Mopar: 85 Years in Photos

Vehicle Research•Photos 13•February 23, 2023

When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier, and distribution system to support the growing automotive enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

The name Mopar — a simple combination of the words “MOtor” and “PARts” — was first trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937, and at that time, the Mopar name also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC.

What started simply as a desire to undertake product maintenance efficiently and supply repair parts across all Chrysler products, Mopar quickly began to stand for more than just antifreeze. It developed into a popular automotive brand that would fuel a car-enthusiast passion for decades to come.

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In 2010, the brand produced the first of an ongoing series of limited-edition factory vehicles, the Mopar ’10 Challenger. Other low-run, factory-produced Mopar rides have followed each calendar year.
Photo: Mopar

Check out this Mopar Performance ad from 1989.
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Check out this photo of the Mopar building on East Jefferson in Detroit, Michigan. After the war, Mopar moved into the building by the mid 1940s.
Photo: Mopar

Paying homage to its performance heritage, in 2008 Mopar introduced its first factory-built “package car” in 40 years, called the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak.
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Step back in time to a Mopar parts counter from the archives.
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This 1965 Chrysler Motors ad feature Mopar parts.
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In 2022, Mopar celebrated its 85th anniversary.

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Pictured is a 1946-1959 Mopar replacement parts and service guide.
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The history of the iconic brand goes back to 1937 -- from anti-freeze to wi-fi-enabled home EV chargers -- a lot has changed but the strong foundation on parts remains the same.
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Unlike other aftermarket offerings, original equipment Mopar parts and accessories are factory designed and factory backed.
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With the the growth of the highway system by the 1940s, the Mopar service area was busy with vehicles ready to hit the road and travel.
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In the 1940s, the Mopar Service departments shifted their production to military and war support. By 1947 the Master Tech training program was launched.
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