The Chrysler Newport, one of the last dual cowl phaetons, was
designed by Ralph Roberts and custom-built by LeBaron, Carrossiers in
Detroit, Michigan. The car featured an all-aluminum body, concealed
headlamps, folding windshield and hide-away top. There were a total of
six Newports constructed by Chrysler as show vehicles and four are
known to exist today. One of the Newports was selected as the 1940
Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. This was the first and still the only time a
non-production car has been used in this event.
The owner of the car displayed here was millionaire playboy Henry J. "Bob" Topping, former husband of Lana Turner. Topping customized the car by substituting a Cadillac engine and transmission for the Chrysler components. He also personalized the car by having his name cast into the hubcaps and engine valve covers and adding his initials to the grill.
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