Were the 1962 Plymouth and Dodge Really Stretched Compacts?

The 1962 Plymouth and Dodge models have long been a subject of automotive history debate, with some claiming they were based on stretched compact platforms. This theory, while seemingly plausible at first glance, has been challenged by automotive historians and experts. Let’s delve deeper into the origins of these iconic cars and examine the evidence surrounding their development.

The Stretched Compact Theory: Fact or Fiction?

The claim that the 1962 Plymouth and Dodge models were derived from stretched compacts stems from the fact that they were dimensionally smaller than their predecessors. Chrysler, responding to perceived customer demand for smaller cars and anticipating a similar move from Chevrolet, downsized its full-size offerings for the 1962 model year.

Proponents of the stretched compact theory point to anecdotal evidence suggesting that Chrysler designers were instructed to base the new cars on the existing compact platform, known as the A-body, which underpinned the Plymouth Valiant and Dodge Lancer.

Evidence Against the Stretched Compact Theory

However, several key pieces of evidence cast doubt on the stretched compact theory:

1. Width Discrepancies

The 1962 B-body Plymouth was significantly wider than its A-body counterpart, the Valiant. Renowned automotive journalist John Katz, in his 1995 article for Collectible Automobile, revealed that while initial plans called for shared cowl and doors between the A and B bodies, this idea was scrapped due to feasibility concerns. Stretching a cowl, a structurally critical component, to accommodate a wider body would have been a significant engineering challenge.

2. Lack of Shared Components

A detailed examination of the 1962 B-body models reveals minimal, if any, shared components with the first or second-generation A-bodies. The doors and windshields, key elements that could point to a shared platform, are distinct. This lack of visible commonality further weakens the stretched compact argument.

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3. Chrysler’s Design Philosophy

It’s worth noting that Chrysler, at the time, was known for its engineering prowess and innovative use of platform sharing. However, the company also understood the importance of brand identity and product differentiation. Stretching a compact platform to create a full-size car could have resulted in awkward proportions and compromised the perceived value of the larger models.

The 1966 Redesign: A Different Story?

Interestingly, when Chrysler redesigned the B-body for the 1966 model year and the A-body a year later, there’s evidence of component sharing. Promotional materials from that era show striking similarities between the door window frames of the 1967 Plymouth Belvedere (B-body) and the 1967 Plymouth Valiant (A-body), suggesting that lessons learned from the 1962 redesign may have led to more effective platform sharing in subsequent years.

Conclusion: A Need for Further Examination

The debate surrounding the true origins of the 1962 Plymouth and Dodge models highlights the complexities of automotive history and the importance of critical analysis. While the stretched compact theory persists in some circles, a closer look at the evidence suggests that it might be an oversimplification of a more nuanced design and engineering process.

Further research, potentially involving interviews with former Chrysler designers and engineers from that era, could shed more light on this fascinating chapter in automotive history. Until then, the question of whether the 1962 Plymouth and Dodge were truly stretched compacts remains open for discussion.

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