Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Circle
The Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Circle celebrates Chrysler heritage and the people who were instrumental in forming the company’s rich history, as well as played a vital role in the Museum’s establishment and/or continuing evolution. It also honors persons who have made a significant impact on the auto enthusiast and collector hobbies.
Inductees are recognized on the Walter P. Chrysler Legacy wall, on exhibit at the Museum. Current honorees of the Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Circle are:
- Former Chrysler Chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca
- Comedian and Car Collector Jay Leno
- NASCAR Champion Richard Petty
- Former Chrysler Design Chief and father of the famed Forward Look, Virgil Exner
Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Award
The Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Award – bestowed to Legacy Circle inductees – is an original, limited edition work of art created by Ralph Gilles, Senior Vice President – Product Design and President and Chief Executive Officer - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.
The 17” high award – crafted of high grade aluminum that is hand-sanded and polished -- features a gear base from which a slender pair of wings – symbolizing the future of Chrysler’s iconic badging – gracefully rises. Within the curved opening at the bottom of the singular wing design is an artisan grounded and hand-sanded crystal pentastar.
The box that stores the Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Award is an equally impressive work of art. A replica of Walter P. Chrysler’s famed toolbox – on exhibit within the Museum – each case is built to scale from actual blueprints of the original. The box is constructed from select American cherry wood cut from a single tree with a maple inlay of “W.P. Chrysler” on the front.
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