1962 Shelby Cobra

When presenters speak of cars they will often speak of a car's aesthetics and features, but they will also likely mention whether or not a car has 'soul'. AC Cars had built a wonderful, aesthetically-pleasing roadster powered by a Bristol straight-6 engine. However, it wasn't until Carroll Shelby came along and squeezed a Ford V8 engine into the car did it really receive its soul. And it would be this combination of aesthetics and soul that would please and terrify enthusiasts from then on.

Shelby's purpose of challenging the might of Ferrari seemed to be heading in either a wrong direction or became sidetracked when he decided to approach AC Cars with his idea. AC Cars had certainly produced a lovely roadster but it was far and away anything but modern. But, the car was straight-forward in its design and approach and that certainly seemed the perfect match for the straight-talking Shelby.

Shelby had a vision of what the car could be. And what that vision actually became was one thrilling, and yet, awfully scary ride. But, for the racer, it was to be like a dream that only get better.

The first prototype chassis, CSX0001, would be completed in early 1962. It would become known as the Cobra and the legend would be born. Less than a thousand of these Cobras would be ever made. But, while less than a thousand would make every Cobra ever made very special and very valuable, there are still some more special than others. And, one of those more special than others Cobras will be offered at the 2013 RM Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Chassis CSX2032 would appear to be like just one of the few 289 cu.in. V8-engined Cobras built in 1962. However, just one perusal of the car's well-known history and, all of a sudden, the car takes on a whole new life.

Billed to Shelby American by AC Cars in October of 1962, which was just a little more than a week after the Cobra's first race, CSX2032 would arrive for final production, and then, would be delivered to its owner.

Purchased on the 2nd of January, 1963, CSX2032 wouldn't just be purchased by some nameless individual. In fact, it would be just the opposite. Appearing on the car's original invoice is the name Lance Reventlow.

To the uninitiated, Reventlow would still not even raise an eyebrow. However, as the only son of Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton, his name now suddenly takes on a life all its own, just like the car he purchased in January of 1963.

Not in want for anything, Reventlow would be free to chase his passions, which, by the mid-1950s, included motor racing. He would get his start racing Formula 2 Coopers and would have his sights set on Formula One.

Surrounding himself with the best cars and the best teams, Reventlow would have an equally impressive list of friends in which he surrounded himself. He would even have a period in his life in which he would call the actor Cary Grant 'father'.

Like many racing drivers, the jet-setting, playboy lifestyle was routine for Reventlow. Dating models and associating with Hollywood elite, Reventlow would not struggle to find beautiful female companionship and would even marry the famed model/actress Jill St. John.

But for all of his playboy antics, Reventlow was also a very serious individual, especially when it came to racing. Although his time in Formula One would be worth forgetting, he would not let his passion for motorsports, or cars in general, ever wane. This would lead him to founding his Scarab racing concern. It would also lead him to purchase CSX2032.

Ironically, the purchase of CSX2032 would happen at his own garage. By 1962, Scarab had come to naught and the doors of the garage housing the team had been shuttered. However, he would then offer the building to Carroll Shelby, who had been located in Sante Fe Springs. Shelby would accept and would rent the building from Reventlow and would make the final preparations to Reventlow's own Cobra right there in his old factory.

It has been suggested the purchase of the Cobra by Reventlow had been a gesture of support for Shelby and his efforts to make his company go. However, the Cobra that would be delivered to Lance would be built with such unusual options that it was more than clear that it was all for him.

When delivered to Reventlow, the Cobra would be like no other. Given his racing background, Reventlow wasn't about to purchase a sedated model, if there even was a sedated model of the Cobra. Instead, he would have his Cobra based upon the competition Cobras, which meant the car would come with such updates as racing tires, a racing oil pan, an aluminum intake manifold, aluminum rocker covers, a roll bar, sway bars and even a competition ignition system. Therefore, in many ways, CSX2032 could have been considered an authentic team car.

However, since Reventlow had retired from motor racing, the car would not be a bare-bones Cobra. Instead, he would order a competition-inspired Cobra filled with such amenities and extras as one would expect from an owner looking for a grand tourer. When completed and delivered, the car would come complete with front and rear bumper guards, a sun visor, wind wings and even a chromed air cleaner. This was a car complete with performance and comfort.

In time, Reventlow would sell the Cobra. Then, it would appear on the showroom floor of SCU Lotus Central Foreign Cars in Michigan. Don Burgess would be next to own the Cobra. He would come to own the car in the early 1970s. Then, in 1974, the cars would change hands again. This time, Bill Kemper of Barrington, Illinois would own it. Kemper's ownership of the car would be brief, for by the end of the following year the car would be off to its next owner. However, the car would be on its way having had a number of authentic upgrades added to it, including a 289 cu.in. 'Hi-Po' engine.

Ron Ressman, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, would be the car's next owner. It would be during Ressman's period of ownership that CSX2032 would undergo its first restoration. This work would commence in 1978 and would be completed by Bill Murray of Longmont, Colorado.

Murray would take car of the Cobra's mechanical components but would also install a number of changes, including six-inch painted wire wheels, side pipe exhausts and side vents. Murray would also refinish the car in black, the same that graces the car to this very day.

Ownership would continue to change. Bill Hansen, Joe Rodman Jr. and John Prokell would all own the Cobra for a period of time. Then, in late-1993, CSX2032 would be offered for sale in Princeton, New Jersey. Herm Rosenman would take advantage of the opportunity and would become the car's next owner. By this time the car was a little more than 30 years of age. Therefore, Rosenman decided to shake it awake from its slumber by adding four twin-choke Weber carburetors to the engine. This boosted the power of the engine considerably.

In 1997, George Sicz of Winnipeg, Canada became the car's owner. The car would remain with Sicz for a short period of time and it would soon pass into the hands of Peter Klutt of Milton, Ontario. While in the possession of Klutt, CSX2032 would begin a process of being returned to its competition-inspired roots and, in fact, would take on the look and feel of racer later in its life than when Revetlow ordered it. Klutt would install Halibrand alloy racing wheels, competition-style fuel filler, front fender spats and even Raydyot competition mirrors. Then, out of homage to Dan Gurney's 1963 12 Hours of Sebring Cobra, the car would be refinished with yellow racing stripes.

For nearly a decade, CSX2032 would remain with Mr. Klutt. Then, in 2005, Richard Cohen would purchase the car. Just about a year would be the amount of time in which the car would be with Mr. Cohen before it would again be sold to its current owner.

Purchased by a serious Cobra enthusiast, CSX2032 has spent much of its life in careful storage and has been driven only a few miles. The work on the car continues, however, as the original sway bars have been reinstalled on the car. The car has also now been equipped with competition-style rotors and has had its frame cleaned and refinished.

Well documented and filled with an arresting history of ownership, CSX2032 is already amongst a rare collection of venomous performers. However, given its history, eclectic ownership and blend of comfort and performance, this particular Cobra is certainly one snake-charmer that isn't to be missed.

Heading to auction, the 1962 Shelby 'Factory Competition-Specification' Cobra, would be drawing estimates of between $750,000 to $950,000.

By Jeremy McMullen

		Roadster Chassis Num: CSX 2026
Sold for $1,815,000 at 2006 RM Auctions. High bid of $1,600,000 at 2010 Gooding & Company. (did not sell)

CSX 2026 has been featured in numerous magazine articles and books, including Shelby Cars in Detail, Shelby Cobra, Cobra-Ferrari Wars and AC Cobra. It has been displayed at the Shelby-American museum in Colorado, and in 1989, was displayed at the SAAC-14 meet in Pocono where it was awarded 1st place in the Concours Competition class. At the 1991 SAAC-16 gathering in Charlotte, it was awarded a 1st place in the 260/289 Cobra Competition class. A Best of Show judgment at the Lime Rock Vintage Fall Festival, a win at the Baltimore Concours and an award at the Lime Rock SAAC meet followed, as did a new owner in early 1997. Later ownership included the care of Richard Scaife and then Roger Willbanks.

The car is in excellent condition, having not been campaigned since its restoration. This factory race car is nearly unique in its mechanical specifications, its racing successes, and its significant role in the reputation and growth of Shelby American.

The car is powered by a 300 horsepower engine fitted with four Weber 48 IDM carburetors. There is a four-speed Borg-Warner manual gearbox and four-wheel Girling disc brakes.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction in Arizona. Bidding reached $1,600,000 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve. The car was left unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2010

Roadster Chassis Num: CSX2001

Serial #CSX2001 is the first production Shelby Cobra built and among the initial 75 delivered to the dealers in 1962. It was delivered to and prepared by Ed Hugas in Pittsburgh. This car was originally fitted with a Ford-Zephyr straight six-cylinder engine, but was removed and shipped from AC Bristol to Venice, California where Shelby American dropped in a new 260 cubic-inch V8 and took the car for shake-down runs looking for Corvette owners to humiliate.

The Cobra was bought by Lloyd 'Lucky' Casner, Comoradi racing, to race at the 1964 Le Mans 24 Hours. With the smaller V8 it did not prove competitive in practice, so it never ran and Casner sold it to Jean-Marie Vincent in France. By then the new 289 FIA cars were out, it was updated with a 289 engine and a rather odd looking one-off hardtop, which has thankfully disappeared. The only Cobra to enter the Tour de France, this Cobra was a very successful race car with many first place wins.

The car was modified with a 289 cubic-inch engine and up-dated to full FIA standards by Ford Racing in France. From 1964 through 1966, the car was campaigned in Europe and racked-up many victories across the continent.

The Cobra remained in Europe until 2006, when it was bought by the current owner and returned to the United States. It was restored by Mike McCluskey in Torrance, California. The aluminum body, chassis and interior remain in their original, well preserved state.

Roadster Chassis Num: CSX 2017

This Cobra CSX 2017 is an authentic full specification competition Cobra built by Shelby America. It is the first and perhaps the only 'Riverside' model sold to an individual. In every respect the CSX 2017 is an original factory built and prepared competition car, not a street model converted into a competition model.

Driver R.E.L. Hayes participated in eight races in 1963 and had podium finishes in four of them in this car.

This car is powered by a 289 cubic-inch V8 fitted with 48 IDM carburetors, special headers with side exhausts, quick-jack pads, cross mounted radiator header tank, Spaulding 'Flamethrower' ignition, Koni shocks, along with many other special features that included 6.5 and 7.5 inch wide Holibrand magnesium wheels.

CSX 2017 is indeed a race car which may be driven on the road. This car was in a private collection for over 30 years and was not raced or shown.

Roadster Chassis Num: CSX2000

This 1962 Shelby Cobra, chassis number CSX2000, is the first Cobra ever built, so is quite possibly the most valuable American sports car in the world. It was owned by Carroll Shelby since being built and is in remarkably original condition. The car still has its Ford 260 cubic-inch engine, interior and body. From the beginning Shelby used it in various magazine articles, and it was often repainted in order to fool everyone into thinking more cars had been built! Around 675 'small block' Cobras were built in the 1960s, each selling for around $5,995. Carroll Shelby had the sense to retain his Cobra intact.

The formula for the success of the Cobra came through a man named Carroll Shelby adapting a powerful Ford engine into a nimble, British sports car.

A.C. Cars of Thames Ditton in Surrey, England had been producing the Ace since 1954. It was designed by John Tojeiro and featured an independent suspension by transverse leaf springs. The tubular frame body of the vehicle took its styling cues from Ferrari. The original engine used in the Ace was a 1991 cc, over-head-cam engine designed by John Weller, the founder of AC, in the 1920s. In 1956, an optional Bristol engine became available. This was a BMW derived, 1971 cc six-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 125 horsepower. With the Bristol engine, the Ace captured many victories on the race tracks around the world. It even won the SCCA Class E championship three years in a row.

In 1959, Bristol ceased its six-cylinder engine production. When Bristol stopped supplying A.C. with the engine, the production of the Ace ceased. Carroll Shelby quickly negotiated a deal where A.C. would supply him with the chassis. Now all Shelby needed was an appropriate engine. In 1961, Ford introduced the 221 cubic-inch small block engine. This was a new lightweight, thin wall-cast, V8 engine that produced 164 horsepower. Shelby approached Ford about the use of the engine for the 2-seat sports car. Ford agrees.

In February of 1962, a 260 HiPo engine and Borg-Warner four-speed manual gearbox was fitted into the aluminum-bodied Cobras. The AC Shelby Ford Cobra was complete.

In April of 1962, the first Cobra with chassis CSX 2000 was painted yellow and shipped to the New York Auto Show where it appeared on the Ford display. The vehicle was an instant success and attracted much attention. Orders came faster than Shelby could build. The prototype CSX 2000 was continuously being repainted for magazine reviews. The purpose was to create an illusion that more Cobras existed.

In 1963 the engine size increased to 289 cubic-inches. Rack-and-pinion steering was added to the vehicle.

Two Cobras were entered into the grueling 24-Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Carroll Shelby himself drove one of the vehicles. Ford had refused to provide an engine so Shelby, with the help of A.C. cars and Ed Hugus, prepare the cars. One of the Cobras managed to capture a seventh place finish, a major accomplishment.

Dan Gurney became the first American driver to win an FIA race in an American car when he won the Bridgehampton 500KM race in September of 1963 while driving a Cobra.

In 1964, the Cobra returned to LeMans where it finished fourth overall and first in the GT class.

Near the end of 1964, the Cobra 427 was unveiled to the press. If featured a new tubular, aluminum body, coil spring chassis, and a 427 cubic-inch, 425 horsepower engine. The car was able to go from zero to 100 mph and back to zero in less than 14 seconds.

In 1967, the last 427 Cobra was built and in 1968, the last 427 Cobra was sold by Carroll Shelby.

Ford had shifted their resources to the new GT40 and modified Mustang programs. In 1966, three GT-40 Mark II's crossed the finish line at Le Mans capturing first, second, and third.

2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition

 

 

Chrysler Brand Launches Advertising Campaign for the New 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition

• Legendary Motown founder and Detroit native Berry Gordy featured in Chrysler brand's new advertising campaign

New commercial showcases the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition vehicle•

• Spot showcases partnership between the Chrysler brand and Berry Gordy's Broadway Musical 'Motown: The Musical'

• Chrysler 300 Motown Edition will be revealed in Detroit at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

December 20, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Chrysler brand is continuing to build upon the heart, soul and the passion of Detroit wîth a new 60-second commercial titled 'Who We Are.' The commercial showcases the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown Edition and features legendary Motown founder and Detroit native Berry Gordy, taking you through his journey from humble beginnings in Detroit to the bright lights of New York's Times Square and home of the new Broadway show 'Motown: The Musical.' The ad 'Who We Are' will make a broadcast debut on Thurs., Dec. 20.

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 292 hp Torque: 260 ft-lbs
8-speed Automatic

'Berry Gordy is a true inspiration and has paved the way to signify the sound and the drive that reflects the spirit of Detroit and the people who live in it,' said Olivier Francois, Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler Group LLC. 'It is a privilege to have such a legendary icon partner wîth the Chrysler brand and the 300 Motown Edition.'

'The Chrysler brand's imagination moved the world, while our rhythms forever changed music adding a sound and uplifting spirit that could only be from the Motor City. And our new Chrysler 300 Motown is a tribute to both,' said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. 'More than just a brand partnership, our collaboration wîth Motown Records elevates our passion to express our Detroit roots further and inspire a new limited-edition 300 sedan that embodies the soul and originality of our city.'

The spot opens wîth Berry Gordy sitting in the backseat of the Chrysler 300 Motown Edition parked outside the Motown Museum in Detroit, the building where Motown Records was created. As the car pulls away the voiceover begins to tell the story of sound and drive of the city of Detroit, a sound that still moves people and a drive that allows it to overcome any challenge that comes its way.

As he drives through the streets, images of a young Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Supremes and the Temptations flash across the screen and viewers are taken through iconic visuals of the streets of Detroit and eventually transported to the streets of New York where Berry Gordy's destination is revealed in front of the 'Motown: The Musical' marquee at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre in New York City. The spot ends wîth Berry Gordy stepping out of the vehicle and saying, 'We are Motown and this is what we do,' and announcing the musical coming to Broadway in March 2013.

New 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown
If cars are the heart of the Motor City, music is its soul. The new 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown pays tribute to the Motor City's resurgence and determination through Detroit-born style and world-class ingenuity. Harking back to the days when bright work ruled Woodward and Jefferson Avenues, this limited-edition Chrysler flagship sedan includes bright chrome front and rear fascia accents, mirror caps, door handles and daylight-opening surround, and a unique Mopar bright chrome grille wîth seven sculpted horizontal blades. Large 20-inch polished 'heritage' design aluminum wheels provide an elegant look, while its touring-tuned suspension delivers world-class levels of ride, handling and comfort. Completing this Chrysler flagship sedan's curb appeal are black accented Chrysler wing badges and 'Motown' fender badges that transcend the city's rhythm and spirit. Available exterior colors include Bright White, Gloss Black, Deep Cherry Red and new Jazz Blue.

Inside, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown is further proof that style and luxury can come from a place like the Motor City. Únique Pearl White Nappa leather seating wîth perforated inserts are surrounded by a black interior environment for a contemporary look. Tying in the contrasting interior theme are black piping and accent stripes on the seats, while a debossed 'Motown' logo on the front seatbacks provide thoughtful detail. Extensive use of Piano Black on interior center stack, instrument panel, §teering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements provide a uniquely lacquered and highly detailed appearance. Completing this special-edition interior environment are authentic Black Olive Ash wood trim and satin silver finished accents.

Special Pre-loaded 100 Tracks of Motown
Making sure the soul of Motown can be heard and felt, this limited-edition Chrysler sedan includes 100 tracks from original Motown recording artists loaded on the Úconnect 8.4's SD card reader. State-of-the-art Úconnect 8.4 provides Chrysler 300 Motown passengers wîth the §egmènt's largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch) and mobile infotainment, connectivity and multimedia features. Delivering a sound experience as the artist intended, the §egmènt-exclusive 10-speaker Beats Audio system wîth 12-channel amplifier and proprietary Beats Audio algorithm is also available.

Best-in-class V-6 Fuel Economy
Once limited to premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the Chrysler 300 Motown features a §egmènt-exclusive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission paired wîth its award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine for best-in-class V-6 fuel efficiency wîth up to an EPA estimated 31 highway mpg. With 292 horsepower on tap and a state-of-the-art transmission design, the Chrysler 300 Motown delivers world-class precision and refinement.

Motown Soul Arrives This Spring
The 2013 Chrysler 300 Motown arrives at Chrysler dealerships nationwide in the spring of 2013 and has a Ú.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $32,995, excluding $995 destination charge.

About Chrysler Brand
The spirit of hard work. Earning your place without forgetting where you're from. That's what the Chrysler brand and its vehicles are all about. Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestic luxury sedan, the 2013 Chrysler 300 sedans offer world-class innovation and quality while delivering stylistic distinction and premium features wîth legendary value. Chrysler's 200 sedan inspired the brand's identity: 'Imported from Detroit.' The 2013 Chrysler 200 sedan delivers exceptional value without compromise wîth sophisticated design, high-quality craftsmanship, and technology. The Chrysler 200 Convertible — wîth a power soft or hardtop — offers an open-air experience featuring elegant craftsmanship. The 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is beautifully crafted wîth high-quality, soft-touch materials and tech-savvy entertainment features and smart storage. Standard leather Stow 'n Go® seating, overhead DVD, and more than 40 safety and security features are some of the Town & Country's innovative offerings.

About 'Motown: the Musical'
'Motown: The Musical' will open on Broadway at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46 Street) on April 14, 2013, following preview performances beginning March 11, 2013.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, 'Motown: The Musical' will feature a book by Berry Gordy and music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue.

'Motown: The Musical' is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture forever. This exhilarating show charts Motown Founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, 'Motown: The Musical' tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. The music that shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat finally comes to Broadway in the season's most anticipated world-premiere event.

In 1955, Chrysler introduced the C300. The 'C' stood for coupe and the 300 was the horsepower rating of the original Hemi engine equipped with , two four barrel carbs, solid lifters, special manifolds, and enlarged dual exhausts. This vehicle gave the Chrysler Corporation a performance and sporty image, a much needed persona in this post World War II era. Many European manufacturers, such as Jaguar and MG, had introduced high powered, small, responsive sports cars. American manufacturers countered with the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Thunderbird. The Chrysler 300 was a performance car with a contemporary 'Forward Look' designed by ex-Studebaker stylist Virgil Exner. The design was void of the popular chrome sides which was prevalent during this era. It was simple but aggressive gentleman's car.

The Chrysler 300 was outfitted with a hemispherical (Hemi) combustion chamber 5.4 litre V-8 that produced 300 horsepower and matted to a performance modified two-speed 'PowerFlite' automatic gearbox. The body came from the New Yorker; rear quarter moldings were compliments of the Windsor. The two piece grille came from the Imperial. An improved suspension was implemented to provided sporty and responsive handling. The base price was $4,055.

Sales of the C300 were fueled by its success on the stock car circuit. The C300 dominated the sands of Daytona Beach, Florida where it won the stock production class and took home the Tom McCahill trophy. From 1955 through 1957 it was the fastest American car.

In 1959, a 300D driven at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats by Norm Thatcher set a new Class E speed record of 156.387 mph. During the same year, Brewster Shaw achieved a quarter-mile time of 16 seconds with a trap speed of 94 mph at Daytona Beach, Florida.

For 1956, Chrysler increased the displacement of its Hemi engine to 5.8 liters and changed the name to 300B. With 355 horsepower, the V8 engine had one horsepower per cubic inch, an achievement that very few manufacturers were able to claim.

The letters continued to climb the alphabet annually until the 300L of 1965 (the letter I was skipped). They became known as the 'letter cars'. In 1959, the 392 hemi was replaced with the 413 cubic-inch Golden Lion wedge-head design engine. In 1962, the 300 Sport series became available along side the 300H. The 300, without a letter designation was continued until 1971. In 1970, the 300 Hurst was produced, built by Chrysler and modified by the Hurst Company. The modifications included two-tone paint, special striping, spoiler on the deck lid, and wheels. The 300 name was again revived in 1979 as the 300 Special Edition, but endured a short life span. It was based on the Cordoba platform and available only in white with red leather interior.

Even with eleven years of production, less than 17,000 were produced. The bodystyle's available were either a two door hardtop or convertible. The convertible was not available during 1955, 1956, and 1963.

In the early 2000's, Chrysler revived the model name with the 300M. For most 300 enthusiasts, it is a good attempt, but far from the original 300's. The original 300's, as argued by some MOPAR enthusiast, is considered to be the first muscle cars. Although they were fast, they were also large and luxurious, qualities that muscle cars did not typically process. The 300 did get American moving on the fast track to the horsepower and performance revolution, and looked good while doing it.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2009

In 2005, the wave of retro design that is still shaping American cars first washed over Detroit. American companies, with their stale product offerings, began looking towards their rich pasts to inspire new models with the design and flair of long-gone icons. It was in 2005 that Chrysler launched a modern iteration of the famed 300.

The 300 name had actually been revived by Chrysler several years before the 2005 300's introduction as a car called the 300M, but that model was dated even when brand new and didn't evoke nostalgic memories in the same way its replacement would. The 2005 300 was a total departure from the Chrysler models immediately preceding it. The sleek, low slung, 'cab-forward' design language of the 300M and others was replaced by the new 300's brash and blocky look. The 2005 Chrysler 300 was not merely an updated version of a bygone classic, but rather a revival of Chrysler's attitude during the company's most exciting times.

The new 300 went back to a rear wheel drive platform and reintroduced the muscular proportions of America's former bad-boy sedans. Available V8 power rounded out the package and a large, upright chrome grille stood proud in grand American fashion. The 2005 Chrysler 300 was met with great fanfare and positive press. For as exciting a car as the '05 300 was, though, it could barely capture the style and spirit of the car that inspired it. The original 300 was one of the most thrilling Chryslers ever released. It was a car whose inspirational design and performance will be lauded forever and whose legend will continue to be respected by Chrysler workers, owners and admirers, as well as by the flashy new car that shares its name.

Produced without interruption from 1955 through 1971, the Chrysler 300 in its earliest form was one of the very first muscle cars. Though production extended into the early 1970's, the best-known (and best-loved) 300s were the 'letter series' cars of 1955-1965. All 300s were part of this letter series until 1962, when both letter and non-letter variants were offered through 1965. Models made from 1966 on were not part of the letter series. Each Chrysler in the letter series used the 300 designation followed by a single letter. That letter ascended alphabetically once every year, making it up to 'L.' Confusingly, the first of the series was not called the 300A but the C-300. In that one instance, the letter 'C' simply stood for coupe. Revisions on the C-300 theme created the 300B for 1956, then 300C for 1957, 300D for 1958, and so on. The only other snag in the letter series system was the use of the letter 'J' for the 1963 300, instead of the 'I' for which the car was due. Chrysler likely used the 'J' nomenclature to prevent confusion between the letter 'I' and the Roman numeral I.

The letter series 300 introduced potent performance and a fresh design to Chrysler, whose other models had grown stale. In that sense, the original 300 arrived for the same reasons as 2005's remake. The name was chosen for bragging rights. Chrysler, with its aptly named C-300, had become the first American manufacturer to develop 300hp in a production car. That power led the 1955 Chrysler to become the fastest production car in the world, reaching 127.58mph at Daytona Beach. The C-300's engine was a 331ci Chrysler V8 with hemispherical combustion chambers and two 4-barrel carburetors. The aforementioned 300hp was achieved at 5,200rpm.

There was much more to the C-300 than formidable speed. The car was large, luxurious, and packed with comfortable features. At 220 inches in length, the C-300 was huge for a two-door. A weight of 4,300lbs gave it the bulk of a personal limousine. Its two speed automatic transmission required no effort on the driver's part. The car was rolling evidence that speed and luxury were not mutually exclusive traits. The C-300 was the fastest car on the road, and it may very well have been the most comfortable.

A superb combination of performance and comfort alone would have made the Chrysler C-300 a classic. But the car's quality didn't stop there. Designed by the talented and innovative Virgil Exner, the C-300 was a triple threat of sumptuous luxury, speed and, and style.

Before moving to Chrysler, Exner had worked for GM under the guidance of Harley Earl and for Raymond Loewy's own design firm. His experience led him to be a daring designer, but the 1955 C-300 was a subdued design. It was handsome and understated, free of the garish detailing the plagued so many of its contemporaries. With its regal proportions and proud stance, the C-300 separated itself from lowlier cars that used glitz and glam as their only stylistic values. A split egg crate grille, in chrome, dominated the frontal aspect of the C-300 and had a tastefully minimal chrome bumper running beneath it. The subtle fins picked up just aft of the doors and beneath the beltline. At the rear, the vestigial fins flowed into vertical taillights. With a base price above $4,000, buyers paid dearly for a fine congregation of elegant design, comfort, and rapidity.

Even more power was made available for the 1956 300B. A 354ci V8, at first making 340hp, was available with 355hp by the middle of its run—making it the first American engine to produce 1 horsepower per cubic inch. Three transmissions were offered: PowerFlite and TorqueFlite two-speed autos, and a three-speed manual.

Performance improvements in the 1956 300B were complemented by the availability of an even more comfortable interior. Air conditioning was offered as well as a clock in the steering wheel for the particularly punctual. And, of course, if the clock wasn't distracting enough, a record player could also be ordered.


The styling of the 300B featured a revised rear treatment, but the car was largely the same as 1955's C-300. For the 1957 300C, though, Exner thoroughly revamped the 300's shape. The new design was more brash but still tasteful and clean. It featured more pronounced fins and a quad headlight face with a large, one-piece egg crate grille. From the side, the 300C looked particularly good. Its long and low proportions were readily revealed from that angle. Also easily noticeable from the side, the 300C had a forward tilt to its front end that was mirrored by a rearward tilt to its fins. The balanced look was an Exner hallmark that worked wonderfully on the 300C. A convertible version was offered whose absence of a roofline emphasized the trapezoidal side profile of the 300C's body. A top speed of 150mph could be reached by the 300C.

For 1958, a 300D was introduced. It looked very similar to the 300C, but big improvements were still made. Fuel injection became an available option and power brakes were standard. With 380hp, the 300D could be propelled to 156mph. The 300E of 1959 offered similar styling but with a very different engine. The hemi-head V8 was replaced by a 413ci wedge-head V8.

The 300F brought major styling changes for 1960. While other companies toned down their use of fins for the 1960's, Chrysler gave its 300F a wild, one-year-only rear treatment with razor sharp fins. Ralph Nader, in his book Unsafe at and Speed that most famously criticized the Chevrolet Corvair's poor handling, called the 300F's fins 'potentially lethal.' Automotive writer Quentin Willson offered good reason for Nader's concern in his own work titled The Ultimate Classic Car Book, pointing to a 1963 traffic accident in which an unfortunate motorcyclist became impaled by one of the fins of a 300F.

With a front end that looked slightly awkward compared to the noses of its predecessors and a heavily criticized faux spare tire cover incorporated into the rear deck lid, the 300F's overall look lacked the thoroughly clean appearance of earlier models. But from the side at least the 300F still looked good, and performance and comfort were as impressive as ever. Up to 400hp could be had from the 413ci engine. A beautifully finished interior continued a tradition of comfortable motoring. The interior was so inviting that the seats literally offered themselves to driver and front passenger, automatically swiveling to allow easy access whenever a door was opened.

The 300G was brought out for 1961 and was the last finned 300. The front end retained four headlights, but they were now stacked two per side in tilted columns. Standard power windows and cruise control further enhanced an already excellent list of convenience features, and performance options remained similar to those of the 300F. The 300H used the following year was similar in most respects to the 300G, but had a fresh tail design with a smooth, tapering deck where once stood fins. Production of the 300H was unusually low even for the exclusive letter series, but sales were bolstered by the introduction of a more affordable non-letter series variant, named simply the '300.'

For 1963, the letter 'I' was skipped and the 300J was introduced alongside a revamped standard 300. The 1963 models were plainer, with square styling that belied their still capable performance. The 1964 300K and 1965 300L were the last two models of the letter series. By 1965, the plain styling of the 300L and the narrow performance gap between it and the base 300 had created an uninspired package. After 1965, the letter series was discontinued.

The garden variety 300 soldiered on until 1971, losing sales and substance as it went along. Chrysler couldn't have picked a better time to pull the plug on the aging model, as allowing it to last any longer would have exposed it to stringent emissions regulations that instantly would have robbed the car of the only virtue it really had left—power. Even the very last 300 had a 440ci V8 that had a tremendous output compared to any American offering of the mid-1970's.

History has ignored any shortcomings of the largely average 300 produced from 1966-1971, focusing on the raw power and suave personality of the early letter series. Few American cars before or since have been able to offer so much speed and luxury wrapped in a shell of aesthetic excellence. From 1955 through 1959, the 300s were the uncompromised rulers of the American automotive kingdom—even the 1960-1965 models were superbly executed. Inspiring the successful 2005 Chrysler 300, the early letter series cars have shown that sometimes history is worth repeating.

Sources:

'History of the Chrysler Three Hundred Series.' The Chrysler 300 Site Web.28 Jul 2009. http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi.

Nerad, Jack. 'Great Classic Cars: Chrysler C-300.' AntiqueCar.com Web.28 Jul 2009. http://www.antiquecar.com/gc_chrysler_c300.php.

Willson, Quentin. The Ultimate Classic Car Book. First. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995. Print.