The Chrysler 300 lived a long life.
The luxury sedan was launched in 2004 and December 22, 2023 marks its last day of production.
There was a midlife update in 2011, but the bones of the last car very much descend from the first.
The styling is even older.
THE CHRYSLER 300 SEDAN WILL BE DEAD FOR YEARS
It was previewed by the Chrysler Chronos concept car that was unveiled at the 1998 Detroit Auto Show.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FRIDAY FANTASY STORIES FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING
The sleek and curvaceous sedan was a modernized take on the Virgil Exner Chrysler designs of the 1950s. It was powered by a 350 hp V10 that breathed through its oval egg crate grille and sent the power to rear wheels tucked into dramatically flared fenders.
The look was toned-down by the time the 300 made it to showrooms, but the basic themes remained the same and the interior styling stayed true Chronos cabin’s look.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING NEWSLETTER
The 300 didn’t get a V10 engine, but that’s probably for the better. The SRT8 model’s 6.1-liter V8 was rated at 425 hp.
A year after the Chronos debuted, Dodge brought a Charger R/T concept to the Detroit show that featured a similarly exaggerated style with more of a 1960s muscle car vibe.
The crosshair grille would find its way onto the 2005 production car, while the 2011 redesign would incorporate the concept’s side scallops that would see it through the end of production.
Neither Chrysler nor Dodge has yet shown a four-door concept for potential future models this time around.
However, the Charger name will be transferred back to a two-door on the production version of the electric Charger Daytona SRT Concept that goes on sale late next year.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING YOUTUBE CHANNEL
