For much of its history, Chrysler was a frontrunner in building some of the most interesting and exciting high-performance cars Detroit had to offer. Foremost among them are the formidable early Hemi-powered Chrysler 300 “letter cars” of the 1950s which, by virtue of their cost and long list of standard and optional features, were reserved for the wealthiest, most discerning buyers. Cloaked in handsome Virgil Exner-designed bodies and carefully engineered, the 300 series offered the ultimate in American luxury and performance.

For 1957, Chrysler enlarged its already legendary hemispherical-combustion V-8 engine to 392 cubic inches. Thanks to this increase and other refinements, output had reached 380 horsepower in the 300D by 1958. Performance was stunning right off the showroom floor, with the large and relatively heavy cars easily capable of accelerating to 60 mph in under 9 seconds en route to a reported top speed over 130 mph. Due to production complexity and high costs, only 809 300Ds were produced for 1958, including just 191 convertibles like the one offered here.

Cloaked in stunning black over a tan vinyl interior, this 300D presents as an excellent example of Exner’s vision for the early Chrysler “letter cars.” Under the hood is the vaunted Chrysler FirePower Hemi V-8, correctly finished with gold valve covers and air cleaners for its dual Carter four-barrel carburetors. Outside, period-correct bolt-on wire wheels shod in wide whitewall tires complement the car’s fabulous design. Numerous red, white, and blue medallions proudly announce the car’s model designation to onlookers while accentuating the expansive chrome and stainless steel brightwork. Inside, the Space Age black and tan dash features push-button controls for the TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission while passengers are lavished with an optional Chrysler AM radio, heater, windshield washer, and power windows.

One of just 191 Chrysler 300D Convertibles constructed—and with fewer still extant—this rare and beautiful example warrants the special consideration of any serious collector seeking the pinnacle of mid-century American performance and luxury.