CHRYSLER C-300 (1955) CHRYSLER 300 B (1956) CHRYSLER 300 C (1957) CHRYSLER 300 D (1958) CHRYSLER 300 E (1959) CHRYSLER 300 F (1960) CHRYSLER 300 G (1961) other 300
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300e_logo.jpg (18051 octets)

 

300 E1959 is rightly considered a turning point in the lineage of the "Letter Cars," for at least two reasons:

  • The legendary "Hemi" engine was dropped – too intricate with its hemispherically-ground combustion chambers, hence too expensive to produce. The Dodge and DeSoto divisions had adopted the "Wedge" engine in 1958. Chrysler and Imperial followed when the stock of Hemis ran out.
  • The horsepower race stalled. The 300E of 1959 was no more powerful than its predecessor!

The "Lion-Hearted Letter Car" was becoming more and more a luxury ride, less and less sporty. Chrysler had other things on its mind, notably a move toward compact lines, and the need for a model competitive with the T-Bird. These were more urgent matters than performance on the track.
You can see this trend in the grille (in two parts, one black, the other red), in a rear bumper thick with chrome, and in a more comfortable interior, equipped with the new "swivel" seats. There was no more need to offer a dozen rear-axle ratios – two were enough. No longer did the buyer get a choice of engine; instead he was offered rear air suspension !

 

300 E. grillNonetheless, the Letter Car still yielded impressive performance. A Motor Trend writer even maintained that the 300E was faster than the D, citing a time lower by 1.4 seconds for 0 to 60 mph. In that case, why was the E slower than the D at Daytona (120.5 mph average), outrun by 3 Chevys, 2 Pontiacs and a Corvette? Sports Car Illustrated tried the 300E with the following results: 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, 0 to 100 mph in 22.5 seconds, and the quarter mile in 17.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 92 mph.

 

To sum up, the purchaser of a 300E got a versatile, fast and luxurious car, good in handling, and comfortable. Yet customers didn’t throng to the showroom. Between December 1958 and ’59 only 690 E’s were sold.

 

 

Engine specifications

Transmission, etc..

Dimensions

V8 "Wedge heads" 413 CI (6768 cc)
Bore, stroke: 4.18 x 3.75 in.
Compres. ratio: 10.1 / 1 with hydraulic lifters
Horsepower: 380 hp at 5000 rpm
Torque: 450 ft.lb at 3600 rpm
2 x 4 bbl Carter AFB - camshaft (260° intake., 260 ° exhaust ,  42° overlap ).
Dual exhaust standard.
Automatic "Torqueflite" transmission with 3 speeds, gears selection with push-buttons.
Ratios: 1°: 2,45  ; 2°: 1,45 , Drive: 1.0

Hypoïd drive 3,31 / 1  (2,93 option).
"Constant Control" power steering
Power brakes: 4 drums of 12-in. diameter.

Rear springs: 7 semi ellipt. leaves
Front springs: Torsion bar

Overall length & width: : 220.2 x 79.5 in.
Wheelbase: 126 in.
Height: 55.2 in. (55.6 conv.)
Tread: Front 61.2 in., rear 60.0 in.
Weight empty: 4290 to 4350 lb.

Electrical system: 12 V

Std. wheels 14 x 6.5 in..
Tires: 9.00 x 14 Goodyear Blue Streak WWW.
Fuel tank: 23 gallons.

 

Factory colors

Options

Production

Formal Black
Radiant red
Ivory White
Cameo Tan
Turquoise Gray
Copper Spice

Trim : Leather in natural color

True Level TorsionAire susp. $ 144.90
Auto Pilot: $ 86.10
Mirror-matic $ 17.70
"Sure Grip" differential: $ 51.70
A/C single or dual
6-way power swivel seat ($ 101.90)
Power windows ($ 107.60) , Solex Tinted glass ($ 70.00).
Radio Touch Tone ($ 124.10) ou Music Master ($ 99.80)
"Instant Heat" heater ($ 136.30)

Serial number: M591 100001 à M591 100690.
serial engine: N/A

TOTAL Production:
2 doors H/T:: 550 ex. (of which 16 exports) : 5318 $.
2 doors convertible: 140 ex. (of which 9 exports) : 5748 $.
"Survivors" at 6/1/2000: 130 cars, (104 H/T, 26 convertibles). including 11 parts cars (2 cv. /  9 H/T)

 

To know more...

  colors and options

 

Chrysler 300 E   photo gallery
Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures.
  

Convertible H/T Convertible
Convertible 300 E (photo D. Denis) 300 E 2dr H/T Chrysler300EConv.

 

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