Every car legend has a secret weapon; for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, that weapon is Mopar. Born in 1937 as a simple antifreeze brand, it evolved into a powerhouse of parts that set the streets—and the track—on fire. Buckle up—this is the story of the ultimate automotive icon.

The Origin

The story begins in 1937, deep in Detroit when Chrysler needed a brand to keep its vehicles running smoothly. What started as a simple line of antifreeze quickly shifted gears, evolving into Mopar—a brand that would go on to create performance parts, turning everyday cars into street legends.

Meaning Behind Its Name

Take “MOtor,” add “PARts,” and what do you get? Mopar—a name that’s as fast and functional as the parts it represents. Chrysler coined the term to brand its line of factory-backed accessories and service parts. As Mopar grew, the name became synonymous with high-performance upgrades, roaring muscle cars, and track-dominating power.

MoPar Antifreeze

Before it became a muscle car legend, it started with something unexpected—antifreeze. Their purpose was to keep engines running cool under pressure. While other brands focused on generic parts, Mopar set the standard for factory-backed reliability, and that was just the beginning.

The Late 1930s

By the late 1930s, Mopar had already made a name for itself—but not without challenges. Originally just Chrysler’s antifreeze and parts supplier, the brand faced the pains of an evolving auto industry. As wartime production increased, it proved its worth by supplying essential components to keep vehicles on the road.

World War II

When World War II erupted, Mopar became a key supplier of military vehicle parts. From rugged trucks to armored machines, it kept the Allied forces rolling with precision-engineered components built for the battlefield. Factories churned out everything from engines to essential gear, proving the brand wasn’t just for muscle cars.

Chrysler Group Vehicles

As Chrysler Group vehicles roared onto the streets in the post-war boom, Mopar became the backbone of Chrysler’s growing empire, engineering high-performance components that made Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler models faster, stronger, and more reliable. From family sedans to fire-breathing muscle cars, every Chrysler Group vehicle carried Mopar DNA!

The Mopar Logo

Bold, simple, and unmistakable—the Mopar logo is as powerful as the machines it represents. The iconic Omega M design, introduced in 1964, is already a statement in itself. The circular shape symbolizes unity and strength, while the bold “M” represents Mopar’s dominance in performance, customization, and racing.

Mopar Muscle Cars

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden age for muscle cars, and Mopar didn’t just join the action—it took charge. Dodge and Plymouth unleashed beasts like the Charger, Challenger, Road Runner, and ‘Cuda, all packed with Mopar-engineered firepower. Mopar muscle cars quickly became icons, from Super Stock drag racers to street prowlers.

The 1970s

The 1970s started with a roar—Mopar muscle-dominated drag strips and streets with HEMI-powered beasts. Dodge and Plymouth were unstoppable, racking up wins and cementing their place in muscle car history. The brand also learned resilience in the face of an oil crisis and rising insurance costs of the era.

Mopar Jeep

Mopar transformed Jeeps into unstoppable machines. From the rugged CJ models to today’s Wrangler and Gladiator, it has fueled Jeep’s evolution with factory-backed lift kits, heavy-duty axles, and trail-crushing accessories. Whether it’s the legendary Rubicon or a custom-built rock crawler, Mopar Jeep mods turn any terrain into a playground.

Mopar Parts Depot

The Mopar Parts Depot is where the magic happens. Developed to keep Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles running at peak power, these depots stock everything from HEMI crate engines to off-road upgrades. Strategically placed across the U.S. and worldwide, they fuel dealerships, repair shops, and enthusiasts.

Reaching Canada

The 1940s saw Chrysler of Canada officially adopt Mopar, supplying dealerships with factory-backed performance and service parts from Windsor, Ontario. The brand’s influence spread fast, fueling Canadian-built classics like the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant. Mopar remains a staple in Canada’s car culture, keeping the legacy alive.

The 2000s

The 2000s were a wild ride—comebacks, reinventions, and raw power. After years in the shadows, Mopar roared back with modern muscle legends like the reborn Dodge Charger and Challenger, both packing HEMI fury under the hood. Performance parts, custom upgrades, and factory-backed tuning took center stage.

Most Popular Products

Topping the list is the iconic 426 HEMI crate engine, a beast that turns any build into a street-dominating monster. For modern muscle, the Hellcrate supercharged engine delivers spine-tingling power straight from the factory. Off-road warriors swear by Mopar lift kits, beadlock wheels, and heavy-duty axles for ultimate Jeep domination.

Special Edition Models

The 2011 Mopar Charger packed a sinister blacked-out look. The 2017 Mopar ‘17 Challenger honored 80 years of Mopar with custom stripes and a supercharged attitude. Jeep fans got their fix, too, with rugged, off-road-ready editions. These rare machines prove that when Mopar touches a car, it becomes legendary.

Rarest Mopar Muscle Car

The 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda Convertible is the rarest Mopar muscle car ever, with only 14 built—and just a handful surviving today. It was powered by the legendary 426 HEMI V8. Most were sold in the U.S., but a few made it to Canada and Europe, becoming million-dollar collector’s dreams.

80th Anniversary

In 2017, Mopar hit a milestone—80 years of speed, power, and performance. The celebration roared to life at the Chicago Auto Show, where Mopar unveiled the ultra-exclusive Mopar ‘17 Challenger, a factory-tuned beast dripping in custom graphics, performance upgrades, and raw HEMI muscle. Eighty years down, and Mopar is still full-throttle into the future.

Sponsorships

Mopar made its mark in NASCAR by backing Jimmy Hensley’s No. 30 truck in the 1996 Craftsman Truck Series. Its presence on the track continued with Kasey Kahne’s No. 9 car in the Nextel Cup Series, sponsoring his run at the Bank of America 500 in Charlotte from 2004 to 2007, reinforcing its commitment to racing performance.

Drag Race

As a powerhouse in NHRA drag racing, Mopar fuels champions like Tony Schumacher and the Don Schumacher Racing team, tearing up the track in Funny Car and Top Fuel classes. If it’s got Mopar under the hood, you know it’s built to win—and leave the competition choking on tire smoke.

Who Owns It Today

Mopar remains a key player in Stellantis N.V.’s lineup, carrying its legacy of performance and customization into 2024. Since the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group, Stellantis has brought together 14 brands, with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram keeping Mopar at the center of American muscle and off-road innovation.