1958 Chrysler 300D Convertible Coupe

The Hemi-powered Chrysler 300 'letter cars' of the 1950s, by virtue of their cost and an extensive list of standard and optional features, were reserved for the wealthiest and most discriminating buyers. They were clothed in a Virgil Exner-designed body and offered the ultimate in American luxury and performance.

In 1957, the Chrysler hemispherical-head V-8 engined grew to a displacement size of 392 cubic inches. Power reached 375 horsepower and then rose to 380 BHp for the 300D in 1958. The cars could race from zero-to-sixty in 8.4 seconds, en route to top speeds of 135 mph, depending upon the final drive ratio selected. At Bonneville, a 300D set a new World Land Speed Record (Class E) at 156.387 mph.

Though 1957 was a good year, 1958 suffered from industry-wide labor unrest and an economy that was beginning to stagger. Production of the 300D plummeted to just 809 cars, including 191 convertibles, of which only about 53 are known to exist in modern times. 1958 was the last model year that the company offered its first-generation 'Hemi' V8 engined in a full-size Chrysler. The following year, the less expensive and exotic 413 cubic-inch 'wedge-head' V-8 made its debut.

This 1958 Chrysler 300D is an original car that has been given a recent and complete body-off restoration to original specifications with all mechanical components rebuilt. It has a beige leather interior white power-operated convertible top and a Matador Red exterior finish. It was completed at the Detroit assembly plant on November 12th of 1957 and shipped two days later to Batavia Motor Co. of Batavia, Illinois.

It has a pushbutton-operated TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a six-way power front seat, power steering, power windows, and a power antenna for the Electro-Touch Tuner AM radio. Other features include a driver's side view mirror, Solex glass with a shaded windshield, rear-fender stone shields, and a 3.3:1 Sure-Grip differential.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale in Monterey, Ca. presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $140,000-$180,000. Bidding reached $100,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011