CHRYSLER 300 CLUB INTERNATIONAL, INC. 300C 1957 300C Overview Production 1,767 Coupes 484 Convertibles Body and Chassis Body Style 2-Door Hardtop and 2-Door Convertible Powertrain Engine 392 cu in 375 HP (Optional 390 HP) V8 Transmission TorqueFlite 3-Sp Auto or 3 Speed Manual Dimensions Wheelbase 126 in Length 219.2 in Width 78.8 in The 1957 300C is generally considered the classic year of the 300 "letter series". New styling was brought in, with a yawning wide front grille and fins; the Hemi engine was upgraded to 392 cubic inches with 375 HP, or as a very limited edition 390 HP version (18 built). A convertible model was available for the first time. The car had a number of red, white, and blue '300C' medallions on the sides, hood, trunk, and interior. With the introduction of the 1957 300C, 300 Letter Cars became known as the Beautiful Brutes. The entire 1957 Chrysler Corporation line up was touted as,"The New Shape of Motion!" Perhaps the most memorable slogan that year was, "Suddenly it's 1960!" It was used in advertisments for the Plymouth, but it could very well have applied to the Chrysler 300C as well. It was that dramatically new. The 1957 300C did not compete in NASCAR track events, but with its 375 HP hemi engine, again won the Daytona Beach Flying Mile, making the Chrysler 300 the fastest American car in Class 7 for the third straight year.