Story
1957 Chrysler 300C
The 300C joined Chrysler's new Forward Look body and chassis to a larger 392-cubic-inch FirePower Hemi. Two Carter four-barrels, mechanical lifters, a performance camshaft, and 9.25:1 compression produced 375 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. A special competition package raised compression to 10.0:1 and output to 390 horsepower while adding a manual transmission, freer exhaust, limited-slip axle equipment, and other competition-oriented changes.
A three-speed TorqueFlite automatic was standard. The 300C also introduced Chrysler's Torsion-Aire front suspension, firmer seven-leaf rear springs, 12-inch power drum brakes, and functional front brake-cooling ducts. The standard rear axle ratio was 3.36, while factory and special-order ratios ranged from long-legged 2.92 gearing to 6.17 competition gearing.
Virgil Exner's low 1957 body gave the 300C a unique open grille, a peaked hood, rising fins, restrained side trim, and circular red, white, and blue medallions. It was also the first letter car available as a convertible. Pleated tan leather, a 150-mph speedometer, full gauges, and push-button transmission controls continued the model's blend of performance and luxury.
Chrysler built 1,767 hardtops and 484 convertibles. Club specifications list base prices of $4,513 and $4,913 respectively. Five regular exterior colors are documented, while surviving records also show a small number of special-order and two-tone cars.
Authentication starts with a 3N57 vehicle number on the driver-side door post, a 3NE57 engine number behind the water pump, and a C76-300 body tag on the driver-side front splash pan. Those identifiers must agree with body style, engine tune, transmission, axle, paint, trim, dates, and historical records. Grilles, medallions, dual carburetors, and fins support an identification; they do not establish it by themselves.