 The PT Cruiser story (by Pete of PTCompany.co.uk)
In a world where most cars look much the same, the PT Cruiser dares to be not just different but completely different! It was destined to be a classic right from it's phenomenal USA launch in April 2000, when waiting lists of nearly a year led to some PTs changing hands at twice their original selling price. So, how did such a unique car come to be built in the first place? In the mid '90s the Chrysler Corporation had launched the Neon, a small saloon car that was designed to appeal to both International and USA markets. It was decided that a tall, versatile car, like the Renault Megane Scenic, would make and ideal stable mate. This made sense for two reasons. Firstly, the tall car or small MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) was increasing in popularity in Europe. Secondly, in the USA, Chrysler sell many large trucks and needed to produce a small truck-like vehicle to satisfy government regulations on fuel economy. The Cruiser was originally meant to be a Plymouth, before Chrysler's merger with Daimler-Benz. At the time Chrysler had planned a new look for Plymouth, previewed by the Plymouth Prowler "hot rod".  Styling cues from the Prowler, particularly the grille, were used to create a Plymouth-badged Pronto concept car which was shown to the public in 1997. It was a tall car with many practical features, a roomy interior and flexible seating. Apart from the Plymouth Prowler style grille, it was a modern design. European journalists liked the car, but those in the USA were less entusiastic about its styling.  It was clear that the basic concept was right but a more attention grabbing design was called for. Lengthy research and management debate led to the idea of a car that could somehow capture the 'Spirit of America'. A modern styling exercise wasn't a success, so Chrysler bosses looked to combine modern practical features needed, with American car designs of the past. From the bold styling of the 1920s and 30s through to the 50s and 60s Hot Rods. All that was needed was a designer capable of putting these ideas together. This is where Bryan Nesbitt, one of Chrysler's very talented young designers, comes in. He was, at the time a 27 year old graduate from the Art Centre College of Design in Pasadena.
 Bryan had been closely involved with the project from the start and was given a free hand to develop his ideas. His own research in Europe found that the car would fit into the popular MVP category. American styling would make it stand out as an import, hopefully giving it a measure of prestige. In the USA, it was a completely different story. A small hatchback would have virtually no appeal, let alone any prestige. However a truly original car could possibly make its own niche in the market place and attract buyers from a wide spectrum. Nesbitt took his inspiration from from the 1930s era - high curvaceous cars with bold radiator grilles - mixed in the forward leaning stance of a hot rod and added modern touches like the headlights, windscreen and short body overhang to the front and rear wheels. At the same time he had to keep to the hatchback concept, which also involved a flat floor - necessary so that the 'car' could be classed as a truck to benefit the company's official fuel economy quotas. His sketch here shows how close the original design was to the finished car. 
In 1998, a very stylish 3-door concept car, the Pronto Cruizer, designed by Nesbitt, was shown at the Geneva Car Show. Its purpose was to test public reaction and to throw Chrysler's competitors off the scent. IIt worked, and in 1999, the PT (abbreviation of Platform Tall - the model code) made a su 
It is inexpensive, solidly made, well equipped, and above all, fun to drive. It readily lends itself to personal customisation by keen owners.
On March 8, 2006, Daimler Chrysler announced it had made 1,000,000 cars at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. Finally the PT Cruiser has that quality very rarely found in cars now days - character.
Check out a PT cruiser advertisement below
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