The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a retro-styled compact car manufactured and marketed internationally by Chrysler in 5-door hatchback wagon (2001–2010) and 2-door convertible (2005–2008) body styles—over a single generation, with an intermediate facelift for model year 2006. Evoking 1930s styling, the exterior of the PT Cruiser was designed by Bryan Nesbitt. Interior packaging was noted for its high-roof, high h-point seating, and flexible cargo and passenger configurations enabled by a multi-level rear cargo shelf and rear seats a user could fold, tumble, or remove. By the end of production in July 2010, worldwide production had reached 1.35 million. Originally planned as a Plymouth model, The PT Cruiser was ultimately marketed as a Chrysler when Plymouth was discontinued. In its nameplate, PT stands for “Personal Transport” or Personal Transportation”. PT was the PT Cruiser’s product code. The PT Cruiser was part of the nostalgia wave that included models such as the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Mini Cooper. Rather than recalling previous namesake models, the PT Cruiser recalled 1930s and 1940s styling, influenced by the Chrysler Airflow. The 2000 PT Cruiser grew out of a collaboration with Robert A. Lutz, who was an executive at Chrysler at the time, Dr. Clotaire Rapaille, and Bryan Nesbitt. Nesbitt later went on to design the Chevrolet HHR. The PT Cruiser’s design was loosely inspired by the Chrysler Pronto Cruizer concept car, while recalling the Chrysler and Desoto Airflow. Aspects of the PT Cruiser’s rear styling also resembled the Chrysler CCV, a retro-styled compact vehicle recalling the Citroen 2CV, while its high roof evoked the Chevrolet Advance Design trucks.
