When you take home a sleek new Chrysler car, you can thank Walter Chrysler and the founders of Chrysler for creating a legacy of innovation, creativity, and a commitment to quality. When you explore our selection of vehicles here at CMA's Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Lynchburg, you’ll get a clear sense of this proud heritage during every moment behind the wheel.

Origins of the Chrysler Brand

Chrysler’s origins can be traced all the way back to 1904 when Jonathan Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe created the first Maxwell vehicle. In 1909, they joined forces with the ill-fated United States Car Company, which could eventually go out of business in 1913. It was at this point that Maxwell officially formed the Maxwell Motor Company, operating independently until the postwar recession.

Needing some help to keep his company afloat, Maxwell sought the help of Walter Chrysler, who had recently resigned from General Motors. This move successfully breathed new life into the company and the Maxwell Motor Company would go on to purchase Chalmers Motor Car Co. in 1922 and the following year, Walter Chrysler would take control of the company.

Chrysler began creating innovative car designs to make the company more competitive, including a proprietary Slant-6 engine, a revolutionary six-cylinder engine design. And in 1925, the Maxwell Car Company became the Chrysler Corporation.

Chrysler Vehicles

Over the next decades, Chrysler would continue to innovate and contribute to the automotive world at large, including innovations such as the anti-lock braking system, floating suspension, and the key-start ignition switch.

You can still take home notable models that got their start early on, such as the Chrysler 300 sports sedan, which was first introduced in 1955. Visit our Lynchburg Chrysler dealership today to test drive Chrysler cars and to find the right new car for you!