What year did Chrysler start putting the Pentastar on the lower passenger front fender and why. What was the meaning of it? Thanks.

According to Google: History and why.

"The Pentastar logo was placed on the lower passenger-side fender of all Chrysler products, including non-US brands, from 1963 into the 1972 model year. It was placed on the passenger
side fender so it could be viewed by passers-by, a subtle method of getting the symbol ingrained in the public's mind: a nameplate has to be read, but a symbol is quickly recognizable without reading. Thus left-hand drive cars had the Pentastar on the right fender, while right-hand drive cars had it on the left.

"Starting in the 1980's, hood ornaments on Chrysler-brand vehicles used a gem-like version of the Pentastar to signify the brand's upscale status.

"The Pentastar's final badging appearance was on special editions of the 1996-2000 Plymouth Voyager. It was also applied to the steering wheel, keys, and fenders of the Voyager and the other Chrysler NS minivans."

I believe the original ignition keys for my 1969 model also had the logo.

Thanks for the reply. I was once told that it was to celebrate the beginning of the new 5 year, 50,000 mile warranty. Is that true?

I’ve heard that sidewalk reasoning and it just sounds hokey. Maybe it was one decision maker’s idea at Mopar that never got questioned and was just approved, perhaps with a roll of the eye. “Hey I got an idea…let’s put a pentastar on the fender but only on one visible from the sidewalk!” “OK Barney..
Let’s move on”.

I had also read that it was similar to an artist signing their painting in the lower right corner.

I think the term was "curb side" but passenger's side is to the point also.

It may sound "hokey", but it makes sense. You could plainly see the logo/emblem
and immediately tell the vehicle was a Chrysler built car. So the marketing department had a good idea
IMO... and also, my '72 Duster original keys had the pentastar logo on them too. The trunk key was
round, with "Chrysler Corporation" stamped onto it.

From "the history of the Chrysler Pentastar"

"It was placed on the passenger side fender so it could be viewed by passers-by, a subtle method of getting the symbol ingrained in the public's mind: a nameplate has to be read, but a symbol is quickly recognizable without reading. Thus left-hand drive cars had the Pentastar on the right fender, while right-hand drive cars had it on the left."


https://www.moparmuscleofcentralpa.com/history-of-the-pentastar.html

And we can only imagine how many guys bought repro Pentastars because they thought one was missing.

I'm I the only one that's heard this. Any truth to this.

Nope.

That would have meant that the Pentastar should have been deleted on cars like the A12's and the Hemi with only a 12-month warranty wouldn't it if that's what it signified?

Not to sure about that. My M-code 1969 440 Dart GTS has the Pentastar on it, and those cars only had a 1 Year or 12000 mile warranty.

Well there is your answer. They all got it warranty never had nothing to do with it.

I was being sarcastic as I have an A12 RR and a '69 M-Code 440 Dart GTS also with the single curb side Pentastar. A couple of friends have '68/'69 Hemi's also with the single Pentastar. Not for the 5/50 warranty IMO.

There are three M-Code 440 Dart GTS's in my area within a few miles including mine and an M-Code '69 440 Cuda and I just checked all of the curb side photos I have of them and they all have the single Pentastar. Here's Richard G's M-Code 440 Dart GTS.

Thanks for all the reply's