The Chrysler 300 “letter series” is undoubtedly the coolest vehicle from the 1950s Mopar lineup. The 300 “letter series” created a new premium high-performance market by combining luxurious features with 300+ horsepower engines and sporting Virgil Exner’s very seductive design language.
Particularly the early C-300 and 300B models, these cars are now rather uncommon and expensive. However, you don’t need to shell out a fortune to appreciate Exner’s stunning mid-1950s designs and Chrysler’s powerful V8 engines. There are several choices available if you don’t mind giving up the exclusivity that comes with the 300 “letter series.”
The Dodge Coronet and Plymouth Belvedere are the most obvious choices. Granted, they’re nowhere near as flamboyant and powerful as the Chrysler 300, but both have similar versions of Chrysler’s “Forward Look” styling language. If Dodges and Plymouths are too mundane, you can always go with the forgotten yet striking DeSoto Fireflite. On the other hand, if you’re hooked on the 300’s front fascia, you can get something identical with the Chrysler New Yorker. The company’s flagship model at the time, it shared styling cues with the 300 “letter series,” but it got a less potent V8 and was available in various body styles.
The Imperial line is the last line. Imperial was first presented in 1926 as a model, then in 1955 it was given its own brand. Like the New Yorker, it also largely borrowed design elements from the 300 “letter series.” What made it unique? Although the C-300 was undoubtedly luxury in 1955, the Imperial automobiles had much more upscale amenities.
Additionally, it provided a wider variety of body types. But unlike the New Yorker, neither a station wagon nor a two-door convertible version of the Imperial were offered. The division also offered extended limousine-style cars in addition to the standard two-door hardtop and four-door sedan variations.
The four-door sedan variant was slightly longer than its New Yorker counterpart, with an additional four inches in the wheelbase providing more rear-seat legroom. A larger, more comfortable, and more luxurious alternative to the C-300, if you will. But without the 300-horsepower rating of the latter’s beefed-up 331-cubic-inch (5.4-liter) V8.
Why am I talking about a car that few people remember made by a brand Chrysler discontinued a very long time ago? Well, I think Chrysler had the best-looking automobiles in the 1950s. I’m also a big fan of DeSotos and Imperials, and it makes me sad knowing most of them are currently rotting away in junkyards.
As a result, I get excited when someone rescues such a classic, just like YouTube’s “Days of Cars” did with the 1955 Imperial four-door sedan. Abandoned for decades and missing its front clip (except for the hood), this once-glorious rig got a second chance at life. And not only did it get a much-deserved cleaning, but the new owner also managed to fix and fire up the old HEMI V8.
No, this Imperial doesn’t have the infamous 426 cubic inch (7.0 liter) lump, but its 331 cubic inch (5.4 liter) V8 is nonetheless a member of the large family of hemispherical combustion chamber engines made by Chrysler. The first-generation HEMI, also known as the FirePower, made its debut in 1951 and was used in the Chrysler New Yorker and Saratoga. The mill was also acquired by the Imperial division in 1955, and Dodge started using it in its C-Series pickup trucks in 1954. In 1954 and 1957, the FirePower was expanded, and it was produced until 1959.
The majority of 331-cubic-inch versions produced 180 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor, but this Imperial has a redesigned version that produces 250 horses and 340 pound-feet (461 Nm) of torque. It was only surpassed by the unique variation installed in the C-300, which was capable of 300 horsepower, a huge amount at the time.
Even while this Imperial isn’t nearly as impressive as the C-300, it’s still a lovely classic that still looks fine despite having been off the road for so long. Yes, the front fascia, possibly the most attractive design element on any 1955 Chrysler, is missing. These front clips are still quite simple to locate, though. Let’s hope that this vehicle receives the attention it needs and is made road-worthy.