The K310 was built as an experiment and a study of forward styling, the K-310 car was entirely designed in Detroit by the Engineering Division of Chrysler Corporation. With the information we have this car was made up as a three dimensional clay model in 3/8 size usually chosen for automotive styles because it was large enough to show the perspective of the lines. The clay model was thoroughly analyzed and changes were made to provide the desired styling effects. After this model was approved a 3/8 size plaster model was made. The body of the car was completely handbuilt. The body was done by taking templates from the plaster mode, blowing them up in scale to full size, and then shaping the sheet metal by hand over wood hammer forms built from the full size templates. When the body was finished it was mounted on the chassis. The metal work was done in Italy because defense work was occupying local shops. The car was built on a 125-1/2 inch wheelbase frame, which was specially designed to accommodate the chassis component as the Crown Imperial disc brakes. The wire spoke design wheels of large diameter were selected for both safety and styling reasons. The reasons were to improve air flow through the open construction of this wheel, also to have a better brake cooling and braking effectiveness was improved. The K-310 engine had the same cylinder block, bore, stroke and cylinder head as the production 180-horsepower FirePower engine. There were a number of interesting styling features in the K-310 car. One was the use of flush door handles. When the thumb was pushed against the knob at the rear of the latch, the handle pivoted out so that fingers could grip it and pull open the door. An example is the type of seat arrangement for the front seat occupants, which was unique in that the seat back of the K-310 was divided off center, with the result that the driver and the center passenger need not be disturbed when someone wanted to enter or leave the rear seat. |
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