Recently, the final model of the Chrysler 300C rolled off the production line at the Brampton factory in Canada, officially marking the end of production for the Chrysler 300C model. The last produced car featured a striking velvet red paint job and was powered by the formidable 6.4L HEMI V8 engine. In this article, we will take a retrospective look at the history of this legendary model.
The 2023 Chrysler 300C, the last iteration of the series, was officially unveiled in 2022 and limited to production with 2000 units in the United States and 200 units in Canada. It quickly sold out within 12 hours of its release. The vehicle is powered by a 6.4L HEMI engine, paying homage to the 1957-born 300C, which also featured the iconic HEMI engine.
The 2023 model comes with features such as red four-piston Brembo brake calipers, a 3.09 rear axle limited-slip differential, active suspension, and a special exhaust system. The new model also boasts exclusive exterior color options (three colors to choose from), with glossy black accents on the front bumper, grille, and other areas, featuring a new version of the three-color 300C emblem.
- Highlights from the History of the Chrysler 300 Series -
In 1955, the Chrysler 300 (C-300) was officially launched, featuring a 300-horsepower HEMI V8 engine. The "300" in its name was a marketing strategy, emphasizing its 300-horsepower engine. The car gained prominence on the NASCAR circuit.
In 1956, the Chrysler 300B was introduced, initiating the use of letters to distinguish model generations.
The 1957 Chrysler 300C adopted the new "Forward Look" design language, and the HEMI engine was upgraded to a 6.4L displacement, producing 375 horsepower.
The 1958 Chrysler 300D set a speed record of 251.7 km/h on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
In 1959, the Chrysler 300E was introduced, featuring the Golden Lion series engine.
The Chrysler 300F, 300G, and 300H made their debuts in 1960, 1961, and 1962, respectively. In 1962, the 300 series was divided into the traditional "letter series" and a more affordable "sport series," which replaced the Windsor model.
The 1963 Chrysler 300J, based on the Chrysler C platform, was released, skipping the letter "I" to avoid confusion with the numeral "1."
The Chrysler 300K was officially introduced in 1964.
The 1965 Chrysler 300L was the eleventh and final model in the letter series. However, the "sport series" Chrysler 300 production continued and persisted into the 1970s.
With the merger of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz, the Chrysler 300M was born, aiming to continue the legacy of the Chrysler letter series. However, to compete with Japanese products, it became a front-wheel-drive model with a V6 engine, with limited imports to the domestic market.
The introduction of the 2005 Chrysler 300 marked the return of rear-wheel-drive models for Chrysler. Sharing components with the E-Class (W211) at the time, Chrysler engineers were sent to Germany to study the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 300C was powered by a 5.7L HEMI engine with a maximum power of 340 horsepower. The revival of the 300C name held significant symbolic meaning.
The Chrysler 300C SRT8 featured a 6.1L HEMI engine.
In the 2005-2010 models, the 300 series introduced features such as all-wheel drive, the "blacked-out" 300S, and the 300C SRT8 Touring.
In late 2004, the imported Chrysler 300C entered the domestic market. In 2006, the Chrysler 300C began domestic production, but it was discontinued in 2008.
In 2011, a new generation was released based on the Chrysler "LD" platform. The SRT version featured a 6.4L 392 HEMI engine with a maximum power of 470 horsepower. The SRT version was mainly sold in Australia, the Middle East, and other regions, with the Australian police using the 300 SRT for patrol/pursuit vehicles.
The 2015 Chrysler 300, a mid-term facelift model, featured a more luxurious and refined design.
The 2023 Chrysler 300C marks the end of the Chrysler 300 era. On December 8th, the last Chrysler 300C powered by a HEMI engine rolled off the production line.
