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1958 Chrysler 300D 392 Hemi
The 300D was the final Chrysler letter car powered by the first-generation FirePower Hemi. Its 392 used 10.0:1 compression, mechanical lifters, dual Carter WCFB four-barrels, and a revised camshaft to deliver 380 horsepower and 435 lb-ft. It combined that power with Chrysler's low Forward Look hardtop or convertible body, Torsion-Aire front suspension, and power-assisted 12-inch drum brakes.
Bendix electronic fuel injection was the headline option. Rated at 390 horsepower, the Electrojector system used analog electronics years before electronic injection became practical. Chrysler 300 Club records identify 21 fuel-injected 300Ds and report that most were recalled and converted to dual carburetors. An original Electrojector car therefore needs documentation and system-specific hardware, not only an injected engine bay.
The push-button A-466 TorqueFlite was the normal transmission. The club records two known manual-transmission 300Ds, both with dual carburetors, so a manual car belongs on this page as a rare factory configuration rather than a separate model. A 3.31 axle was standard, with additional ratios and Sure-Grip available for different uses.
Authenticating a 300D requires the whole car to agree. The door-post number begins LC4, the engine number normally begins 58N3, and the radiator-support body plate identifies model 592 hardtop or 595 convertible. Paint, trim, serial, drivetrain, 300D medallions, shorter taillights, gold engine dress, and supporting history should reconcile before any originality claim is made.