The Chrysler Crossfire uses retro styling somewhat like the Mini Cooper, PT Cruiser, or Beetle. Unlike those other cars, however, Crossfire is patterned after parts of classic French Bugattis and Talbot Lagos from the elegant pre-war period of auto design. Collectors of classic cars recognize the shape of the rear hatch, the curve of the fenders, and the subtly bubbled roof from designs they covet, although the Crossfire is a blend of many lines, not a copy of any particular model from the golden age. Chrysler styling cues are here as well, particularly at the front of the car, where the quad headlamps and big grille with horizontal bars evokes the look of the new Chrysler 300C and Pacifica.

The Crossfire impressed us when we first saw it and we still love the looks and enjoy looking at its styling details and nuances. The strakes that dimple the hood and the non-functional vents behind the front wheels have drawn some criticism, but we like them. The hood strakes are best appreciated from directly overhead, where they work with the fenders and a ridge that runs from the center of the hood and is carried back through the center of the roof. Big-shouldered rear fenders and a stunted rear end look sporty and classic at the same time. The chopped roof with slits for side windows remind us of something from a 1930s gangster movie or cartoon. This car looks distinctive and has lots of character.

The roadster has a more traditional profile than the distinctive fastback rear of the coupe, but we like both designs. It looks good with the top up, with its short rear deck. And it looks even better with the top down, the body colored panel behind the rear seats looking like a classic sports car with raised humps behind each seat. Even after a year on the road, the coupe attracts attention, and the new roadster gets a lot of looks.

The Crossfire is built at the Karmann factory in Germany, which is the same place the Mercedes SLK and CLK are built, at a rate of nearly 20,000 per year, and it's sold in many other countries. Chrysler says the name Crossfire is derived from the crossed lines of the front and rear body sections.