Chrysler 300: Models' Changes Through The Years

• The First Generation: Chrysler C-300 (1955)
• New Update: Chrysler 300B (1956)
• Third Generation: Chrysler 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F (1957-1960)
• Fourth Generation: Chrysler 300G 300H (1961-1962)
• Fifth Generation: Chrysler 300J, 300K (1963-1964)
• Sixth Generation: Chrysler 300L (1965)
• Seventh Generation: Hurst 300 (1970)
• Eighth Generation: Chrysler 300M (1999-2004)
• Ninth Generation: Chrysler 300 (2005 -2010)
• Tenth Generation: Chrysler 300 (2011 – 2023)
• The Bottom Line
• FAQ

Chrysler 300 has been a model for over 60 years. The model, which debuted in 1955, is still in production today. The company has made a lot of changes to the Chrysler 300 through years. Each new generation brought something different: horsepower to grille styles and transmissions to drivetrains. This article will discuss the Chrysler 300 models' changes through the years according to their model numbers.

The First Generation: Chrysler C-300 (1955)

The first generation of the Chrysler 300 was launched in 1955. It had a FirePower Hemi engine of 5,4 L, providing a 300 hp V8 engine, 3-speed manual transmission, and rear wheel drive. It was based on the shorter wheelbase of the Imperial. The car was in a coupe body, and there 1,725 units were sold at the price of nearly $4,000.

New Update: Chrysler 300B (1956)

In 1956, the car got a new update that was referred to as the Chrysler 300b. The first major change was a new tail fin design. The car also received new, more powerful Hemi engines, and as an option, it was three-speed automatic transmission. The new engines included Hemi V8 with 5.8 L, which delivered 340 horsepower, and another with a higher compression rate delivered 355 hp.

Third Generation: Chrysler 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F (1957-1960)

In 1957 Chrysler released a new update to the Chrysler 300. The 300 C was a top-of-the-line model that had a new body design. It was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessors. The previous X-frame chassis was replaced with a stronger semi-monocoque design, giving the car a more solid feel, better road manners, and reduced weight.

The Hemi V8 engine got some changes by 1956, including four-barrel carburetors, which boosted its power. Three models, 300C, 300D, and 300F, were available for sale in 1957 and later years with a 3-speed automatic transmission or 3-speed manual transmission in a rear-wheel drive version. The vehicle was available for customers in both coupe and convertible bodies.

Chrysler 300D was realized in 1958 and had a 392 CID Hemi engine that produced 375 horsepower. There was also a custom upgrade with a 390 horsepower engine inside.

Fourth Generation: Chrysler 300G 300H (1961-1962)

In 1961 the company launched the fourth generation of the Chrysler 300G series. It introduced a new wide frame with coil springs in all four corners. The car got a 2-door coupe or a 2-door convertible at the buyer's choice. The Chrysler 300G received interior and exterior upgrades, while some under-the-hood features remain unchanged.

The Golden Lion V8 (6.8 L) engine was equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor with an output of up to 380 horsepower. It had a 3-speed manual "Code 281" transmission as well as a 3-speed TorqueFlite A488 automatic.

The Chrysler 300H came next in 1962 and featured the same V8 engine as the previous model had. It was one of the most powerful cars of its time by far. Regarding the exterior the tail fins were gone, and the body smoothed out.

Fifth Generation: Chrysler 300J, 300K (1963-1964)

In 1963 the company released a new update to the Chrysler 300. The 300J was a top-of-the-line model that had a unique body design. It was longer, wider, and lower than its predecessors. The previous X-frame chassis was replaced with a stronger semi-monocoque design, giving the car a better solid feel, road manners, and reduced weight.

The Golden Lion V8 (6.8 L) engine was equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor with an output of up to 380 horsepower. It had 3-speed manual "Code 291" transmission as well as 3-speed TorqueFlite A488 automatic transmission.

The Chrysler 300K came next in 1964. It had some major changes over the previous model. The interior was more luxurious, providing more comfort and space. The exterior was also changed, eliminating the tail fins and smoothing the body. As a result, the car became one of the best models of its time by far.

Sixth Generation: Chrysler 300L (1965)

In 1965 Chrysler released a new update to their Chrysler 300 series, tagged as the Chrysler 300L. This generation was almost as stylish as it's previous one but still had some major differences that customers appreciated a lot once they got behind the wheel and drove it for themselves. The car was offered in a 2-door coupe hardtop or a 2-door convertible body type with the Golden Lion V8 (6.8 L) that pairs with 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission or a 4-speed manual one.

Seventh Generation: Hurst 300 (1970)

In 1970 Chrysler launched another updated version of the Chrysler 300, which was tagged as the Hurst 300. The car featured a new wide-body and some minor changes over previous models.

The Chrysler 300 Hurst was available with a new 440 cu in (7.2 L) TNT V8 engine that works in a pair with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission that replaced its old 4-speed automatic one.

Eighth Generation: Chrysler 300M (1999-2004)

From 1999 to 2004, this generation was the best-selling one among all previous generations. The new car featured major improvements over its predecessor, including interior, exterior, and technician changes. The most noticeable feature of this generation is a dramatic restyling over the original 300M. In addition, this model was front-wheel drive.

The new model featured a stylish front fascia, along with a boomerang-shaped lower front grille section, and sporty rear fascia with dual oval tail lamps and chromed bumper end caps. Customers could only choose the Chrysler 213 CID (3.5L) V6 that featured a single camshaft per cylinder bank (SOHC) and four valves per cylinder and developed 253 HP.

Ninth Generation: Chrysler 300 (2005 -2010)

In 2005 Chrysler launched the new model of the Chrysler 300, but it wasn't an update over previous Chrysler 300 models. The car received some major exterior updates that almost changed its appearance. The roofline was lowered, giving the vehicle a sleek and athletic look, as well as redesigned rear fascia and taillights. This model was produced for five years, until 2010.

The body style was realized like a 4-door notchback sedan and a 5-door station wagon (Europe, Australia, South America, Middle East, Japan). Customers were offered a large number of powertrains, like 2.7 L EER V6, 3.5 L EGG V6, 5.7 L EZB Hemi V8, 6.1 L ESF Hemi V8, 3.0 L OM642 turbodiesel V6. They were paired with 4-speed 42RLE or 5-speed W5A580 automatic transmission.

Tenth Generation: Chrysler 300 (2011 – 2023)

In 2011 customers received a new generation of Chrysler 300. The car received major exterior and interior updates, which made it different from previous models. The vehicle was offered in a 4-door notchback sedan with variations like Touring, Limited, 300S, 300C, and 300S (2012), 300 SRT-8, and 300C (2023). Customers can choose between 5-speed 5G-Tronic automatic and 8-speed 8HP45 automatic transmission.

All these models have numerous engines: 3.6 V6 Pentastar, 5.7 V8 Hemi, and 6.4L 392 Hemi V8. They provide from 292 to 485 horsepower.

The Bottom Line

Chrysler has had more than a dozen models of the 300 series and dozens of years of production, which is definitely praiseworthy for any carmaker. It has been a staple in the Chrysler lineup for over half a century, and it's still an incredibly popular model with millions of owners worldwide. Of course, the car's biggest draw lies in its huge engine selection and beauty.

FAQ

Is Chrysler 300 A Luxury Car?

The Chrysler 300 is regarded as a luxury car and one of the most successful model lines in Chrysler's history. It was first introduced in 1955 and has seen a number of design changes over the years, including a complete redesign from 2017 onward.

Does Chrysler 300 Have A Mercedes Engine?

Many people say that Chrysler 300 has a Mercedes-Benz engine. This is the real fact that models of Chrysler 300 made from 2005 to 2010 were equipped with the 3.0L OM642 turbo-diesel V6 engines used in overseas markets.

Are Chrysler 300 Good Cars?

Many people are wondering if Chrysler 300 models can still be reliable cars. Well, there have been plenty of changes in the market, but these models have always remained among the best cars and are a sure investment.