On a rainy Saturday afternoon, grand plans of hours and hours hiking through Michigan’s woods ruined, I instead made the trip to Pontiac to visit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum on the campus of the Chrysler headquarters just off of I 75.
After actually getting to the campus, it still took a long and winding road to reach the museum, tucked far from the front entrance of the complex. The museum was not at all busy and I was able to leisurely explore the exhibits. The very friendly volunteer at the counter suggested a route to take through the museum to get the most out of my visit.
Walter P. Chrysler Museum
Now, I’m not a “car guy”, but I found the museum very interesting. From the 1902 Rambler Runabout and the 1924 Chrysler Phaeton , to the modern concept cars, there were dozens and dozens of cars, all in superb shape. And throughout the museum, placards explained some of the technological breakthroughs Chrysler made during the period the cars were built.
Rambler Runabout
During my visit, there was a special exhibit on Vipers. And Vipers are “kewl”.
Dodge Viper
I even snapped a picture of my wife’s dream vehicle.
Chrysler Minivan
In the basement-level garage were the racecars as well as a collection of trucks and mid-20th century cars. There was even a Chrysler air raid siren on display. And like most museums, you’re not allowed to touch the exhibits, but I did get the chance to sit in a purple Prowler. It was surprisingly comfortable, but I could put the seat way back since there was no back seat.
Trucks at the Chrylser Museum
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is a great rainy (or sunny) day activity. The whole museum can be seen in a hour, though lingering to read all the information about the cars will lead to a longer visit.