The 300 has long been one of the most recognizable full-size sedans under the Chrysler brand. For decades, the car was a status symbol of a middle-class family on their way up in the world. Each iteration had a clean yet luxurious design that always drew eyes on the road, but that storied lineage is about to end.
The line ends with the 2023 Chrysler 300C, named as such as a tribute to the very first model. So, how did one of the most popular luxury sedans of all time end up with such a simple name? And how will the Chrysler brand move on from what was once its flagship vehicle?
A brief history of the Chrysler 300
Chrysler 300 | Getty Images
The story of the 300 starts way back in 1955, autoNXT reports. That was when the original, the 300C, first rolled off the assembly line. The so-called “letter series” was a Hemi V8 platform with an exterior cobbled together from other Chrysler vehicles. That money-saving decision originated the line’s unique position as an accessibly-priced luxury sedan.
That series lasted a decade. Concurrently, starting in 1962, Chrysler released the “non-letter series” 300s. According to Miami Lakes Automall, that was when the automaker decided to move on from the high-performance approach of the flagship line. These lower-priced models were even more family-friendly, with four-door hardtop variants becoming popular.
That line ended in 1971, as the now-dated design language faded in popularity. The name, and legacy, were revived in 2005 with the new Chrysler 300, initially a large four-door sedan and station wagon line. The latter model was discontinued in 2010. Now, the storied 300 line ends once more, although there is already speculation of an EV-based revival in the near future.
What does ‘300’ stand for?
On a scale of 1 to 300, how much do you love this pic? #Chrysler300 pic.twitter.com/48iiNy8NgJ
— Chrysler (@Chrysler) March 6, 2021
Since 1955, Chrysler keeps going back to the 300. Even after initially winding down the non-letter era, the company revived the name for an option package for their then-popular Cordoba coupes. So what was the meaning behind such a plain name?
According to Chrysler Club, the simplicity is exactly where the charm lies. The original 300C hit 300 hp, making it one of the fastest cars available at the time. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and had a top recorded speed of 130 mpg. The automaker wanted to announce to consumers precisely what kind of beast the 300C was when it hit the market.
That standard, oddly enough, wouldn’t define every 300 going forward—for example, the entry-level 3.6-liter V6 engine in the 2023 Chrysler 300 tops out at 292 hp. But consumers can also enjoy a 6.4-liter V8 with 485 hp, well past that old 300C benchmark.
What happened to the Chrysler 300?
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The 300 brand seems to come in long cycles, and this latest attempt is about to meet the same fate as what came before. On the official Chrysler website, the 2022 Chrysler 300 is still pushed like a headlining vehicle, but declining sales imply that consumers are ready to move on. That disinterest likely has more to do with the general shift away from sedans, regardless of their quality.
Massive pickup trucks and sleek crossover SUVs are sucking up most of the oxygen. But the rising interest in EVs has consumers giving sedans a second look, and Chrysler may follow suit. The line may see a revival by 2028 at the latest when the automaker plans to have an all-EV lineup. Until then, the new 300C will mark the official end of the long-running luxury line.
Keyword: What Do the Numbers 300 Stand for in the Chrysler 300?