Unfortunately, the marketplace requires constant re-invention especially in an item as expensive and technologically advanced as the car has become. A company needs to do something better than the rest-be it price, style, speeds, comfort, technology or all of the above-to stand out and it requires a steady stream of new models/ideas. Who wants the same old thing? As I have recently come to appreciate the classic examples of Chrysler Corporation products and assume there would not be a dry eye in the house should the worse come to pass, I think the impact of Chrysler's demise on the value of our classic 300s could potentially be positive, much like the work of dead artists. In the end, the corporation is now owned by a bunch of bean counters who bought it to make money not cars and if they can make a greater return by gutting and killing the company they will jump at the opportunity-nostalgia has no place in the raw world of capitalism. _____ From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Rich Barber Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 2:27 PM To: 'Bruce Paul'; Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [Chrysler300] Any Future for Chrysler? Bruce: Thanks for forwarding the article. I'm sure most owners of "real" Chrysler 300's are following the gyrations of the modern Chrysler Corporation. Eric failed to mention the Chrysler Aspen SUV, a rather nice looking vehicle if that is what is needed or craved. I like our big red Durango for towing our C-300 to and from far away places, and think a nice Cool Vanilla Aspen would make an even more desirable package. The 4WD Durango does not make much sense as a grocery getter, but does provide a sense of comfort in the freeway wars here in the Bay Area and on slick roads anywhere. And, I found it interesting that Daimler Benz has now brought out their own C300 model. I'd think that model name would have been copyrighted by Chrysler in 1955, 1957 or 2005. A little research showed that the number 300 appeared in Mercedes-Benz vehicles going back to at least 1955. It also shows up in Lexus (ES, SC, IS, GS, RX), BMW (Isetta!), Ford (Late 50's Custom 300's) and Dodge truck (D-300) models. Any others??? In spite of some dilution, I firmly believe the mystique of the number 300 in the model name is still potent after 53 years--especially when coupled with the brand "Chrysler". I do think the new Challengers will sell like hotcakes for a while anyway--like the PT cruisers when they first came out. The product planners continually disappoint me. Why not an SRT-8 option on the Heritage Chrysler 300? I recall the big SUV was originally sold in Europe as a Chrysler as they "prefer" Chryslers over Dodges. It is entirely possible, but sad to consider, for Chrysler to become an orphan like De Soto and Plymouth. The likelihood of seeing a modern coupe and/or convertible Chrysler 300-X becomes more unlikely every day. But, there is always the possibility that another visionary car guy (like Walter, Virgil and Lee) will pop up and resurrect the marque. The impact on interest in and value of our wonderful old 300's is difficult to predict. Rich Barber Brentwood, CA 1955 Chrysler C-300 (Stuck in the 50's today) -----Original Message----- From: Chrysler300@ <mailto:Chrysler300%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com [mailto:Chrysler300@ <mailto:Chrysler300%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Paul Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 8:49 AM To: Chrysler300@ <mailto:Chrysler300%40yahoogroups.com> yahoogroups.com Subject: [Chrysler300] Any Future for Chrysler? Eric's Autos: Will Chrysler Soon Sleep With the Fishes? Eric Peters [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To send a message to this group, send an email to: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm For archives go to http://www.forwardlook.net/300-archive/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chrysler300/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chrysler300/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:Chrysler300-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mailto:Chrysler300-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Chrysler300-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/