Eisenhower’s Open-Air Chariot: The Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton

When it comes to presidential transportation, the vehicles used by heads of state have always embodied power, prestige, and national identity. From the modern-day Cadillac "Beast" to the armored rides of world leaders like Vladimir Putin and Queen Elizabeth II, these automobiles serve as both practical and symbolic extensions of their occupants. However, among the most distinguished and aesthetically stunning of all presidential cars is the Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton, a vehicle frequently used by President Dwight D. Eisenhower during his time in office.

The Origins of the Imperial Parade Phaeton

In 1952, Chrysler built three exclusive Imperial Parade Phaetons, each designed to serve as an official vehicle for high-profile public events. These elegant, open-air limousines were not just luxury vehicles; they were rolling statements of American craftsmanship and automotive excellence. One of these remarkable vehicles was stationed in New York City, another in Los Angeles, and the third, famously referred to as "the Detroit car," was kept at Chrysler headquarters and made available to the White House for presidential use.

A Design Fit for a President

The Imperial Parade Phaeton was unlike any other presidential vehicle. Featuring a dual-cowl design with no roof or windows, this grand automobile was crafted for parades and public appearances, allowing for an unobstructed view of its distinguished passengers. Its design elements included:

• Rear-hinged "suicide" doors with no exterior handles, enhancing its sleek and sophisticated look.
• Deep wire wheels and striking whitewall tires, which added to its commanding road presence.
• A low and elongated body, creating a stately, refined silhouette that exuded authority and prestige.

In 1955, all three Phaetons were rebodied with Chrysler's updated 1956 Imperial "Forward Look" styling, further elevating their aesthetic appeal. This design, spearheaded by legendary automotive designer Virgil Exner, introduced bolder, more streamlined features that solidified the car's iconic status.

Eisenhower's Use of the Chrysler Imperial

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, frequently utilized the Detroit-based Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton for public events and ceremonies. The vehicle’s open-top design allowed Eisenhower to connect directly with the American public, making it a prime choice for parades, diplomatic visits, and national celebrations. The Phaeton’s grandeur and elegance made it a fitting mode of transportation for a leader who had not only served as Supreme Allied Commander in World War II but also as a unifying figure in post-war America.

The sheer presence of the Imperial Parade Phaeton in a procession signified the importance of an event, often making it the centerpiece of any parade. Both Eisenhower and his successor, Richard Nixon, are known to have used this extraordinary automobile extensively throughout their respective tenures in the White House.

The Fate of the Detroit Chrysler Imperial

After serving two presidents and making countless appearances in historic events, the Detroit-based Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton was eventually retired from White House service in 1970 and sold to private owners. However, its journey did not end there. It found a new home at the Imperial Palace Hotel’s famous car collection in Las Vegas, where it was displayed among other legendary automobiles.

In 2001, automotive enthusiast and publisher Robert Petersen acquired the historic Phaeton, ensuring its preservation at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Today, this timeless piece of automotive and presidential history remains a prized exhibit at the museum, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the elegance and grandeur of a bygone era.

A Parade of Prestige

The significance of the Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton extends beyond its use by Eisenhower and other political figures. Its legacy was further celebrated during the Petersen Museum’s 25th anniversary in 2019. As part of the festivities, the stunning white-over-red Imperial led an eight-car parade through West Los Angeles and Hollywood on Presidents' Day, accompanied by legendary vehicles from film and television. Among them were:

• Speed Racer’s Mach 5
• Green Hornet’s Black Beauty Imperial
• The DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future
• The Austin Powers Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
• The 2002 Jaguar XKR stunt car from Die Another Day

While these vehicles carried their own pop culture prestige, none could match the historical weight and political significance of the Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton.

The Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton remains one of the most distinguished and visually striking presidential vehicles in American history. With its bold design, extensive use in public ceremonies, and strong association with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it stands as a testament to an era when automotive craftsmanship met political grandeur. Now housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum, it continues to captivate enthusiasts, historians, and the public, ensuring that its legacy—and that of the presidents who rode in it—remains an enduring part of American history.