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1956 Chrysler 300B
The 300B carried Chrysler's first letter car into a second season with more power and a clearer identity. Its 354-cubic-inch FirePower Hemi used two Carter four-barrel carburetors, mechanical lifters, a high-lift camshaft, heavy-duty internals, and 9.0:1 compression for 340 horsepower. A 10.0:1 version raised the rating to 355 horsepower and reached the one-horsepower-per-cubic-inch mark.
The two-speed PowerFlite remained standard, now controlled by push buttons to the left of the steering wheel. Chrysler also offered a special-order three-speed manual and added the cast-iron three-speed TorqueFlite late in the model year. A 3.54 rear axle is documented for the standard PowerFlite and manual installations; other dealer-installed ratios require car-specific evidence.
The 300B retained the pillarless hardtop shape, twin Imperial-style grilles, leather cabin, and disciplined side trim of the C-300. Taller rear fins, revised tail lamps, and a B in the checkered 300 medallion distinguish the second-year car. Cloud White, Raven Black, and Regimental Red were the standard colors, with a small number of documented special-order colors and two-tone builds.
Chrysler built 1,102 examples at a $4,242 base price. The model also continued Carl Kiekhaefer's competition program, pairing its showroom performance identity with victories and speed records at Daytona.
Authentication starts with a 3N56 vehicle number on the driver-side door post, a 3NE56 engine number behind the water pump, and the body tag on the driver-side splash pan ahead of the radiator. Those identifiers must agree with the engine specification, transmission, axle, paint, trim, dates, and historical records. A 300B badge or dual-quad Hemi is supporting evidence, not proof by itself.