For 1957, Chrysler completely redesigned their flagship 300-Series with the 300C, which combined clean, aggressive, forward-look styling with comprehensive, high-performance engineering. Designer Virgil Exner described its sleek, dynamic profile as “the new shape of motion,” and one advertisement proclaimed on its behalf: “Suddenly it’s 1960!” Its considerable $4,924 list price delivered each fortunate owner with a high-performance vehicle built to win the rapidly advancing horsepower race outright at 375 hp with the new, larger 392 cid Hemi engine. The newest 300 engine was uprated in many ways when compared with the standard Hemi in the New Yorker line, including dual-quad carburetion, 9.25:1 compression, solid lifters, a hotter cam, double valve springs, hardened crankshaft, and tri-metal bearings. The suspension featured thicker front torsion bars and heavier rear springs that anticipated high speed driving. In March 1957, Motor Trend magazine stated “…nothing goes like the Chrysler 300 C.”

This beautifully presented 300C was originally dispatched in April 1957. It was retailed through Modern-Young Chrysler in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and finished in Cloud White with Natural leather. It was extensively restored some years ago in the stock 300 color of Parade Green metallic, with a Natural leather interior. The paint and bodywork are of particularly high quality and the engine bay is beautifully finished, abounding in correct details. The plating, stainless trim, and emblems are bright and vibrant, and the wire wheels make a bold visual statement. The trunk is well finished with carpeting; a wire wheel spare and jack are stowed to the right.

As expected, the 392 Hemi V-8 produces plenty of power, and integrates seamlessly with the TorqueFlite transmission. The consignor states that the power windows and six-way power seat function properly, although the wipers and gas gauge will require repair, and the air-conditioning system will need servicing.

For the few who had the means in the day, Chrysler’s superb letter cars were the height of automotive fashion and influenced the look of the company’s mass-produced offerings throughout their run, but the 300C with its bold styling and larger-than-life fins has become a particularly favored model. This rare 300C can be shown with pride and is sure to provide an unparalleled experience on the road.