1956 Chrysler 300B Coupe

1956 Chrysler 300B Coupe

The Chrysler 300B coupe was a high-performance car that dominated NASCAR tracks, a luxury car that was poised at the top of the Chrysler model lineup, and a 65-year-old piece of history for people who are in love with the past. In short, there's something here for everyone.

For consignment adorned with a deep black paint job, a correct drive train featuring an original dual-quad Hemi, the fact that it is extremely rare (only 1,102 were built), and you have one of today's strongest automotive investments currently available. Courtesy Virgil Exner, the design is almost the opposite of everything that was going on in the industry in 1956. It's lower, wider, and almost devoid of extraneous trim, definitely had the competition looking over their shoulders when this baby hit the showroom floors. Residing in the comfortable garages of the same family for 40 plus years, it has had a pampered life, and a rebuilt engine in the early 1990s. Anything that was replaced since, has always been NOS parts when possible.

Exterior
The black paint on this car looks positively radiant under the lights in our photo studio. Make no mistake, this is a big car, but its proportions are cleverly disguised by brilliant design. Starting at the front grille which uses wide openings and heavy horizontal and vertical bars to create the cubby hole grille. It's a dual design and forms a graceful V with a large cloisonne badge in its center on the black bodywork. A single visored bezeled headlight is flanking the grille and these are mounted on the rounded front quarters. A big bumper below emulates the curve to the grille and turn signals and running lights are rounded and placed just below the main head lighting. On the sides is the beginnings of a long chromed trim spear which runs the gamut of the side to the rear bumper. Door panels and slab sides are straight and rust free and other trimmings interrupting the black steel are sparse for the time period, but very effective. A bubble rear glass is seen and this meets up with a large trunk lid and deck. On either side for the rear a large bumper is on the bottom and it rises on either corner to create a housing for the tail lighting which could be from a cathedral chandelier. Dual exhaust tips peek out the back and wide whites wrap slotted wheel covers with solid centers and a Chrysler badge on all 4 corners.

Interior
A swing of the well-balanced doors and we get a taste of the interior on the door panels. Here we see smooth tan leather covering the doors. This is broken up by more curved trim spears on a much smaller scale than on the exterior. Power window toggles are neatly lined up and the door actuator is nice and shiny. Inside the luxurious interior are 2 long benches. The one in front has tuck and rolled, piped and square paneled leather seat and back tops, and smooth darker tan bolsters. Power seats are installed as an option along with seat belts. The rear bench presents in the same pattern and is very clean. Upfront the curved overhang topped dash is full metal jacket and trades off between tan and black painted steel. Gauges, knobs levers and switches abound, and we see push button transmission to driver's left. In the center dash a lineup of round knobs for all the controls including factory air (one of only 23 known to exist). In front of the passenger is a rounded door and speaker vertical ribbed tan metal panel with a clock insert just above the glove box door. Above all this is a beautifully preserved white headliner, and even on the B pillars inside are more ribbed trimmings. Can you say lap of luxury and textures?

Drivetrain
Under the big hood is a very detailed engine bay. Shoehorned in is a 354ci V8 Hemi engine that is rated at 340hp. On top are numbered Carter dual 4-barrel carbs, (2444S and 2445S) and our consignor states that the carburetors were recently rebuilt. Behind this Hemi is a Torqueflite 3-speed automatic which has proven to be pretty much bulletproof. A 3.73 rear axle is on the back. Noted are gold painted accents including the sculpted air cleaner cover covering the dual quads, and gold valve covers. All else is dirt and grease free and is all good.

Undercarriage
Here we find a heavy coating of rustproofing and can see some rough repairs on the rear frame rails. Inside the wheel wells near the rockers are also subjected to invasive rust with some chip off of the rustproofing and very bumpy surfaces, which may signal additional rust underneath. Body hangers are mostly intact, but a few will need some eventual attention. Exhaust has a few holes in it, and independent coil spring suspension is in front and leaf springs for the back provide the ride. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners. Consigner states new kingpins and wheel cylinders were recently installed.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and a bit of a rough idle, but we made it to the test track where it warmed up but continued to run just a bit rough. It does accelerate nicely and stops on a dime which is good when behind this deceptively large car. I found the A/C to be inoperable, the right rear tail light and turn signal to be nonfunctional, and the charging system at idle is below normal voltage. A beautiful and comfy interior though!

A rare item with only 1,102 built, and today only 246 are known to still survive with a mere 100 still roadworthy, the others for more parts donating. Power brakes, power windows, power steering, and A/C are just a few of the conveniences this car is loaded with.

VIN DECODE
3N561941
3N56-1956 Chrysler 300 B
1941-Sequential Unit Number