New Chrysler ‘Bentley’ Will Lose Fans
Sunday, 6. November 2011
A friend of mine, not known for dating the brightest sparks in the boxes of fireworks, changed his car for a Chrysler 300C a couple of years ago, you remember the car, a big old bus with the looks of a Bentley if you changed the grill for a Bentley style honeycomb jobey! As a result he has had much success with the ladies believing he is driving around in a £140,000 Bentley rather than a Chrysler. However, his run of luck with the ladies looks like running out as Chrysler replace the old car with the latest version that will be available next spring.
It certainly doesn’t look like a Bentley any more although it is still a big old bus. The first change is the badge on the front of the car. As promised Chrysler is re-launching Lancia and that is the first difference made to the car.
The second is a complete style change, moving it away from the Bentley lookey likey style to what some may see as a sleeker look.
However, I think that the real appeal of the old car was its Bentley look so it may lose a number of supporters. On the other hand the Lancia purists won’t be pleased.
I’ve known a few over the years and whilst the Lancia bodywork was somewhat weaker than cardboard the cars went like the brown stuff off a shovel.
Hardly the way one would describe the performance of the latest car to wear the iconic badge. However, it’s still a big car for not a lot of money with lots of bits on.
Image via Wikipedia
The old style 5 speed auto will be fitted initially to be fitted with the much better 8 speed later on – may be worth waiting. Goodies include 18” alloys, heated electric seats (although no mention of leather), cruise, sat nav, Bluetooth and panoramic sunroof. All at the start price of £30,000. If nothing else good value. By Graham Hill
