Featured is a great looking classic, the 1955 Chrysler 300, referred to as America’s first muscle car. The 1955 models came as hardtops and coupes. Convertibles would debut a year later with the 1956 models.
The 1955 Chryslers
In 1955 Chrysler restyled it’s models and a great example of this restyling is the 1955 Chrysler 300 featured in this article. This car is a great example of styling by the legendary Virgil Exner. The model is also referred to as the C-300 designating the coupe. The 1955 Chrysler 300 is what writer, Karl Ludvigsen, called the “Beautiful Brute“. Karl Ludvigsen had a 50+ year career as a journalist, historian, consultant and author on the automotive industry. He also did a stint in the 1950’s as a designer at GM.
Chrysler’s Hemi
The Hemi engine, with technological know how attained during and post WWII hit the street in 1951. This was the time that Chrysler unveiled it’s first overhead valve V-8, which replaced the flat head (which had its valves in the cylinder block). The cast-iron, 331ci “FirePower” engine was rated by Chrysler at 180 HP.
As mentioned above, the 1955 Chrysler 300 shown here was equipped with the most powerful Hemi engine up to that model year. The engine was a Chrysler FirePower 331 cubic inch Hemi V-8 delivering an impressive 300 HP. It’s noted that this represented the highest horsepower for a production car at that time.
The 331 FirePower V8 debuted in several Chrysler and DeSoto models, most with two-barrel carburetors.
The Chrysler 300 also performed excellently on the racing circuit. This model dominated the stock car circuit in so much as ,winning the NASCAR and AAA championships its very first year out. In 1955 stock cars were in fact actual production stock cars.
1955 Chrysler 300 Specifications
The 1955 Chrysler 300 was equipped with a 331 Cubic Inch Hemi V-8 with a four barrel carburetor delivering 300 HP.
Transmission was a PowerFlite two speed automatic.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Wheelbase was 126.0 inches, overall outside length was 218.6 inches, width 79.1 inches, height 59.0 inches. .
Production numbers for the 1955 Chrysler 300 was 1,725 units making the automobile quite rare today. Today there are a bit over 200 that are registered.
New car price for the Chrysler 300 was about $4,100.
Dimensions included a wheelbase of 126.0 inches and an overall length of 218.6 inches. Vehicle weight was 4,150 lbs.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below..
1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria Hardtop
1955 Studebaker President Speedster
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.
1955 Chrysler 300 Collector Values
With it’s powerful Hemi V-8 engine and attractive styling the 1955 Chrysler 300 is a popular collector automobile with a sold valuation.
Referred to by many as the first muscle car along with Chrysler’s all new styling, the 1955 Chrysler 300 was an excellent dealer showroom attention grabber. With it’s powerful 331 Hemi engine the car dominated NASCAR until 1957 when most automakers pulled out of racing competition.
Current valuation for a fully restored pristine original is somewhat north of $100,000. Average retail is seen in the $40,000 to $60,000 range. Current asking prices reflect the overall condition, originality, mileage and degree and age of restoration.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)