Chrysler B platform

The B platform or B-body was the name of Chrysler's midsize rear-wheel drive passenger car platform from 1962 through 1979, and the name of a later, unrelated front-wheel drive platform used by the Eagle Premier / Dodge Monaco from 1988 through 1992.

The 1962-1979 platform underwent significant changes during its lifetime, but all of Chrysler's B-platform cars in a given model year shared the same chassis, with only styling differences between the Dodge and Plymouth models. The cars were otherwise mechanically identical. Similarly, the 1988-1992 Premier and Monaco models differed only by styling and shared the same front-wheel drive B-body platform.

The Plymouth B-body series ultimately comprised four cars with nearly identical outward appearances (differing only in trim package, drive train and accessories). These were the Belvedere, Satellite, GTX and Road Runner. The Superbird was a Road Runner with an extended nose cone and front fenders borrowed from the Dodge Charger Daytona, and a high-mounted rear wing. The Superbird's unique styling was a result of homologation requirements for using the same aerodynamic nose and rear wing when racing the car in the NASCAR series of the time.

There was more diversity in the outward appearance of the Dodge B-body series. The Dodge models based on the B-body were the Coronet, Super Bee and the Charger. The Charger Daytona was a Charger with an extended nose and high-mounted rear wing, offered for the same reasons as the Superbird.

1962–1979

Cars using the rear-wheel-drive B platform include:

Five different wheelbases were available:

  • 116 in
  • 115 in
    • 1971–1979 2-door models
    • 1975–1979 Chrysler Cordoba
  • 117 in
    • 1965–1970 Dodges
    • 1967–1974 Plymouth wagons
    • 1971–1974 Plymouth 4 doors
  • 117.5 in
    • 1975–1978 Plymouth and Dodge 4 doors and wagons
  • 118 in

1988–1992

From 1988 to 1992, the B-body name was used again for the midsize front-wheel-drive Eagle Premier sedan, which was originally designed by and was slated to be built by American Motors with Renault until Chrysler's buyout of that company in March 1987. The Premier was later joined by the similar Dodge Monaco for 1990.

Models

See also
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