2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition
2025.0036.0001, Savoy Collection
Engine: 147 cu. in. (2.4L) Cast-iron, I-4
Output: 150 HP @ 5,600 RPM
Transmission: Automatic
Wheelbase: 103 in.
Overall Length: 168 in.
Weight: 3,123 lbs.
Top Speed: 121 MPH
No. Produced: Unknown
Original Price: $17,040 (base)
Manufacturer: Chrysler
The origin of the PT Cruiser goes back to a concept car, the Plymouth Pronto Cruiser. About this time, Chrysler released two retro designed cars, the Plymouth Prowler and the Dodge Viper. With the discontinuation of Plymouth, the Pronto Cruiser evolved into the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The “PT” designation has been reported to mean different things, officially, it stands for Personal Transport. Unlike the Prowler and the Viper, the PT Cruiser created 10 years of profitability for Chrysler.
The PT Cruiser is a car, however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fuel economy calculations place the vehicle in the truck category. Consumers didn’t care that the car was underpowered and didn’t have great gas mileage. Based on customer response, the Woodie Pt Cruiser was released in 2002. Unlike its more expensive siblings, the PT Cruiser proved that a good-looking retro-theme car could be affordable and profitable.