The grille and triangular nose are a stark contrast to many of today's blob-like cars and SUVs. The retro sensation is like that of the New Beetle, which became a fad item during the late 1990s. The PT Cruiser's look may remind aging baby boomers of the post-war cars their dads drove decades ago. Critics say the manufacturer didn't realize it had such a hit until it was breaking sales records, and then it had to scramble to meet demand. At one point Chrysler stopped taking new orders and canceled some old ones.
Many owners report waiting weeks and even months for delivery.
The PT Cruiser is succeeding with a retro design just as DaimlerChrysler is killing off the venerable Plymouth line. An entire generation has grown up since the 1970s oil shocks killed the muscle cars and tamed car design. The push is on to get the once-honored aristocratic tradition banned in Britain. Letting hounds chase and kill foxes doesn't fare well in the era of animal rights. Prime Minister Tony Blair himself supports a ban and polls say most Brits today oppose the sport.