This Is The Only Chrysler PT Cruiser That We Can Approve Of


Cars like Nissan’s Figaro, post-2000 BMW Mini, Volkswagen’s New Beetle, and the 11th generation Ford Thunderbird sought to capitalize on people’s taste for retro design. Don’t forget the Plymouth Prowler.


In practice, this gives varying levels of success depending on the brand and execution. The new Mini was a huge success, but not the retro-looking 2002 Ford Thunderbird.

Another divisive retro look is chrysler The PT Cruiser has won a lot of fans in spite of (or because of) its looks, but it still seems destined for a spot on the list of worst cars.

The 1930s-inspired jelly hot rod hatchback worked well for those who could appreciate the styling and features on offer, but for others, it may have had identity issues.

Luckily, the folks at YouTube channel Kentucky Kustoms have modified the PT Cruiser concept, creating Frankenstein’s favorite suburban run around in the process.


The Kentucky Customs Monster PT Cruiser is a vintage off-roader

Production ran from 2000 to 2010, and production numbers reached over 1.3 million units in a relatively short tenure, so as of 2023, the PT Cruiser can still be seen on the road.

In its most powerful guise, the turbocharged 2.3-liter I4 engine of the Chrysler PT Cruiser GT could develop up to 230 horsepower and even offer a manual five-speed gearbox, but always front-wheel drive. machine and unfortunately it was not.It doesn’t come with the more interesting powertrain options from other cars like chrysler 300.

An oft-cited fact is that the car was ostensibly delivering reasonable fuel economy under the light truck classification, to help the company’s overall economic statistics.

Kentucky Kustom’s Monster PT Cruiser is another beast. The first build was a relatively simple project with two iterations. The headline feature is probably the presence of large off-road wheels on the outside of the bodywork.

Wheel track is increased by about 20 inches. In the first build video on their YouTube channel, the team first starts by installing spacers on the rear wheel. Create a monster axle using heavy-duty parts. About 4-5 total on each side to get the wheels out of the arch.

RELATED: This Monster Toyota Land Cruiser 6X6 Pickup Truck Is Beyond Our Imagination

Custom PT Cruiser Hot Rod Destroyed

Via: YouTube via Kentucky Customs

Adding a front wheel makes it even more difficult. Not only did we have to cut out quite a bit of bodywork to allow the wheels to fit in, but we also had to cut out the headlamps to give them enough room to rotate.

The blower on the top of the bonnet and the rear spoiler are just for show, but the finished product gives an aggressive impression. The engine could be the standard original his 150-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, or a turbocharged variant, though no powerplant seems to be mentioned.

Subsequent videos drive the Monster PT Cruiser rough through a gentle off-road base setting that looks to withstand abuse, but in deeper waters and muddy lakes it’s a different story.

Trying to cross a small lake, it’s finally finished in another video. There, after enduring water ingress and other driving, the wheel spacers begin to loosen and the front wheels turn on their own from the forces involved.

The car eventually died before even the wheel spacers died. This (understandably) suggests that the PT Cruiser’s frame and components can’t stand the job of supporting his 20-inch tread expansion and off-road penalties.

Low ride height and wide track width may be the main drawbacks of this interesting machine. The next thing that comes to mind is that a taller, monster-truck-style PT Cruiser could be much better. option.

RELATED: This is the JDM Kei Monster Truck that won the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 2022

The second Kentucky Kustoms Monster PT Cruiser is back

The next PT Cruiser project by the same YouTube team may be more appealing to most people. Instead of Chrysler’s old 4-pot he’s a real beefy AWD version with a 5.7-liter V8.

Beneath the Monster PT Cruiser 2 is a K5 Chevrolet Blazer chassis and V8 engine, also fitted with 37″ wheels and a nice decorative wood vinyl finish.

Now it sounds, moves and looks like a real off-roader.

Unfortunately, it’s still a bit overwhelming when thrown into a muddy lake again, but this PT Cruiser is still no match for purpose-built machines like Land Rovers and Jeep Wranglers.

It’s certainly cooler than a standard cruiser, and who knows how many with an AWD drivetrain and a 5.7-liter V8 under the hood sold.

The same YouTube team has a number of other projects, such as a smart car dune buggy, on its channel.

No more monsters, but lots of PT cruisers for sale

Kentucky Kustoms Monster PT Cruiser 2 in lake, side profile view
Via: YouTube via Kentucky Customs

You can’t buy the Monster PT Cruiser, but you can always build your own.

Alternatively, if you want to try the retro hatchback fun yourself, the PT Cruiser costs around $9,000, according to auction results aggregator Classic.com, while other sites offer significantly lower average prices. .

for the strangest and most unusual Secondhand car It’s one of the most divisive convertible designs ever, beating out the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible.

If previous PT Cruisers failed to deliver in terms of excitement, or were simply too mediocre, the Monster PT Cruiser is arguably all the personality you need, but it won’t survive long term.


This article was optimized by the SEO Team at Clickworks SEO