Our favorite Chrysler guy, Robert Mac Gregor Rodger, was born October 19, 1917 in Hammond, New York, a small town bordering the St. Lawrence River. His parents were dairy farmers, and the Rodger family had resided on the same property since arriving from Scotland in 1832.

Bob's education began in a one room rural school with 8 grades. His teacher saw great potential in young Bob, and made sure he received the best training she could give him. His parents, who certainly would have rather seen him behind the wheel of a "horseless carriage" than behind a cow, sold the farm and moved to Canton while Bob was finishing up the sixth grade. This was a much better area for education; nearby were the State Agricultural College, (Oh no! More cows!) St. Lawrence University, Potsdam State Teachers College, and Clarkson College of Technology. Here, Bob joined the 4-H Club and attended church functions while finishing up his grade school education.

In 1935, at the age of 18, Bob followed his older brother to Clarkson College of Technology (sorry, Bessie) and studied Mechanical Engineering. He commuted daily, and in 1939 received his Bachelor's Degree. He then followed his brother to the Chrysler Institute of Engineering in Detroit. Ain't ya glad he did? This move involved a two year stint combining classroom work with hands on engineering tasks that resulted in a Masters of Automotive Engineering Degree.

During this period Bob became interested in engines, and after receiving his degree signed up with the Engine Development Laboratory. For fun and games, he competed in rowing and sailing at the Detroit Boat Club. He competed in the Canadian Henley (not to be confused with The Eagles' Don Henley) and eventually was elected to Commodore of the Boat Club.

In 1942 Bob married Merwyn Krolik, and fathered a boy and two girls. Tragically, his son Joe would die from encephalitis while at Texas Christian University in 1962.

In 1952, Bob was promoted to Chief Engineer of Chrysler Division, overseeing the Chrysler and Imperial lines. It was, of course, during the following years (can you spell HEMI?) that Bob developed the C300, detailed elsewhere. He was also head of Chrysler's Product Planning Group.

In 1964, Bob was made Chrysler's Special Car Manager. This entailed competitive activities, and Bob had a hand in the development of the Street Hemi as well as working with Richard Petty and Nascar. Later, he would be involved with the development of the Dodge Charger.

In 1966, Bob received the news that he had Lukemia. Given five years to live, he entered a treatment program that two years later led him to believe that the disease had been arrested. Unfortunately, his doctor proved correct and the disease returned. Bob died on Lincoln's birthday, February 12th, 1971 at age 53. He is sadly missed by Chrysler devotees, especially those of us who love 300s. Good job, Bob.....well done.