This black beauty was the ultimate Chrysler money could buy in 1957. The "letter" series Chryslers were the top of the range, and this one, the "C" was no exception. The dramatic styling was the work of Chryslers chief stylist Virgil Exner, and many features such as the dramatically swept rear tailfins, tall rear lamps and twin front lights were shared with other cars in the Chrysler range. These included the 4 door New Yorker and the Windsor and Saratoga.
The 300C is a huge car, with seating for six adults despite being only a 2 door coupe. The rear deck is huge, and one can only imagine how difficult it would be to park in a modern congested multistory carpark! It is quick despite it's bulk thanks to a large capacity V8. In many ways the 300C was the forerunner of the musclecars of the 1960s.
Sales of the 1957 Chryslers were disappointing despite their super looks and performance, as they were badly built and had a tendency to rust. They were also expensive, and as the US was heading towards a recession at the end of the 1950s, cost was a major issue. They remain among the most desirable classic US cars of the 1950s today however.
ERTL make this stunning model of the 300C and it is one of their very best efforts to date. It is built to the same high standards as the Ford Precision 100 line up (currently including a 1964 Mustang and a 1913 Model T) which are also superb. The black paint is flawless and the white interior is very realistic. An ignition key hangs from the ignition slot beside the steering wheel, and the headlining is replicated accurately. The hood opens on realistic hinges to reveal a superb V8 which is fully detailed. The trunk opens to reveal a large spare tire, and is carpeted.
It is really not possible to fault this stunning model, and especially so as it cost far less than equivalent high detail models such as you might see from Exoto or GMP (with their latest releases). Consequently it gets full marks from me. 10/10!
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