The third in Chrysler’s top-of-the-line “letter car” series, the 300C arrived in 1957 as an entirely new offering, both in design and engineering. Director of Styling Virgil Exner penned the 300C’s body in the extreme with Jet Age fins and a much longer, lower, wider, and modern appearance. Under the hood, the race-proven 392 Hemi V-8 produced an incredible 375 hp and 420 lbs./ft. of torque, prompting legendary automotive journalist “Uncle Tom” McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated to describe the 300C as “motorized dynamite,” and Chrysler to tout it as America’s most powerful car in its own advertising. As expected, the buying public was beguiled by the boldly styled and highly exclusive 300C. Of the 2,402 examples built, 1,918 were pillarless coupes and just 484 were convertibles.

According to the Chrysler 300 Club International’s decoding of a copy of the car’s factory build record on file, this 300C Convertible was built on July 15, 1957, delivered through H.W. Hunter Dodge/Chrysler of Lancaster, California, and finished in Cloud White with a Tan leather interior and Black convertible top. It was equipped with a power front seat, power-operated Solex-tinted windows, power steering, heater, and Goodyear Blue Streak tires.

According to records on file, the 300C is believed to have been in long-term ownership in California and presented in remarkably original condition prior to it being purchased at auction in the early 2000s by a Finland-based enthusiast. Before taking delivery, it was quickly sold again before being acquired by the consignor, a noted enthusiast of high-end American Classics and mid-century rarities. In the mid-2010s, Bob Lorkowski’s L’Cars Automotive Specialties of Bruce, Wisconsin completed an outstanding restoration in the car’s original colors, which continues to present extremely well today.

Now showing just under 77,000 miles, the paint, chrome, interior, engine bay, and underside display countless beautifully finished components that underscore the effort and expertise that went into the restoration of this iconic mid-century convertible. Taken all together, this marvelous 300C must be considered among the finest of its kind and its next owner will have the privilege of experiencing Chrysler’s finest offering of the 1950s on exhilarating open-air drives.