The Forgotten Legacy of the Dodge Flitewing Concept Car

Forgotten ONES - Once again, concept cars often fade into obscurity once their brief moment in the spotlight is over. One such example is the Dodge Flitewing concept car, a creation from the visionary Virgil Exner, which emerged during the twilight of his career at Chrysler.

The Dodge Flitewing concept car was a creation from the visionary Virgil Exner, which emerged during the twilight of his career at Chrysler. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Unveiled with great anticipation in Central Park, Manhattan, on December 5, 1961, the Dodge Flitewing was destined for an uncertain future. Virgil Exner, the renowned design chief, had already bid farewell to Chrysler a month earlier, making way for Elwood Engel. The debut of the Flitewing marked a bittersweet moment, as it showcased Exner's brilliance after his departure.

The Dodge Flitewing concept car unveiled with great anticipation in Central Park, Manhattan, on December 5, 1961, the Dodge Flitewing was destined for an uncertain future. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

At first glance, the Dodge Flitewing appears with a unique front fascia, coupled with two remarkable "flip-up" window roof canopies that elegantly open and close with the car's doors. Control buttons on the left door panel offer a seamless way to operate them. To enhance safety, a clever addition of rubber tape along the lower window prevents any mishaps with the power windows. Notably, the Flitewing's innovative window design seamlessly blends with the roof's contour, simplifying entry and exit while maximizing visibility by eliminating the central pillar. The window mechanism is ingeniously housed in the roof and trunk of the car.

The Dodge Flitewing concept car appears with a unique front fascia, coupled with two remarkable "flip-up" window roof canopies that elegantly open and close with the car's doors. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Initially, this avant-garde vehicle held significant promise in Chrysler's future product lineup. Design veteran John Samsen disclosed that Chrysler stylists were instructed to embrace the Flitewing's theme, dubbed "Forward Flair" by Exner, as the foundation for the 1962 S series of cars. However, as the program progressed, Chrysler executives, led by President William C. Newberg, made a sudden decision to downsize the 1962 Dodge and Plymouth full-size cars significantly. 

The Dodge Flitewing concept car boasts a 383 cubic inch V8 engine with a RAM induction intake manifold, producing an impressive power output of up to 330 horsepower, paired with a Torqueflite automatic transmission. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

This decision led to a drastic overhaul of the S series, incorporating other proposals to fit within the smaller framework, leaving behind much of the Flitewing's influence. Ironically, the most distinctive features of the Flitewing—the gullwing side mirrors and the canopy assembly—are the least likely to be seen in a production vehicle.

The Dodge Flitewing concept car's innovative window design seamlessly blends with the roof's contour, simplifying entry and exit while maximizing visibility by eliminating the central pillar. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Under the hood, the Flitewing boasts a 383 cubic inch V8 engine with a RAM induction intake manifold, producing an impressive power output of up to 330 horsepower, paired with a Torqueflite automatic transmission. While no weight restrictions have been reported, the Flitewing offers outstanding performance. Inside the cabin, it features several clever innovations, including bucket seat bottoms and a speedometer resembling a thermometer, with 13 illuminated windows.

Inside the cabin, it features several clever innovations, including bucket seat bottoms and a speedometer resembling a thermometer, with 13 illuminated windows. (Picture from: MacsMotorCityGarage)

With Carrozzeria Ghia of Turin responsible for the bodywork on a modified Dodge chassis featuring a 118-inch wheelbase, the Flitewing proved to be fully roadworthy. It incorporated some of Exner's signature elements, such as soft tail fins at the rear and a reinterpretation of the iconic fake spare tire cover.

The Dodge Flitewing concept car also featured with some of Exner's signature elements, such as soft tail fins at the rear and a reinterpretation of the iconic fake spare tire cover. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Despite its potential, the fate of the Flitewing remains shrouded in mystery after its appearance on the car show circuit in late 1964, sporting a fresh paint job. Nevertheless, for enthusiasts, a 1:43 scale die-cast model of the Dodge Flitewing is available, allowing a miniature glimpse into this forgotten gem of automotive history.

The Dodge Flitewing concept car, born from Virgil Exner's visionary mind, serves as a testament to the fleeting nature of automotive innovation. While it may have vanished from the annals of production, its legacy lives on as a symbol of creativity, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of automotive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | CARROZZIERI-ITAIANI | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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