Information on a 1955 Chrysler 300

The 1955 Chrysler 300 featured the "Forward Look" styling pioneered by former Studebaker designer Virgil Exner. One of the first muscle cars, the 300 used an early version of the high-performance Chrysler FirePower "Hemi" engine.

Engine

The 1955 Chrysler 300 featured a 331 cubic-inch, 90-degree V-8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers. The motor had mechanical valve lifters and a four-barrel Carter carburetor. It produced 300 horsepower at 5,200 RPM with 345 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 RPM. Its bore and stroke was 3 13/16 inches by 3 5/8 inches with a compression ratio of 8.5:1.

Chassis

The 1955 Chrysler 300 was the flagship of Virgil Exner's revolutionary car body design principles. It had a Powerflite automatic three-speed transmission. The axle was a semi-floating type. The hypoid differential had a 3.54 ratio. The front end had independent coil springs with rear longitudinal leaf spring suspension. The car had hydraulic expanding-drum brakes.

Physical Dimensions

The 1955 Chrysler 300 was 218.6 inches long by 79.1 inches wide by 61.4 inches tall. Its wheelbase was 126 inches. The front tread width was 60.2 inches with a rear tread of 59.6 inches. Its tire size was 8 by 15 inches.

References

• Classic Car Database: 1955 Chrysler 300 Series Coupe Standard Specifications
• Second Chance Garage: 1955 Chrysler 331 V8 Engine Specs
• Super Cars: 1955 Chrysler 300