Chrysler sold PT Cruisers in the United States for the 2001 up to and including 2010 model years, with initially strong sales that then gradually declined as the 21st century took hold and the initial retro-style novelty wore off. Because it was based on the Dodge/Plymouth NeonPerformance parts were readily available for the PT Cruiser; eventually an aftermarket for body kits and other exterior modifications emerged. The current Jewel of a car graveyard is an early PT Cruiser which underwent a number of such modifications over the course of its life and was found last fall in a San Francisco Bay Area junkyard.
The GT version with turbo didn’t appear until the 2003 model year, but a five-speed manual transmission was available for the PT Cruiser’s entire production run. In fact, this car would have cost $825 more ($1,465 in 2024 dollars) with the four-speed automatic.
From the 2002 model year onwards, a factory was “Ghost Rider” Flame Pack was available for the PT Cruiser. The cost: $495 ($879 in today’s money). This car has it.
There is an aftermarket chrome fuel filler cap.
The bulky front bumper was removed and the hood was replaced with an aftermarket one with a functional built-in scoop.
This is a fiberglass Good Hood, made by Keystone Restyling in Pennsylvania. It appears that these hoods are no longer being made, although the listing still exists at Summit RacingPlease note the Certification by California Air Resources Board sticker, allowing this car to pass California’s strict emissions tests.
There is a Airaid cold air intake system under the hood, which must have added a few horses. Airaid no longer makes this PT Cruiser kit, but may be able to find a second hand one on eBay.
This car appeared to be in good condition when it arrived here, so we can assume that an expensive mechanical part broke.
There is so much stylish fashion here from the turn of the century.