Where did the word "Mopar" originate?

As far as I know, sometime in the mid to late 1930's Chrysler Corporation looked into consolidating the parts divisions of all their brands -- Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, DeSoto, Imperial etc. -- into one division.

Thus was created the Chrysler Corporation Motor Parts division, From then on, parts used on ANY of the Chrysler Corporation marques came in boxes branded with the Chrysler Motor Parts division's logo: MOtor PARts).

Hence, over time, Mopar became a synonymous term to use to talk about any of the Chrysler Corporation vehicles: "IT'S A MOPAR!"

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If anyone has additional facts or corrections, let me know please! Gary H.

Mopar Red wrote:

" Parts were distributed through independent warehouse distributors in major cities known as Factory MOtor PARts until about 1965, whereas Chrysler built 16 parts depots, many of them in the same cities, effectively closing out the independents.

However, they did give these distributors an opportunity to become distributors of a complete new line of MOPAR branded parts that fit all makes of autos, GM, Ford, AMC and even foreign makes.

The national distribution center for these parts was located on East 30th Street in Indianapolis just behind their Electrical Plant on 30th and Shadeland.

At that particular time "Chrysler Parts Division" serviced the dealer network and the MOPAR Division serviced all others.

These two divisions became one known as MOPAR in the early 1980's and has remained since."

Thanks for the information, Mopar Red!

August 7, 2000; revised August 12, 2000; May 27, 2003; June 12, 2003

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