Walter P. Chrysler Museum Unveils Exclusive 1928 Chrysler Model 72 Le Mans Die Cast

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 21 -- Attention die cast collectors! The Walter P. Chrysler Museum has commissioned a 1928 Chrysler Model 72 Le Mans Race Car that's sure to rev up any assemblage.

The 1:18 scale pre-war vintage model, the first in the Museum's Heritage Collection, celebrates the #8 racer that placed third overall at the 1928 Le Mans 24 Hours Race. A faithful reproduction of the carefully researched replica on exhibit at the Museum, the striking pale yellow and black die cast features a steerable wheel and opening hood, trunk and doors. The model is presented on a display base, is packed in a keepsake Museum box and comes complete with written historical background.

The die cast model is $49.95 and is currently available exclusively through the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Store. (High resolution images for media use are available online at http://cgmedia.daimlerchrysler.com/image- gallery.do?method=viewℑGalleryId=44&mid=129 .)

From 1925-1931, Chrysler vehicles were more successful in European races than any other American make, and they proved competitive against such thoroughbred marques as Bentley, Stutz, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Itala and others.

Among Chrysler's finest achievements during those years was its performance at the 1928 Le Mans race. Four, mainly stock, Chrysler Model 72s were entered by a French-Belgian team that included such top-notch drivers as Louis Chiron.

Though the European makes were favored to sweep the race, two of the Chrysler Model 72s amazed fans by continuing to run with the vehicle driven by Henry Stoffel and Andrea Rossignol placing third and the other, driven by the Ghica brothers, placing fourth.

The triumph at Le Mans was that two moderately priced mass-produced cars held their own against thoroughbred sporting machines.

The 1928 Chrysler Model 72 Le Mans Race Car model is part of the Chrysler Design Gallery, an upscale collection of exclusive die cast, original automotive sculptures and digitally-rendered art prints highlighting such popular vehicles as the Dodge Challenger Concept. All Chrysler Design Gallery collectibles are available through the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Store.

To view the 1928 Chrysler Model 72 Le Mans Race Car and other Chrysler Design Gallery items, as well as additional merchandise highlighting DaimlerChrysler's American heritage, visit http://www.chryslerheritage.com/ .

The Museum Store is located on the main level of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, at the corner of Featherstone and Squirrel Roads on DaimlerChrysler's Auburn Hills, Mich. complex. The shop is open during regular Museum hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday. Checks, American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA are accepted.

The Museum accepts orders by phone at 248-944-0434 or fax at 248-944-0460. Sales tax is added according to the rate in the customer's state (6 percent in Michigan). Shipping is $4.95 for packages up to 15 pounds and $4.95 for each additional 15 pounds.