful. The 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept was introduced in a black cherry color scheme that many fans really liked. I remember seeing the model when it first debuted and was very impressed with its futuristic styling. It offered a great looking front-end with angled headlight styling features.
Another 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III sketch (GM Heritage Archives)
Some automotive historians have said that the 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept was reminiscent of the popular 1960s Corvette models. Jordan was very pleased that the Sting Ray III concept generated a lot of buzz and recognition when it was introduced at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show.
A black and white aerial shot of the 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept (GM Heritage Archives)
The Sting Ray III was designed by a GM stylist from its advanced concept center located in Southern California. Automotive historians have said that this concept was considered for production, however, its $300,000 price tag made that idea a responsible no.
The 1992 Corvette Sting Ray III design concept (GM Heritage Archives)
The concept was built using carbon fiber, which provided strength and flexibility. An adjustable steering wheel was added along with a great-looking sloping windshield design. John Schinella, who was in charge of the California-based studio, said, “After the structure and drivetrain placements were determined, sketches were made, presented, debated and finalized. The completed shape had to look new.”
1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept (GM Heritage Archives)
The Sting Ray III used advanced technology, including optical sensors. The model also featured all-wheel steering and cast-aluminum wheels. In addition, the concept featured an analog and digital instrument gage panel, and the interior design provided a fighter jet feel when driving.
A rear view of the 1992 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept (GM Heritage Archives)
Michael Lamm & Dave Holls, the authors of “A Century of Automotive Style: 100 years of American Car Design,” said, “GM’s California Concept Center, under John Schinella, developed the 1992 Sting Ray III as one possible answer to the Dodge Viper. John Mack did most of the exterior design, while Jon Albert designed the interior. The running metallic purple prototype carried a 300-hp Corvette V8.”
1992 Corvette Sting Ray III concept interior (GM Heritage Archives)
In conclusion, GM Design staff were shaping the future when they introduced the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray III concept to the public in 1992. It also received several awards for best design concept. Finaly, this model will always have a place in our automotive history as a great-looking show car that Corvette fans and historians will enjoy and remember for years to come.
Car Styling News. “1992 Sting Ray III Concept.”
Teeters, Scott K. “1992 Sting Ray III Concept, AKA: The California Corvette.” Motor Trend Magazine, February 17, 2016.
Rosenberg, Diego. “1992 Corvette Sting Ray III Concept, Melding the Past and the Future.” October 10, 2014.
Lamm, Michael & Holls, Dave. “A Century of Automotive Style 100 Years of American Car Design.” Lamm-Morada Publishing, 1996-97.
by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Director of Communications
Images Courtesy of the Automotive Hall of Fame
Published 5.29.2024
Read more: Remembering Ralph Teetor, Inventor of Cruise Control
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of The Henry Ford Media Center Archives
Published 5.22.2024
Read more: A Brief History of Automotive Leader William Clay Ford Jr.
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Packard Illustrations from the Robert Tate Collection
Published 5.15.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of Stellantis North America Archives, GM Media Archives, and Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 5.8.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Petersen Museum, AllCarIndex, and Custom Rodder magazine
Published 5.1.2024
Read more: Remembering the 1956 American Motors Astra-Gnome Concept Car
by Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images by Bob Sadler, MotorCities
Published 4.24.2024
Read more: Ye Ole Carriage Shop Preserves Jackson Auto History
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the GM Media Archives
Published 4.17.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection and The Henry Ford
Published 4.10.2024
Read more: The 1932 Fords were Popular during the Great Depression
By Jeffrey D. Brasie
Images Courtesy of the Sloan Museum of Discovery
Published 4.3.2024
Read more: When GM Was in the Decorative Ceramic Tile Business
by Brian Yopp, MotorCities Deputy Director
Images Courtesy of the Ford Piquette Plant Museum
Published 3.27.2024
Read more: The Ford Piquette Plant Museum & Its First Floor Renovation
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the Robert Tate Collection
Published 3.20.2024
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Della Woods, Replicas West/Tom West, Drag Racing Hall of Fame
Published 3.13.2024
Read more: Remembering Della Woods and Her Great Racing Career
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian & Researcher
Images courtesy of GM Media Archives
Published 3.6.2024
EDITOR’S NOTE: Today, we continue our observance of Black History Month with a look at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn's Achievement exhibit, which opened one year ago.
by MotorCities Staff
Image Courtesy of MotorCities National Heritage Area
Published 2.28.2024
Read more: One Year Later: The Award-Winning Achievement Exhibit at AHF
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives and the Detroit Free Press
Published 2.21.2024
Read more: Chris Young: From Collecting Matchbox Cars to Ford Designer
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the GM Media Archives
Published 2.14.2024
Read more: The 1954 Oldsmobile Cutlass: A Forgotten Concept Car
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Archives, Robert Tate Collection, ClassicCars.com
Published 2.7.2024
Read more: The 1956 Plymouth Models Offered Aerodynamic Styling
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from the Ferens Collection
Published 1.31.2024
Read more: The Ormond Garage and the Early Days of Racing on the Beach
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Hot Rod Archives, Motor Trend Archives, Wallpaper.com and Chrysler Archives
Published 1.24.2024
Read more: Remembering the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, Which Became Popular
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Paula Murphy Archives
Published 1.17.2024
Read more: Remembering the Great Legacy of Race Car Driver Paula Murphy
By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Malcolm Bricklin Archives. A special thanks to Historian Ron Konopka for this story.
Published 1.10.2024
Read more: Remembering Malcolm Bricklin and the Bricklin Automobile
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of Ford Motor Company Archives and the Ferens Collection
Published 1.3.2024
