Chrysler Chronos

The 1953 Chrysler/Ghia D'Elegance inspired Shikado's vision for the Chronos. Discover additional images of vintage automobiles.

The idea for the Chrysler Chronos struck Osamu Shikado like a revelation to any automobile enthusiast. While browsing through photos of antique vehicles, he came across a timeless coupe. Convinced that a contemporary version would be stunning, Shikado, as a Chrysler designer, had the unique ability to turn his vision into a tangible creation.

 Classic Cars Image Gallery

Shikado's modern take on the 1953 Chrysler/Ghia D'Elegance evolved into Chrysler's daring 1998 concept car, the Chronos. This impressive V-10 sedan mirrors the original coupe's design, featuring an oval grille, recessed headlights, prominent front fenders, and sleek rear contours.

"For years, we've explored the potential of creating the perfect flagship model for Chrysler," stated John Herlitz, Chrysler's vice president of design. "Concept cars like the Chrysler 300, Atlantic, Thunderbolt, and Phaeton all served as experiments to define the ultimate Chrysler icon. This time, we believe we've achieved the ideal balance."

The Chronos represented Chrysler's

In January 1997, the Chronos project began, following the modern trend at Chrysler Corporation: a voluntary design competition. Shikado, whose primary role involved production vehicles, turned to Chrysler's photo archives for inspiration. There, he discovered images of the elegant coupe crafted by Italy's Ghia under the guidance of Virgil Exner, Chrysler's design chief from 1949 to 1961. Shikado was captivated by the D'Elegance's "sculpted body, its front design, particularly around the headlights, and the bold chrome accents on the wheels."

Shikado, the designer of the Chronos, was particularly impressed by the front design of the 1953 Chrysler/Ghia D'Elegance.

Shikado's decision to draw inspiration from Chrysler's history for its future design was astute, as he had limited personal experience with the subject. Born in Japan in 1955, he aspired to craft exclusive, high-end vehicles for an Italian carrozzeria

. However, this dream was put on hold while he spent 14 years designing conventional sedans at Toyota. In the early 1990s, he resigned, spent six weeks pursuing opportunities in Europe while his family remained in Japan, and eventually recalled a mentor from his 1985 stint at California's Art Center College of Design. This instructor had ties to Chrysler, and Shikado submitted his resume along with 10 sketches of his ideas for future Chrysler models. In 1994, Neil Walling, Chrysler's director of advanced design, brought him on board.

The Chrysler Chronos concept car bore a striking resemblance to the D'Elegance.

Shikado originally envisioned the Chronos as a coupe inspired by Chrysler's 1995 Atlantic show car, which had a Bugatti-inspired design. However, Jack Grain, the design studio chief, proposed transforming it into a sedan. This adaptation won the competition and became the highlight of Chrysler's 1998 auto show. Despite its commanding presence, the Chronos measures 205.4 inches in length—only an inch longer than the D'Elegance and slightly shorter than the Chrysler Concorde. Its authoritative stance comes from a low, sleek roofline and an impressive 131-inch wheelbase, complemented by massive 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

The Chronos concept car incorporated the D'Elegance's signature wood-paneled interior.

Built with hand-formed steel on a modified Concorde chassis adapted for rear-wheel drive, the $2-million Chronos was not just a stunning showpiece but also a fully functional vehicle. It was powered by a refined 350-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-10 engine, created by combining two 4.7-liter Jeep Grand Cherokee V-8s. The car's all-independent suspension was borrowed from the Dodge Viper.

The luxurious interior, adorned with hand-stitched leather, hardwood panels, a cigar humidor in the center console, and vintage-style white-faced gauges, was not Shikado's creation. However, he designed the alloy wheels, which featured a unique touch by Neil Walling: Chrysler's winged-emblem spinners, equipped with rare-earth magnets to remain stationary as the wheels turned. This detail added a charming and distinctive element to the design.

The interior of the Chrysler Chronos blends minimalist design with unexpected opulence.

Shikado has never laid eyes on the actual D'Elegance, which is exhibited at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California. He also hasn't had the chance to drive the Chronos, unlike a select group of engineers and journalists. Although the Chronos concept never made it to production, Shikado admits, "I'd love to see it built, though I likely couldn't afford it."

For more information on cars, see: