Chrysler created a sensation with the new C-300 model for 1955. Taking the New Yorker hardtop coupe, they added front sheet metal and grille from the Imperial and dropped in the most powerful engine in the company catalog, a 331 cubic inch hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, a racing cam and solid lifters. At 300 bhp – hence its name – it was the most powerful American passenger car engine. For 1956, a new 300B model created the "letter series" that would continue for a decade, and beat the Chevrolet Corvette to the holy grail of automotive engines: one horsepower per cubic inch. Chrysler's 355 hp 354 cubic inch hemi predated the "283 from 283" fuel-injected Corvette by a full year. A convertible was added with 1957's 300C, and horsepower rose to 390 in 1958. Chrysler phased out the hemi for 1959, so a 413 cubic inch wedge-head powerplant was standard. For 1960, a "Cross Ram" induction system was made optional. The twin quad-throat carburetors were located at the ends of long "ram tube" manifolds, which crossed on their way to the intake ports. Developing 400 bhp, the Cross Ram engine was available through 1964. The letter series continued to 300L in 1965, but it was an anticlimax. The only engine offered was a single-carb 413 making 360 bhp. Presented here by its third owner, this 300K convertible is powered by the coveted 413 cubic inch, 390 bhp Cross Ram engine, developing 390 bhp. The subject of an engine rebuild and suspension overhaul, along with new wheels and tires, about 25 years ago, it has just completed a body and cosmetic restoration. The car was disassembled to its bare unibody, and all unsound metal was replaced. The interior was redone in dark blue leather, and matching carpets were fitted, along with a new convertible top. All chrome was either replated or replaced with new old stock components. The recent work was carried out by Briggs Service Company of Plattsburg, New York. Delivered new by Plaza Chrysler-Plymouth of Hamden, Connecticut, to William Johnson the car was purchased by the current owner from William Boudah of Enfield, Connecticut, in 1978. Showing slightly more than 89,600 miles, it comes with the original owner's handbook. An excellent example from the penultimate year of the true "letter series" Chrysler 300s, this car is ready to drive or to show. With a fresh restoration and no history on the concours circuit, it is a ready candidate for a debutante season.
Chrysler created a sensation with the new C-300 model for 1955. Taking the New Yorker hardtop coupe, they added front sheet metal and grille from the Imperial and dropped in the most powerful engine in the company catalog, a 331 cubic inch hemi V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors, a racing cam and solid lifters. At 300 bhp – hence its name – it was the most powerful American passenger car engine. For 1956, a new 300B model created the "letter series" that would continue for a decade, and beat the Chevrolet Corvette to the holy grail of automotive engines: one horsepower per cubic inch. Chrysler's 355 hp 354 cubic inch hemi predated the "283 from 283" fuel-injected Corvette by a full year. A convertible was added with 1957's 300C, and horsepower rose to 390 in 1958. Chrysler phased out the hemi for 1959, so a 413 cubic inch wedge-head powerplant was standard. For 1960, a "Cross Ram" induction system was made optional. The twin quad-throat carburetors were located at the ends of long "ram tube" manifolds, which crossed on their way to the intake ports. Developing 400 bhp, the Cross Ram engine was available through 1964. The letter series continued to 300L in 1965, but it was an anticlimax. The only engine offered was a single-carb 413 making 360 bhp. Presented here by its third owner, this 300K convertible is powered by the coveted 413 cubic inch, 390 bhp Cross Ram engine, developing 390 bhp. The subject of an engine rebuild and suspension overhaul, along with new wheels and tires, about 25 years ago, it has just completed a body and cosmetic restoration. The car was disassembled to its bare unibody, and all unsound metal was replaced. The interior was redone in dark blue leather, and matching carpets were fitted, along with a new convertible top. All chrome was either replated or replaced with new old stock components. The recent work was carried out by Briggs Service Company of Plattsburg, New York. Delivered new by Plaza Chrysler-Plymouth of Hamden, Connecticut, to William Johnson the car was purchased by the current owner from William Boudah of Enfield, Connecticut, in 1978. Showing slightly more than 89,600 miles, it comes with the original owner's handbook. An excellent example from the penultimate year of the true "letter series" Chrysler 300s, this car is ready to drive or to show. With a fresh restoration and no history on the concours circuit, it is a ready candidate for a debutante season.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
