The Chrysler 300 has gone in and out of production over the lifetime of the brand, but the models of the 50s and 60s established legacy. REad more to learn about the development of these iconic cars.
The Chrysler 300 has gone in and out of production over the lifetime of the brand,
but the model's of the 50s and 60s established legacy. REad more to learn about the development of these iconic cars.
Article:
When considering the history of the American car company, new models are constantly being revamped and replaced. No one model every really lasts past ten years of production in name, though companies will reinvent names along with innovation in car making.
There are however, exceptions to the rule. The Chrysler 300 is a car that, although consistent invocations and updates, has been a brand model of car for almost sixty years. The most iconic classics of the 50s and 60s established its reputation today.
A young innovator named Robert MacGregor Rodger first developed the model. He started his career being a member of the team that developed the corporations first Hemi V-8. By building upon the ideas of the original engine, it continued development into a superior racing machine. When Rodger proposed the car be designed for the American consumer as a four-door sedan, the Chrysler 300 was born.
It was unique for an American car model to have no letter at the end of it’s name, it simply stood for the level of horsepower, 300. It was an attractive car, but it was also fast, being born from it’s racing predecessors. Despite it’s bulk, it even performed well as a stock car racer in NASCAR. Beyond it’s performance, it was also a luxurious vehicle for consumers, even in it’s first generation. In following year of production, it was renamed the “300-B” an in subsequent years of production they went down the alphabet.
The late 50s design chief for Chrysler, Virgil Exner, gave the car company a clear design direction with the sweepline look, the tailfins that now gave their cars a unique, iconic look. The 300-C was a glamorous car, extremely desirable for it’s sex appeal. It was also the first 300 available as a convertible. With a blend of luxury leather interior and the same commitment to engine power some consider this model to be the most classic of the line. The 300-D was the first attempt at a fuel ejection system in 1958, but when the product hit the market production turned to carburetors. Although this model was rough on local roads, it was a smooth ride coasting at 85 down the highway.
By the 1960s, Chrysler went all out with the 300-F. It built upon the Exner’s design and made an even sleeker looking car. The interior was outfitted with bucket seats and a center console. It was also updated to include a three speed automatic transmission. By the 300-G, these cars were one of the most popular models in America.
The 300-H was a direction away from the flamboyance of wings and fins. Now Chrysler was focusing on a new aesthetic for the model as a sports car. This move replaced other previous models and carried the name more popularly known. However, this new model sold in tandem with hardtops and convertibles confused the public market and by the mid to late 60s, the car design has to be completely revamped, as the style was no longer a desirable aesthetic.
From the 300 to the 300-H, these 8 models established the legacy from the 300 of today. With power, luxury and style, the car continues to be a popular model in the American market.
