Chrysler: TTAC Archive Elimination Story Is Crap

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Originally published by Brandt Rosenbusch, Curator to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum and Historical Collection Coordinator for Chrysler Group LLC, at Chrysler’s Corporate blog.

In my role as Archivist for Chrysler Group LLC, I can appreciate in-depth research followed by thoughtful conclusions, even when the opinions differ from my own.

But I was struck by the untruths and general carelessness in the editorial titled “Chrysler Destroys Its Historical Archives; GM to Follow?” by Bob Elton, published on The Truth About Cars blog last month.

In the piece, Elton charges that Chrysler and GM “turned their back on their own heritage and destroyed a priceless piece part of our collective past.”

It’s my job to make sure that we save Chrysler’s heritage for future generations. We’re proud of the efforts we have made over the years to carefully preserve historic documents and make them available to anyone following a request. If Elton had made such a request, perhaps he wouldn’t have made such erroneous statements in his article.

However, Elton jumped on our recent decision to close the Chrysler Engineering Library, one of a series of necessary steps to cut costs, and then proceeded to report on numerous falsehoods that put Chrysler in a bad light.

Elton’s assertions that our previous owner Cerberus “eliminated (Chrysler’s) archivist position” is untrue, as is his statement that when we closed the Engineering Library, people were allowed to carry any and all material away.

As the Archivist for Chrysler for more than 20 years, I had initial and priority access to the material in the Engineering Library for my review, and I transferred all critical books and materials to our Corporate Archives. All historical documents were shipped to the Chrysler Archives, and most of the library books were sent to the appropriate corporate departments to utilize. I can assure you that the materials absorbed by Corporate Archives deal directly with the history of Chrysler, including but not limited to reference books, internal engineering reports and publications.

Following the initial review, our Corporate Records Retention staff then reviewed the remaining materials. Any and all material that was deemed relevant to preserving the historical relevance of Chrysler was sent to storage.

It was then, only after these two extremely in-depth and professional reviews, that Chrysler Group LLC employees – and not just “anyone” as Elton states – were allowed to take the remaining materials. This material consisted of duplicate reference books, periodicals, and trade journals – material that is not core to our goal of retaining Chrysler’s rich and storied history.

Elton also wonders whether Fiat knows of the existence of the Archives and if they think it is worth preserving. I can verify that, after several visits from Fiat management, they recognize the value in the materials and wholeheartedly support our ongoing efforts at preservation.

We have historical documents beginning with the 1902 introduction of the Rambler to the present day.

If anyone would like to request information, photographs or manuals from the Chrysler Archives, we can be reached at the address below.

Chrysler Historical Collection


12501 Chrysler Freeway


CIMS 41-011-21


Detroit, MI 48288


Fax – 313-252-2928


www.chryslerheritage.com

Chrysler has played a central role in the automotive industry, and will for many years to come. We want to protect and share our heritage, and with this article, set the record straight on that.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Detroit-X Detroit-X on Aug 17, 2009
    windswords So I wasn't funny? I did say "occasionally leading" right? So I acknowledge Chrysler hasn't been all bad. I read my history books. I was speaking mainly of the "quality/dependability observations" in my lifetime (post early 60's). I loved the GLH Turbo era. The minivans were an amazing hit. Their truck remake years ago was spot on, and I still love the 300 styling better than any sedan. But now that I reflect on it, I think their greatest (recent) accomplishment was to get the Dailmer to blow $39B on them, and then Cerberus's bucks. Wow. Anyway, your point is known/taken. I was mainly trying to be funny/entertaining in a SNL sort of way, responding to a "corporate suit's" generic, committee-approved spew. I'm sorry that I raised your ire.
  • Windswords Windswords on Aug 17, 2009

    Detroit-X, As you may know, sarcasm is hard to interpret sometimes on a blog posting. Sorry if I mis-intrpreted your remarks. But hopefully someone will take a look at the links and learn something about Chrysler's history. For a company that was number 3 for most (but not all) of it's history it has produced a surprising number of innovations (I guess when you're number 2 or 3 you really do try harder!).

  • THX1136 Always liked the Mustang though I've never owned one. I remember my 13 yo self grabbing some Ford literature that Oct which included the brochure for the Mustang. Using my youthful imagination I traced the 'centerfold' photo of the car AND extending the roof line back to turn it into a small wagon version. At the time I thought it would be a cool variant to offer. What was I thinking?!
  • GregLocock That's a bodge, not a solution. Your diff now has bits of broken off metal floating around in it.
  • The Oracle Well, we’re 3-4 years in with the Telluride and right around the time the long term durability issues start to really take hold. This is sad.
  • CoastieLenn No idea why, but nothing about a 4Runner excites me post-2004. To me, they're peak "try-hard", even above the Wrangler and Gladiator.
  • AZFelix A well earned anniversary.Can they also attend to the Mach-E?
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