CHRYSLER 300

THE 300 NAME IS IN RECOGNITION OF ITS 300 HORSEPOWER ENGINE OUTPUT

Chrysler’s ‘Letter Series’ 300 single-handedly transformed a brand renowned for conservatism into a forerunner of US performance-car culture.

300-Series cars fall into two clearly defined categories. Models from the 1950s with their fabled Hemi-head V8s are scarce and highly prized. Those from the 1960s, built well after race-circuit duties had been transferred to Dodge and Plymouth-badged contenders, rank as a well-equipped addition to Chrysler’s mainstream range but not special.

Hemi-head engines had been fitted to Chrysler’s luxury cars since 1951, yet four years elapsed before a high-performance version appeared. Production of the C-300 released in 1955 totalled just 1725 cars, however sales records weren’t the reason for that car’s existence.

The 300 was named in recognition to its 300bhp (223kW ) engine output. At a time when the average Ford or Chevrolet V8 barely made 163bhp (120kW ), its effect on Chrysler’s market profile and American oval-track competition was dramatic.

The C-300 immediately exerted its dominance on the high-profile NASCAR series. With 38 race wins and a Championship in its debut year, the potent Chryslers rapidly left themselves with nothing more to prove.

A 300B version released for 1956 increased power to 375bhp (279kW ) and for 1957 a handsome new shape with angled fins and a distinctive grille appeared.

With production costs eating the profit on every Hemi-car made and demand diminishing, 1959 brought a 300E powered by a 413 cubic inch (6.7 litre) ‘Wedge’ V8. High prices remained a problem and, combined with an economic slump, forced annual sales of the 300E to a record-low 690 units.

The 1961 model 300G was the last to feature finned styling and generate significant enthusiast excitement. Optional ‘cross-ram’ induction with long tubes feeding dual carburettors pushed output to 400bhp (298kW ) and in 1960 gave Chrysler a string of Daytona speed records.

Later 300s were generally powered by 6.3-litre, 383 cubic inch engines, with the 440 cubic inch (7.2-litre) V8 optional from 1966. Dreary 1963-4 styling was replaced in 1965 by a distinctive new shape featuring front mudguard extensions – as adopted also by the HD Holden – and from 1967 a fastback roofline.

The interior is massive but a centre console that carries right through the rear seat makes carrying more than four occupants uncomfortable. If permitted, you could slip a couple into the boot which looks large enough to carry a billiard table. The spare wheel is a huge stretch though, sitting on its own shelf below the rear window.

Hemi-engined 300s were legendary in their day, setting and breaking speed and endurance records with almost every change of model. Even today, 230km/h and 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds isn’t shabby for a two-tonner with automatic transmission.

Cars from the 1960s came loaded with power equipment including electric windows and air-conditioning and a driver’s seat that swivelled for easier access; items that can make ownership of these ageing models an expensive process.

Values after 1961 diminish and cars without Hemi or Wedge cylinder heads were, until recently, available for under $40,000.