Re: {Chrysler 300} FW: 1955 Chrysler 300 convertibles? Nah, but...

I believe the 55/56 Chrysler convertibles were actually more of a rarity than a C300 or 300B (less than 1000 of each). Sometimes the combination of rarity and a top that goes down leads to the 'real' non-300 convertibles bringing more money at auction than a hardtop 55 or 56 letter car.

On Wed, Mar 17, 2021 at 9:56 PM Rich Barber <c300@xxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Rich Barber <c300@xxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 5:27 PM
To: 'Mathias Breitbach' <mfbreit@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: 1955 Chrysler 300 convertibles? Nah, but...

I understand that there is no record of any C-300 or 300-B convertibles being produced at the factory. Newport and New Yorker convertibles were made both years and some have been modified with 300 sheet metal, speedometer, leather seating, bumpers and trim-even period correct engines with Delta Wing air cleaners. Most owners/sellers fully disclose they are not authentic but some may be promoted as factory issue to the ignorant.

That’s why we have these meetings. It is also possible to cut the top off of a factory 300 and graft on the convertible parts—thus initiating much sturm und drang amongst the cognoscenti. I have lots of pictures of an example that looks the part, including the 150 MPH speedometer and Delta wing air cleaner. The VIN tag of an authentic C-300 would begin with 3N55 and be spot-welded to the driver’s door jamb. I’ve read that the Kiekhaefer race team would cut the top off of a 300 coupe so it could run in a NASCAR convertible race. Their coupes were reportedly built on convertible frames for strength.

Buyer beware.

Rich Barber
Brentwood, CA

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