Chrysler Plainsman

The January 1956 press release that accompanied the photos of this Chrysler Plainsman concept car hailed it as a "Bold New Experiment in Station Wagon Design." Among its innovations were "an 'observation-car' third seat" and a powered tailgate and rear window. Another trick feature was the storage of the spare tire just aft of the rear axle, hidden behind a flip-up fender skirt.

The Western motif is highlighted by brown-and-white calf-hide interior, and who could live without the "Gold-colored Texas Longhorn medallions" on those audacious B-pillars? Chrysler styling director Virgil Exner said the car "reflects the colorful and casual way of life that typifies the nation's westward movement and is a bold expression of the suburban trend in American living."

Coverage: February 1965
Forty years ago, our editorial predecessors elected to give the 1965 Car of the Year award to the entire Pontiac lineup. A good choice, as those elegant Bonnevilles, Grands Prix, and the GTO--in only its second year--represented good design and engineering for their day. The only other road test in the issue was the Ford V-8-powered Sunbeam Tiger sports car.