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1957 Chrysler 300C

The 300 series 'Letter Cars' from Chrysler was first introduced in 1955 and initially developed to allow the 300 to compete in the brand new NASCAR racing series, which they did with great success. The 1957 300C Convertible was introduced at Daytona, running the famed Flying Mile at Daytona Beach, which would eventually morph into the Daytona 500. The 300 C was long, low, and sleek, and the fastest production vehicle available that year with a top speed of 150 mph. Initially displacing 331.1 cubic inches in 1955, the hemispherical engine had grown to a 392 cubic-inch displacement by 1957, and was backed by a three-speed Torqueflite automatic and dual quads. The overhead-valve engine had five main bearings, a 9.25:1 compression ratio, and two Carter four-barrel carburetors helping to develop 375 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 420 ft-lbs of torque. An optional version of the engine had a 10.0:1 compression ratio, a 2.5-inch low back-pressure exhaust system, four-bolt cast-iron exhaust headers, and solid valve lifters developing 390 horsepower at 5,400 RPM. This modified engine was intended for stock racing and acceleration trials. The Chrysler 300C had a new dual-arm torsion bar front suspension that gave it superior handling with far less body roll than any coil spring design. Power-assisted drum brakes provided the stopping power for the 126-inch wheelbase vehicle. To aid in cooling the brakes, a rectangular opening below the headlamps directed air via a duct to the front brakes.

The period advertisement stated, 'Suddenly, It's 1960!' Introduced on October 30th of 1956, the company would sell 1.2 million vehicles that year, one of the best years in its history. Virgil Exner described the new 300C lineup of Chrysler as 'the new shape of motion.' The 300C had been fully redesigned with a lower, sleeker profile noted as 'flight-swept' styling, with sculpted body lines and respectable rear fins, that Chrysler described as 'stabilizers.' Period wind tunnel tests confirmed that the fins stabilized the 300 at high speeds. The bodysides are devoid of external trim, except for the single spear-like moldings on the lower rear quarter panels, resulting in a smooth, clean, and tastefully designed car. In the front was a new grille that was unlike any seen on previous Chrysler vehicles. Nameplate medallions were located on the side spears, one on each hubcap, on the decklid, at the top center of the grille, glovebox, and within the steering wheel center hub. The medallion on the spears included both numbers and letters, while the others had only the '300' designation. Unlike other 1957 Chrysler models, the 300C did not have narrow vertical bumper guards. Colors were monotone and used exclusively on the 300.

The 300C continued to be the highest price vehicle within the Chrysler lineup, with the two-door hardtop having a factory list price of $4,930 and the convertible at $5,360. Production remained extremely exclusive with 1,918 of the hardtop and 484 of the convertible.

The Chrysler 300C was classified in the New Yorker line but had very little in common with Chrysler's other cars. It contained all of the amenities of the New Yorker with a plush interior that's upholstered in fine tan leather. The dashboard had a unique look with gauges set on three protruding pods, while Chrysler's pushbutton-operated TorqueFlite automatic transmission is set to the left.

Beginning the with first 300 Letter Car of 1955, it would earn Chrysler championship titles in both the NASCAR Grand National (now Sprint Cup) and AAA stock car racing series. These race-bred achievements found their way into road-going Chryslers and paved the way for future American performance cars.


by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020

Related Reading : Chrysler 300 History

of the original Hemi engine equipped with two four-barrel carbs, solid lifters, special manifolds, and enlarged dual exhausts. This vehicle gave the Chrysler Corporation a performance and sporty image, a much-needed persona in this post-World War II era. Many European manufacturers, such as Jaguar and MG, had introduced high-powered, small, responsive sports cars. American manufacturers countered....
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Related Reading : Chrysler 300 History

In 2005, the wave of retro design that is still shaping American cars first washed over Detroit. American companies, with their stale product offerings, began looking towards their rich pasts to inspire new models with the design and flair of long-gone icons. It was in 2005 that Chrysler launched a modern iteration of the famed 300. The 300 name had actually been revived by Chrysler several years....
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1957 Chrysler 300C Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$295-$4,929
1957 300C
$5,357-$16,800
1957 Chrysler 300C Price Range: $4,929 - $5,357

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Other 1957 Chrysler Models
$3,715 - $3,830

300C

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
2,402
126.00 in.
8 cyl., 392.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 392.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 392.00 CID., 390.00hp
$4,929 - $5,357

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