300 bhp, 331 cu. in. V-8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and dual four-barrel carburetors, PowerFlite two-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126 in.

• Well looked after, meticulous restoration

• A highly optioned example

• Known ownership history

So-named because it was the first production car to offer 300 horsepower right off the showroom floor, the Chrysler C-300 reflected stylist Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look.” Styling highlights included the badges with the Checkered Flag treatment and the Exner-influenced rear quarter treatment. Equipped with a race modified 331-cubic inch Hemi V-8, sporting dual four-barrel carburetors, the 300 quickly assumed near-mythical status.

Chassis 2088 was purchased new by a Mr. Harold Vories out of the local Gainesville area Chrysler dealership in Florida, and the car was driven and cared for fastidiously by Mr. Vories. He drove the car for several years and then partially retired it to be his Sunday driver. In the mid-1970s, respected 300 Club International member Marshall Goodknight saw the car in the Gainesville, Florida area and learned that Vories was the owner. Goodknight and Vories struck up a friendly dialog about the car, which included discussion about the origin of the air conditioning, an incredibly rare feature on these cars, especially with fewer than a dozen units known to have been installed by the factory. Vories stated that the car had air conditioning from new; thus, it is assumed that this was a dealer-installed unit, which would have been necessitated by the Florida climate, and which utilizes the same components as those installed by the factory, down to the proper external fresh air scoops.

It is believed that Vories sold the car in the late-1990s to an unknown collector, who in turn sold the car some two years later to respected steel industrialist and noted car collector Carl Tobin. A few years later, Tobin began a comprehensive restoration on the car that would be completed in 2007. Tobin was known for being precise and the restoration on this car was no exception. He retained 300 Specialist Ken Brody to oversee and perform the restoration back to better than new standards, including the installation of a Gary Goers interior. The engine was also fully rebuilt, with compression raised to 9.5:1 and installation of J&E pistons and a Clay Smith cam. Shortly thereafter, Tobin passed away and the car was only released from the estate earlier this year, still in beautiful restored condition.

Finished in Platinum, per a copy of its original IBM build card that comes with the car, the paint, brightwork, and glass are in show condition with a recent high dollar detailing. Chassis 3N552088 also rides on period correct accessory wire rims by Motor Rim & Wheel, which are now shod with wide whitewall tires. The interior features tan leather upholstery indicative of very low mileage and usage since the restoration. In keeping with the original concept for the C-300, in addition to air conditioning, the car comes equipped with the original heater and defroster. Other amenities include power steering, brakes, windows, and driver’s seat, along with a radio and clock. The detailed engine bay reveals the original and legendary 300 horsepower, 331-cubic inch engine fully rebuilt during the restoration and having traveled minimal miles since. The proliferation of high performance luxury coupes today demonstrates that the C-300 concept remains sound. This 1955 Chrysler C-300 is a distinctive expression of the groundbreaking nature of its concept and performance.