Chrysler C300 (english text)

1955: Virgil Exner, chief stylist since 1953, launches his Forward Look, with enthusiastic reception by the public. It was a perfect time to introduce a high-performance machine in the series of fresh New Yorker bodies. In August 1954 chief engineer Bob Rodger had discussed the idea with Chrysler president Ed Quinn, who was eager for a product to put up against the Corvette and T-Bird. The Rodger-Exner team, surrounded with an experienced group of assistants, was able to bring out a prototype in October ’55. It was a real car, produced by hand as if by a craftsman in his shop - not the usual life-size clay mockup. Here was their recipe: C300 "Platinum"

- Choose a production two-door New Yorker body and graft onto it a prestigious grille, that of the Imperial.
- Throw in a mean Firepower beefed up with two four-barrels carburetors, "hi lift" cams, and a heavy-duty transmission
- Shake vigorously to knock off several superfluous pieces of chrome
- Enter the product in famous competitions, and win them.

The C300 went before the public Feb. 10, 1955, in the middle of the model year. Despite the late arrival, it was a success, bolstered by track competition results. It had no rival in the American or European market, because it combined power with comfort. Try to fit four Texans into a Jaguar XK-140 or a T-Bird …

Carl Kiekhaefer of the Mercury Outboard Motor team (no relation to the Mercury brand) took charge of the racing program and spent a considerable sumon it. Results were not long in coming:

- At NASCAR, Tim Flock is the current season’s champion, making up for the disputed disqualification that had taken him off the circuit in ’54.This year he wins the Daytona Grand National at an average 92.05 mph, after a qualifying pass at 130.29 mph. This is only the first of 13 wins this season!

- At the AAA (American Automobile Association), the other championship, another Kiekhaefer driver, Frank Mundy, reigns with 10 events won out of 13 …
And if you add other drivers, such as Buck Baker and Speedy Thompson, we count 37 races won…

Engine specifications	Transmission, etc..	Dimensions
V8 "FirePower" 331.1 cu.in. (5425 cc) Bore, stroke: 3.81 x 3.625 in. Compression ratio: 8.5 to 1 Mechanical lifters Horsepower: 300 hp at 5200 rpm Torque: 345 ft.lb. at 3200 rpm Two 4-bbl WCFB Carter carbs "Full race" camshaft (280° intake with 60° overlap, causing deceleration flutter). Dual exhaust standard.	Automatic "Powerflite" transmission with 2 speeds, floor-mounted selector lever Ratios: Low: 1.72. Drive: 1.00. Reverse: 2.39. Rear axle ratios: 3.54 / 1, with 3.36 ; 3.73 ; 3.91 or 4.11 as options. Steering mechanical, power available as an option. Power brakes, 4 drums of 12-in. diameter. Electrical system: 6 V	Overall length & width: 218.6 in. by 79.1 in. Wheelbase: 126 in. Height: 60,1 in. Tread: Front 60.2 in., rear 59.6 in. Weight empty: 4005 lb. Std. wheels 15 x 5.5 in., Kelsey Hayes wire wheels optional. Tires: 8.00 x 15 Goodyear nylon special. Fuel tank: 20 gallons.

Factory colors	Options	Production
Black Tango red Platinum Trim: Leather in natural color	Power steering: $ 113 Four-way electric seat adj.: $ 70 Power windows: $ 102 Radio: Standard ($ 110) or Touch Tone ($ 128) Tinted glass: ? Instant heater: $ 92 5 Kelsey Hayes wheels: $ 617.60	N° serial: 3N55 1001 - 3N55 2725. N° engine: 3NE55 1001 - 3NE55 2756 TOTAL Production: Two-door coupe: 1725 made (of which 33 exported) at $4055. "Survivors": 263, including 35 parts cars.