Since
the 1920s, the shiny spire of the Chrysler Building has been
a landmark in New York City's skyline.
Walter
P. Chrysler told the architects, "Make this building higher
than the Eiffel Tower." And for a time, it was the tallest
building in the world.
Today,
it's not the building's height that makes us marvel, but its
connection to automobile history:
The
stainless steel spire is styled after the grillwork on a
1920s Chrysler, including simulated hubcaps and Chrysler-like
hood ornaments. It was secretly constructed inside the building
and installed in about 90 minutes, astounding competing
corporations and the public.
For
many years, the lobby was used as a Chrysler showroom.
It's
rumored that Walter Chrysler's personal tool box is sealed
in a room at the top of the spire.
Since
the 1920s, the shiny spire of the Chrysler Building has been
a landmark in New York City's skyline. 
