The first of the tremendous Letter Cars to appear in Chrysler showrooms was called the C-300. It represented a totally different kind of American car in the mid-fifties. The C-300 was built as a limited production model with European design influences, racecar power, sports car agility and country club appointments. The exciting car featured Virgil Exner design that Chrysler promoted as the “Forward Look” and “The New 100-Million Dollar Look.”

The basis for the Letter Car powerplant was the standard 331 cubic inch hemi block. It received a full-race camshaft with long-duration valves that increased the peak power range by 600-rpm. The cam was ground to provide above average performance. Twin Carter WCBF carburetors were mounted on special intake manifolds designed to optimize breathing. Solid lifters rounded out the package, which had the same 8.5:1 compression ratio as the New Yorkers. Dual exhaust featured pipes measuring one-quarter-inch more in diameter than those used on the New Yorker. This unit is mated to a PowerFlite automatic transmission. With all of this equipment, a rating of 300 horsepower resulted. It was the first American production car to churn out so much power (if one does not consider the Duesenberg Model J as a production vehicle) and the model designation promoted this statistic.

This gorgeous example has been frame-on restored and looks sporty and elegant in its Platinum over tan leather interior presentation. The restoration also encompassed having the engine and PowerFlite automatic transmission professionally rebuilt, as was the generator, starter, carburetors, master cylinder and brakes. The gear-shift is uncommonly located on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel and adds more personality.

This C-300 Chrysler was originally purchased in Missouri and was later taken to the dry New Mexico environs, where it remained until 2004. In the course of the restoration, the Chrysler also received new paint, upholstery, trunk refurbishment, chrome elements, stainless trim, chrome wire wheels (including spare), five Firestone whitewall tires and new dual exhaust. Power windows, steering and brakes, plus radio are also part of this exclusive and respected automotive platform. This is a spectacular Letter Car; one of only 1,725 produced in this model year.