Preserving Chryslers at the WPC (Walter P. Chrysler) Club
Since the early 1920s, the Chrysler Corporation has been a leading auto manufacturer of a variety of vehicles, from big, luxury cars to family sedans and practical minivans, trucks and SUVs. Dodge and Plymouth are divisions of Chrysler, giving the company many different products for auto consumers of all tastes.
Members of the WPC (Walter P. Chrysler) Club are dedicated to preserving and restoring all types Chrysler brand models, including Chrysler, Imperial, Plymouth, Dodge, Eagle, Jeep and other related vehicles. Even the antique Maxwell and Chalmers Motor Cars are recognized by the club. The club is based in Kalamazoo, MI but serves members from around the world.
Exciting events and activities for Chrysler fans
The WPC Club offers many exciting things to do for members throughout the year. Whether it’s through a local regional club or an international venue, there's something for everyone. The club's Annual National Meet is held at various interesting locations each year and brings club members from all around to have a great time and share Chrysler memories. Only members may participate in the meet, but viewing is open to the public.
The national meets are usually themed according to the location. For example, at the 37th Annual Meet in 2006, members gathered in Williamsburg, Virginia. They brought their restored cars to a "restored" Colonial city and learned about American history and Chrysler history all at once. The meet included a historical driving tour of the area, a car show and an awards banquet.
Annual National Meet judging
At the club's Annual National Meet, judging contests are held for many categories including those classified by year and model type. Some awards given at meets are the George Michli Memorial Award to recognize the first decade of Chrysler Vehicles, the Lois & Chuck Jensen Award for P15 Plymouths, the Harrison Award for 1964 - 1966 Imperials and the Dr. David George Briant Award for the participant showing the best spirit at the meet.
Awards are determined by all the meet registrants. Each registrant is given a ballot and an opportunity to judge at the car show.
More club activities
The WPC Club also has regional and local club events and meets are held all around the United States and a few in other countries. These are hosted by local chapters and may include driving tours of the area, car shows, judging contests, awards and dinners.
The WPC Club participates in many other activities such as Annual Mopar Shows, cruises, swap meets and more. No matter where a member lives, there are usually several events per year that are centered on Chryslers or related products.
Membership information
New members may join the WPC Club by filling out an online form or printable form at the club's website. A membership fee is due annually. Those from outside the U.S. may join for only a few dollars more. Memberships include immediate family members, and a subscription to the WPC News is included as well. Ownership of a Chrysler vehicle is not required for membership. After joining the club, members can log in to the "Member" section of the WPC Club website to view a club member roster and the club constitution.
Club operations
The WPC Club elects officers and board members for various tasks beginning with the president and vice president. Officers include a secretary, several directors, a treasurer, website administrator and a European membership coordinator. The officers handle club finances, events and meets, regional and local activities, membership records and the club newsletter.
The WPC news
The WPC Club publishes a monthly color newsletter called the WPC News. The newsletter features messages from the club president, helpful articles about Chrysler vehicles, history and technical information. There's also information about vintage Chrysler ads and a classified ad section for members. The newsletter is printed on a full-page format with 32 pages filled with Chrysler tidbits every single month.
The WPC News has received the Golden Quill Award, given by Old Cars Weekly, for the "color publication" category. The club encourages members to submit interesting stories, photos and information about Chryslers to keep the publication unique and enjoyable for all who read it.
At the WPC Club website , back issues of the newsletter that are not out of print are available for a minimal fee. There's also an extensive list of available issues and articles.
The WPC Club store
At the club's website , members may purchase club merchandise at the web store. Available products include sweatshirts, Polo, Oxford, Twill and denim shirts, visors, straw hats, patches, key fobs, window decals and more. Prices and a printable form are available online.
Those who join the WPC Club will enjoy many benefits as they celebrate Chrysler vehicles of today and long ago. From the 1920s until now, Chryslers are still going strong.
