Here is a beautiful 1957 Chrysler 300-C, one of the most popular models ever produced by the Chrysler Corporation. The 1957 models are largely considered the classic year of the 300’s and in very limited production.
Chrysler’s Lettered Series
The Chrysler 300 letter series were high performance personal luxury automobiles that were built by Chrysler Corporation from 1955 to 1965. The Letter car for the 1957 model year was called the 300-C.
The 1957 model was the first convertible produced in the Letter series and had the new higher powered 392 Cubic Inch Hemi V-8 engine. Of significance is that this engine was the largest production car engine at the time. The Chrysler Corporation has used the designation Chrysler 300-C which actually was used for two separate unrelated vehicles from different automotive eras.
1957 Chrysler 300-C Styling
All the 1957 models had new styling. The windshield was larger and the front doors had vent windows and a new 300-C logo in the colors red, white and blue. Changes on the rear of the car had the twin back up lights placed below the tail lights. The 57 300-C was manufactured with the very highest quality materials with tan leather as standard equipment. The rear view mirror was mounted on top of the dashboard which was a first. The door panels had 300 emblems including for the steering wheel and glove compartment.
Another fact is that all Series C, D and E Chrysler’s had all-steel body-on-frame construction.
1957 Chrysler 300-C Performance
In all possibility the 1957 Chrysler 300-C might have been the fastest American automobile during that year. Chrysler advertising for 1957 called the 300-C “America’s Most Powerful Car”. Later in the year a 300-C won the Flying Mile at Daytona and at the Chelsea Proving Grounds. Speed averaged 134 and 145 respectively.
1957 Chrysler 300-C Specifications
The standard engine in the 1957 300-C is the 392 Cubic Inch Hemi V-8. This was an upgrade from the previous year’s 354 Cubic Inch Hemi V-8. The 392 engine had two Carter four-barrel carburetors. With its 4.00-inch bore and 3.90-inch-long stroke, it produced 375 HP.
There was an optional 390 HP version of that engine with solid lifters. This version was only available with a Dodge column mounted three speed manual transmission. This 390 HP version was meant to be used in stock car racing and time trials and not meant for the street.
The standard transmission was the TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. A three-speed Dodge manual with column shift was available with the 390 HP engine.
The four wheel hydraulic drum brakes,
The front suspension was independent with lateral non-parallel control arms and direct-acting shock absorbers. The rear suspension featured semi-elliptical springs and direct-acting shocks. All parts needed to rebuild the front end are available today from a variety of sources.
Dimensions include a 126.0 inch wheelbase, 219.2 inch overall outside length, 78.8 inch width. Curb weight 4380 lbs. New car price in 1957 was about $5,300.
The 1957 Chrysler 300-C is that year’s version of the Chrysler 300 “letter series”; a large, high-performance luxury coupe sold in very limited numbers.
Total 1957 Chrysler 300-C Hardtop production was 1,918 vehicles.
Total 1957 Chrysler 300-C Convertible production was 484 vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are on the links below..
Reference materials include…Chrysler 300 “America’s Most Powerful Car” by author Robert Ackerson…..The Chrysler 300 Anthology by Harry W. llaeia…Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide.
The 1957 Chrysler 300-C Collector Car
Chrysler’s Letter series cars that were produced during the latter 1950’s are popular classics with collectors. These Chrysler models are known for their solid engineering and attractive styling. In addition to these, the models were built in limited production numbers. As an example the 1957 300-C hardtop production was only 1,918 vehicles. Convertible production was only 484 vehicles.
There is information that shows that a rare 1957 Chrysler 300-C Convertible sold at a record high of $357,500. Other auction results for the 1957 Chrysler 300-C in excellent condition have been in a range from about $45,000 to $85,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)