The Chrysler 300 “Letter Car” series, produced from 1955 through 1965, is significant for helping shape and popularize the muscle-car genre that remains a favorite of collectors and enthusiasts today. A resounding success upon debut, both commercially and in competition, the 1955 C-300 delivered the looks and luxury of a Chrysler New Yorker with the performance of a racecar—literally. The C-300 absolutely dominated NASCAR competition right out of the gate, with driver Tim Flock clinching the 1955 championship after an impressive 18 wins. The C-300 would go on to become one of NASCAR’s winningest cars of all time, racking up 49 victories through the 1957 season—along with accusations that its drivers were somehow cheating, given the car’s unprecedented success.

But there was nothing untoward about the C-300. Its success owed largely to the 300-brake-horsepower 331-cubic-inch Firepower V-8 engine with its pair of four-barrel carburetors and race-spec, high-lift camshaft. A heavy-duty suspension with stiffer springs ensured handling could keep pace with the power. Rechristened the 300B for 1956, Chrysler increased displacement of its Hemi V-8 engine to 354 cubic-inches, upping output to 340 brake horsepower, while the option of a higher compression ratio raised output to a heady 355 brake horsepower. Chrysler would continue to iterate the 300, updating the styling and adding more power to each new version, along with successive letters of the alphabet to its name, skipping the letter “i” and culminating in the 300L of 1965.

The restored, award-winning 300B offered here benefits from a body-off restoration in 2012 by Mopar specialists Investment Vehicle Restorations of Granum, Alberta. Finished in eye-catching red over a tan interior, the car’s 354-cubic-inch FirePower Hemi V-8 features the highly desirable, dual, four-barrel carburetors with higher compression ratio, resulting in 355 brake horsepower. Power is sent through a Powerflite push-button two-speed automatic transmission and a 3.54:1 rear differential.

During the 2012 restoration, a custom aluminum dual exhaust system with rare, new-old-stock Mopar Sono G-X mufflers, stainless clamps, and chrome tips was installed, along with an electric fuel pump, and a new wiring harness. The fuel tank was cleaned and sealed, and the factory radio was restored with solid-state components, a seven-inch Mopar speaker, and a power antenna. The wheels were replaced with 56-spoke Chrysler 300 wire wheels sporting correct spinners with checkered 300 emblems, while the trunk was refinished with correct gray carpeted side panels.

Investment Vehicle Restorations’ attention to detail and workmanship helped this 300B earn the Best Restored, Outstanding Engine Restored and Outstanding Paint awards at the 2014 International Show Car Association World of Wheels show in Calgary, Alberta.

Included with the car are receipts for over $228,000 in restoration work, the desirable California black plate, previous registration cards, Chrysler Club literature, owner document, and service manual. Replete with the sought-after, high-compression Hemi V-8 and finished in an appealing color scheme, this expertly restored 300B is surely one of the best examples to recently come to market.