With the debut of Virgil Exner’s new “million dollar
look” styling for 1955, Chrysler gained a bold and handsome coupe body that could give expression to the power and
performance potential of its remarkable "Firepower" V-8 engine. This HEMI V-8, originally introduced in 1951, was matched
with the superb, fully automatic "Powerflite" transmission, which had been introduced in 1953.
Modifying the HEMI with a special camshaft and two four-barrel carburetors resulted in an unprecedented 300
horsepower. Dubbed the C-300 within the company (there had been a C-200 convertible showcar in 1952), the car debuted as
the "Chrysler 300" in February 1955.
Available only as a coupe in a selection of 3 colours (red, black or white) it featured heavy-duty suspension and a
specially badged New Yorker coupe body customised with Windsor and Imperial body parts. |
