Make: | Chrysler |
Model: | C-300 |
Type: | Coupe |
Trim: | -- |
Year: | 1955 |
Mileage: | 38,775 |
VIN: | 3N552227 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 331 FirePower V8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Tan |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
Luxury, performance, and pedigree are all the reasons why you've been searching for a 1955 Chrysler C-300. So when you find a near flawless example (and we have the judge's sheet to prove it) of an exceptional rare exotic, you know this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You are looking at the car that launched a legend. The C-300 began Chrysler's legacy of 300-series letter cars (i.e. '56 would bring the 300B). This instantly established a new level of premium thanks... to the mix of amazing power and exceptional luxury. While we'll dive more into those details shorty, take a moment to appreciate the level of style this coupe has. The Tango Red paint announces its bold performance - especially since a very professional respray of the factory-correct color adds a terrific luster every time the sun shines on this coupe. And the checkered flag 300 emblems on the front and rear are no accident, so we love how well it's preserved on this exceptional classic. And while you're looking at the design lines, you know this was Virgil Exner at his best. So balancing out the performance appearance is the kind of brightwork that announced the best premium cars of the '50s. It includes the large twin grilles, mirror-like wraparound bumpers, full-length sweeping side trim, and even brightwork to outline the handsome hardtop profile. In fact, we can't help but see in the silhouette similarities to Ford's ultra-exclusive Continental Mark II that came out the next year. And speaking of exclusive, the C-300 cost a few hundred dollars more than a Cadillac Series-62 Eldorado hardtop of the same year. So production was a low 1,725. A number like that becomes even more tantalizing to the classic car community when it's believed less than 150 have survived to today - and how many do you think look this amazing? Inside are even more luxury touches. The saddle tan interior with black accents is part of a full uniform package that reminded you that stylists were kings during this era. The leather seats have the unmistakable quality feeling of investment from the moment you sit down. And car this exclusive will carry plenty of family and friends in comfort, but it's truly the driver that gets the most attention. You get to power adjust the seat for the best position, and there are even provisions for power windows. The highly stylized black, tan, and chrome steering wheel sets the tone for all the colors used on the dash. The full instrument panel reminds you this was the era of streamliners, and everything works right down to the heat/defrost and AM radio in this well-preserved machine. What will excite collectors the most is what's under the hood. That is a stellar presentation of this coupe's original 331 cubic-inch FirePower V8. This is Chrysler's original Hemi engine, and the C-300 is the car that established the iconic status that its grandson still enjoys today. The motor was built for true performance with dual Carter four-barrel carburetors and a racing camshaft to create 300 horsepower. It established a hp record for production cars that year, and this honor is the story behind the "300" in its name. As you can see from the pictures, this motor has been treated with the respect it deserves with a terrific original-style presentation, right down to the golden valve covers that match massive air intake. The C-300 could handle its competition-worthy power with composure thanks to a specially prepared PowerFlite automatic transmission, heavy-duty suspension, and power steering. This C-300 is complete right down to its included owner's manual. It is that kind rare exotic that has only received the correct care for its 60+ years of existence. So if you're prepared to adopt the best of an endangered breed, this C-300 is turnkey ready.