The new Chrysler 300C made its debut at the New York Auto Show in December, 1956 and was soon to become legendary as the Chrysler 300C was awarded Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1957. It was one of the fastest, best-engineered and most powerful American production cars of its era and an unqualified Virgil Exner styling triumph; it was also one of the most expensive. An overall cleanliness of line, a more dramatic dart-shape, an air-scoop styled nose and Ferrari-inspired grille made it clear this was a car for the enthusiast buyer. An expansion of paint colors and body-type availability also characterized the 300C-Series for 1957.

With 375 horsepower from its 392 cubic inch “Hemi” engine, equipped with two four-barrel carburetors, a hydraulic valve-train and 9.25:1 compression; the 300C set speed records at Daytona Beach and offered remarkable performance and handling. Exceptional handling resulted from a lowered center of gravity, lower placement of the heavy engine and careful location of the rear leaf springs. Ducts located below the headlights cooled the front brakes, and the distinctive tailfins were proven to increase stability at speed.

The front carries a trapezoid-shaped “egg-crate” grille as its most prominent characteristic. This is wrapped with a “steer-horn” front bumper and the aforementioned ducts. The wheel openings are large, wide and low; once again a bare minimum of trim was used to decorate the body. Another new beauty element that became a Letter Car standard was a large red-white-and-blue model identification medallion that was speared through its center by a horizontal rear quarter molding. An entirely new roofline, for the hardtop coupe, had thinner, arch-shaped pillars combined with a larger backlight and a vast, wraparound windshield.

This is Mr. Rigoli’s first 300-Series Letter Car that was purchased from a gentleman in Virginia. When acquired it was described as a “5.5 to 6 on a 1-10 scale.” Over his first years of ownership, much work was executed on the Chrysler. Along with the engine compartment being detailed as new; much chrome, bumpers and brightwork have also been redone. The exhaust system, brakes, wheel cylinders and other mechanical components have also been rebuilt.

The interior is new reproduction leather by Gary Goers, as is the trunk compartment. The car also displays a TorqueFlite automatic transmission, dual exhaust, power windows, AM radio, dual mirrors, factory wheel covers and new whitewall tires. With factory-correct Gaugin Red exterior finish, it is a stunning example of the most famous of all of the Letter Cars – the 300C. This 1957 Chrysler 300C Hardtop Coupe is one of only 1,918 examples built.