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1955 Chrysler 300 - The forgotten legend.
In 1955 Chrysler introduced the Chrysler C300
(later to become known as the 300 letter car series
since every consecutive year the car became
the 300B, 300C, 300D and so on).
In many ways it was a groundbreaking model in automotive history and the true start of the American Muscle Car. It was, most notably, the Worlds first factory produced car with more than 300 BHP as standard.
It used a modified version of the 331 cubic inch V8 Hemi engine introduced as the “FirePower Hemi” three years earlier in other Chrysler models.
The standard FirePower engines produced 180 BHP, but by using modified heads with larger valves, solid lifters, a re-profiled camshaft, higher compression pistons and a pair of quad barrel carburettors, they were able to provide the Chrysler 300 with excess of 325 BHP!
A very substantial increase. This gave the car an incredible top speed of over 140 MPH. A feat made all the more impressive by the fact that at the time, the increased power and torque meant that the only gearbox option open to them that could deal with all the extra grunt was the 2 speed Powerflite Transmission.
To put all of this into comparison, you could perhaps have a Bentley Type R all aluminium bodied specially race lightened hand built flying machine that would get you into the region of the late 130 MPH area.
But the point being, the Chrysler retailed at $3980.00 and could be bought in the States from their local car dealer sometimes just straight from stock, where as the Bentley would set you back the cost of a small Suffolk village and would take you a year to get built.
This was a race car for everyman.
The car was also graced with a 150 MPH speedo and a sporting look two door shape, based on the already established and popular New Yorker model.
Electric seats and windows, power brakes and steering and a self seeking radio gave the interior a luxury feel. Modifications to the spring height and stiffened suspension also meant that for such a large car (it weighed in at almost two ton) it handled surprisingly well.
So, with this racing pedigree in mind, Chrysler decided to enter it for NASCAR racing and ten were chosen off of the production line for Homologation testing.
These ten were given a factory plaque under the bonnet showing the date of testing at Chryslers own test track, the name of the testing driver, the BHP that car developed along with the high and low speed results of the speed runs officially carried and recorded.
If you look you’ll see that this stated the following:
“10 - 17- 55” (the 17th of October 1955) 1955 Chrysler 300 A. 345 BHP at 5400 RPM. Speeds Max 143. Min 135. L Taylor Test Dept.
In 1955 Chrysler produced 1725 300’s.
Only around 250 are thought to still exist.
No other 300 Chrysler is known of in the UK and only two others are known in Europe.
Of the ten factory tested models, this one is the only known survivor in the World.
Other than mechanical repairs, an engine rebuild and recent carb rebuilds over the years plus the addition of a new A/C pump and cooler, it remains as it left the factory almost seventy years ago.
A common man’s handsome pedigree champion that showed the World what could be achieved for such an affordable sum.