The McCandless Collection

1957 Chrysler 300C

A PLACE OF HISTORY

Not Just A Museum

The McCandless Collection will take you back to the days of "The Forward Look Era" automotive design, racing, and drivers themselves. We guarantee an unforgettable experience. With so many classic vehicles under one roof, we have something everyone will get excited about.

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The 1957 Chrysler 300C is widely regarded as the most iconic model in the Chrysler 300 “Letter Series.” It introduced bold new styling with a wide, aggressive front grille, sweeping tailfins, and striking red, white, and blue 300C medallions on the sides, hood, trunk, and interior. For many collectors and enthusiasts, this was the year the Chrysler 300C earned its nickname: “The Beautiful Brute.”

Performance & Power: The 392 HEMI V8

Under the hood, the 1957 Chrysler 300C featured a powerful 392 cubic inch HEMI V8 engine, producing 375 horsepower—making it one of the fastest and most powerful American production cars of its time. With power steering, power brakes, and a push-button automatic transmission, the 300C delivered advanced performance and driving ease rare in the 1950s.

Though it didn’t run in NASCAR that year, the 1957 300C once again claimed victory at the Daytona Beach Flying Mile, solidifying the Chrysler 300 as the fastest American car in Class 7 for the third consecutive year.

Design Innovation: The New Shape of Motion

Chrysler called the entire 1957 lineup “The New Shape of Motion”, with futuristic styling so advanced that Plymouth ads famously declared, “Suddenly it’s 1960!”—a slogan equally fitting for the revolutionary 1957 300C. The design featured a long hood, short rear deck, and sleek profile that still looks fresh today.

This was also the first year the Chrysler 300C was offered as a convertible, adding to its prestige and collectibility.

1957 Chrysler 300C

Rare & Collectible: Champagne Gold Example

Among the rarest variants, this particular example is one of just four known 1957 Chrysler 300Cs in Champagne Gold. Not just a showpiece, it’s one of the most actively driven cars in the collection—proof of its refined handling, ride quality, and mechanical reliability. With an advanced suspension and commanding HEMI power, the 300C is both a luxury cruiser and a true muscle car of its era.

Why the 1957 Chrysler 300C Matters

The 1957 Chrysler 300C wasn’t just a stylish car—it was a technological statement, blending brute performance with elegant design. It’s revered by collectors for its significance in American automotive history and remains a dream car for anyone passionate about mid-century Chrysler engineering, HEMI muscle, or the 300 Letter Series legacy.