The 300B is certainly the car most appreciated
by purists. Although it isnt much different in appearance from the 55, a
number of details make it more attractive. The rear of the body has been superbly
remodeled, with fins smoothly integrated. The engine has more displacement and power.
Three manual or automatic transmissions are offered, with numerous rear-axle ratios going
from 3.36 to 6.17 (!! for tree climbing?). A 12-volt electrical system takes the place of
the old 6V and seat upholstery has been redesigned. Performance continues to be fabulous.
The Kirkhaefer team has repeated successes - 22 first places in
NASCAR events - and Tim Flock wins the Daytona Grand National
at an average 90.836 mph, with a "flying mile" at 139.37 mph.
Manual shifting, a $70 option, was applied to only 31 cars, most
of them in "racing" editions. The choice of a manual transmission deprived its
user of power brakes and steering! A trial by
Bill Holland of a 355-hp manual-shift car yielded 62 mph in 8.2 seconds, and top speed of
134 mph. The two-speed Powerflite was replaced in the course of the model year by the
quicker 3-speed Torqueflite.
As with other Chrysler models, options grew more numerous in 1956
- power seat movement, air conditioning, a little clock mounted
in the steering wheel, a "Highway Hi-Fi" with discs turning at 16.67 rpm. None
of that stuff was as good as the throb of the Hemi
Engine specifications |
Transmission, etc.. |
Dimensions |
V8 "FirePower" 354 CI (5801 cc)
Bore, stroke: 3.94 x
3.63 in.
Compres. ratio: 9.0 / 1 with mech. lifters
Horsepower: 340 hp at 5200 rpm
Torque: 385 ft.lb at 3400 rpm
2 four bbl Carter WCFB - "full race" camshaft (280° intake., 270 °
exhaust , 60° overlap ).
Dual exhaust standard.Option: V8 354
CI
Compres. : 10.0 /1
HP: 355 hp at 5200 rpm.
Torque: 405 ft.lb at 3400 rpm.
Exhaust diam : 3 in. |
- Automatic
"Powerflite" transmission with 2 speeds, gears selection with push-buttons.
Ratios: Low: 1.72. Drive: 1.00. Reverse: 2.39.
- Automatic "Torqueflite"
transmission with 3 speeds, gear selection with push-buttons.
Ratios: 1°: 2,45 ; 2°: 1,45 , Drive: 1.0
- option: Manual transmission 3 speeds , column mounted lever:
2.50/1, 1.68/1 , 1.0/1.
Hypoïd drive: 3,54 / 1 (option: 3,36 ; 3,73 ; 3,91 4,11; 4,3 ; 4,56;
4,89; 5,38; 5,83 or 6,17 ).
Steering mechanical, power available as an option.
Power brakes, 4 drums of 12-in. diameter. |
Overall length & width: : 222,7 x 79,1 in.
Wheelbase: 126 in.
Height: 59,4 in.
Tread: Front 60.4 in., rear 59.6 in.
Weight empty: 4145 lb.Electrical system:: 12 V
Std. wheels 15 x 5.5 in.(15 x 9.5 option "racing"), Kelsey Hayes wire wheels optional.
Tires: 8.00 x 15 Goodyear Nylon Blue Streak.
Fuel tank: 20 gallons. |
Factory
colors |
Options |
Production |
Raven Black
Regimental red
Cloud White
Trim : Leather in natural color |
Power
steering:: $ 97
355 ch engine.
Manual trans.: $ 70
Four-way electric seat adj
Power windows, Tinted glass
Radio Touch Tone or Music Master, Highway HiFi phonograph.
"Instant Heat" gazoline heater ; A/C ($ 567)
Kelsey Hayes wheels |
N° serial: 3N56
1001 to 3N56 2150.
N° engine: 3NE56 1001 to 3NE56 2174
TOTAL Production:
2 doors H/T: 1102 ex. (of which 42 exports) at 4312 $. "Survivors"
at 12/98 : 225 cars including 20 parts cars. Of the 31 manual shifts cars, 10
survive ! |
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