Chrysler classic cars

1957 Chrysler 300 Series

Wrapping a historic drivetrain in a tailored interior and 18 feet of stylish sheetmetal this 1957 300C Convertible, one of only 484 produced, HAS to be one of the coolest Mopars on the planet. If you're a hardcore Chrysler collector who's itching for the ultimate investment grade big fin letter car, this all-American cruiser will have you reminiscing about the late 50's and the great Americana that came from that era.

Chrysler's research during wartime and their development work on a new engine for the P-47 Thunderbolt led to the now-famous hemispherical combustion chamber design, or as us car guys like to refer to it as the "Hemi". However, the 300C was incredible not only because of its power, but it also was loved by many because of its exceptional handling that resulted from a lowered placement of the heavy engine and careful location of the rear leaf springs. This 300C left the factory originally covered in a coat of Cloud White, however today it sits covered in a fresh coat of Jet Black. The black is accented very nicely by the tan interior and top.

The 300C's futuristic design helped mark the debut of jet age Detroit styling trends that would continue for several years. And although Chrysler's aerodynamic ingenuity came in handy at Daytona Beach, where a fire breathing 390 horsepower Hemi propelled the car to 134 MPH, it was the firm's style quotient that quickly sent the market into a frenzy. At the front of this rag-top's sculpted body is a bold, 'yawning' grille that hangs a red, white and blue "300" emblem between chrome trimmed 'increased visibility' headlamps and innovative brake cooling ducts. Below that grille is an original, re-chromed bumper wrapping clear marker light into pristine stainless fender trim; and above that grille, a fresh chrome "CHRYSLER" script combines with a grafted center fin to detail the car's massive hood. At the sides of the car's body, rolled fenders flow into smooth fins behind great looking stainless trim and large red, white and blue "300" emblems. Below that trim, dent-free stainless gravel shields protect the fenders from the car's twist happy tires; and above the trim is stylish chrome mirrors that combine with flush chrome door handles to lend a healthy dose of form and function. At the top of the car, an angled windshield and like-new greenhouse glass ride between a fresh tan top, bright opposing windshield wipers and polished original trim. And at the back of the car, jet-inspired tail lights center a simple chrome tag bracket and an ornate "300" emblem above a second original re-chromed bumper.

With this car's 392 cubic inch Firepower V8 Chrysler created a big block legend that's still highly regarded as a revolutionary blend of performance and luxury. Not only does this hot Hemi mill produce 375 horsepower, but it also twists out 9.25 to 1 compression into 420 lb./ft. of torque. Induction is handled by a pair of gold air cleaners that are piped directly into two high performance Carter 4-barrel carburetors. Fire is provided by a high performance points distributor which shoots sparks between a tagged 30 amp generator and fresh black plug wires. Combustion comes courtesy of a high performance camshaft which breathes through a high performance intake and low restriction exhaust manifolds. Aesthetically, the engine's fresh aluminum paint contrasts well against cool gold valve covers and the car's glossy Gauquin Red engine bay. And little details like stainless lines, rebuilt horns, a reproduction Mopar red cap battery, a correct Silentflite fan drive and a cool Jiffy Jet washer bag provide tons of exciting eyeball appeal.

Put the 300C on a lift and you'll see that bolted to the massive HEMI is the original pushbutton A488 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic push button transmission that sends power to the 8 rear axle. Also underneath you'll see the torsion bar front suspension bolted to the X-frame chassis and in the rear a leaf spring setup houses the aforementioned rear-axle. Stopping power comes courtesy of a power drum brakes, and in front of those brakes 14" steel rims have been wrapped in BF Goodrich Silvertown Whitewall tires.

Hop inside this handsome Chrysler and you'll find a spacious and airy driving environment which has enough room to haul the whole family in comfort and style. Tan leather bench seats harbor correct seat cushions which still feel firm to the touch. Black carpet does an excellent job of highlighting the car's bright stainless accents and correctly cushioned dash. And speaking of the dash, a bright rearview mirror, a red, white and blue "300" emblem, a rare Highway Hi-Fi record player and pushbuttons for the tough Torqueflite transmission frame super cool 'jet age' gauges that are centered on a continuous motion clock. At the sides of the seats, fantastic tri-tone door panels display a prominent 50s design theme between correct power windows and cool "300" branded sill plates. Behind the seats, a new convertible cowl snaps down over a giant, fully restored trunk which props a fifth wire wheel and a full-size spare tire next to an echo-prone level of cargo space. And in front of the driver, a gorgeous wide-diameter steering wheel spins an attractive two-tone rim around a deep-seated "300" center piece and a full chrome horn ring.

Ce coupé 56 est nommé St Regis et sa particularité => tricolore


Tant qu'à la 300C convertible....

1956 Chrysler Imperial from “Imperial America”, the third series of concept cars developed by world-renowned artist Lewis deSoto. The Chrysler Imperial was on display at the The Fields Sculpture Park in Ghent, New York and the Napa Valley Museum in 2011, as well as gracing the pages of The New York Times!

Lewis DeSoto has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the United States as well as in England, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Known for public projects and sculptural installations that often incorporate sound, video and theatrical lighting, DeSoto brings to his work a strong interest in archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and world religions.

Mr. deSoto’s is customized 1956 Chrysler Imperial, illuminates the Chrysler Corporation’s little-known role in the Cold War military-industrial complex, the pinnacle of this design concept is the roof mounted 10.5-foot scale model of a CC-56 Redstone ballistic missile. Mr. deSoto is equally at home in the worlds of automobilia and conceptual art, and as a group, his concept-cars oscillate somewhere between the two.

In a way, “Imperial America,” like the CC-56 Redstone, is simply a surface-to-surface warhead delivery vehicle. Mr. deSoto describes it in more poetic terms. “The Imperial,” he said, “is in a sense the foam on the wave that’s crashing down on you. This glittering thing that’s so attractive and beautiful — and at the same time, extremely dangerous.

Lewis deSoto’s “Imperial America” project started seven years ago when he purchased this Chrysler from the third owner. Mr. deSoto looked at many Imperials before buying this one for his project because it was very straight and tight with none of the rattles that plague the 4-door Imperial hardtops. The Imperial was originally sold on September 1956 at Stanley Cole Chrysler in San Luis Obispo, California and we still retain the original service certificate from the dealer.

For the exterior paint Lewis deSoto wanted “Something militaristic”. He decided on a two-toned combination of correct West Point Gray and Cloud White. Lewis invested in a very high quality exterior respray because the Imperial had to look amazing under the gallery lights and the new paint scheme really helped streamline the long side profile of the Chrysler. All the exterior brightwork is straight and clean and the front bumper still retains a March Air Force Base Department of Defense access sticker as a previous owner worked for the Strategic Air Command! Chrome spans nearly every inch of the car, turning the entire object into a two ton mirror. In fact, there is so much chrome and so many decorative accoutrements on the car that it is easy to ignore the replica of a Redstone nuclear warhead sitting atop of it. To finish off the exterior of this exquisite Imperial, deSoto added Kelsey Chrome Wire Wheels with the Department of Defense seal on each centerpiece cap. Wheels are wrapped with 235/75/15 BF Goodrich Silvertown Wide White tires.

The eternal beauty of this Chrysler comes at great expense and intense commitment from deSoto. The seats, headliner, doors and floors all have been done in correct NOS material after his persistent work sourcing all the right materials. The interior blue and gray scheme looks excellent and the upholstery glitters thanks to the tinsel gold and silver threads. All accessories, including power windows, seats, antenna and gauges work, though the clock is intermittent and runs on a switch installed to preserve the battery. The car is fully functional including many of its electrically-assisted luxury touches like power seats and windows. The trunk retains original carpet and side panels and all decals have been replaced or reproduced. Inside the trunk located on the metal filler neck, deSoto titled and signed the car marked 2008.

The replica 10.5 foot rocket is mounted to the Imperial by a custom steel pipe rack that is connected to the roof by four industrial suction cups. The mounted rocket appears to be sturdy and should be fine for low speed driving and parades. Included with Chrysler is a custom wood storage box to safely store away the rocket and rack.

Under the hood is the strong running factory 354ci Hemi Firepower V8 engine with a Edelbrock 4-Barrel carburetor mounted on top. To improve reliability, a high torque starter has been added along with a reproduction correct Mopar battery. The push-button TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. DeSoto has stated that the brakes have been recently rebuilt and new suspension kingpins and tie rod ends were added. The power steering was also upgraded as well with all new pressure hoses. The original 4-barrel carburetor and air cleaner are also included. With the impeccable care and ownership from deSoto, this Imperial really drives like a modern car!