Here’s how the Chrysler 300 went from cool gangster car to a forgotten has-been

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In this episode I provide the history of the Chrysler 300, starting back in 1955 with the C-300, followed by the 300B-300L, then a rebirth in 1998 with the 300M, and finally back to its classic luxury looks with the 300 and 300C in 2005. Although the original 300s were a homologation for stock car racing, they evolved more into luxury cars in the 60s, as well as the 1998 300M which could only be had with a V6. The new 300C in 2005 brought back V8 hemi power, and a redesign in 2011 kept the basic gangster look, but with the sedan market fading, and Chrysler wanting to emphasize luxury in the brand, the 300 faded into obscurity and finally cancellation by 2023.

[@MrNegativecreep07]

I remember people used to stick Bentley badges on them, which was utterly tragic.

[@richdorak1547]

Ha ! A cry for help ? You're right.

[@ryansalman1481]

I remember when people used to put a Rolls-Royce front bumper and lights on it💀💀💀

[@charlesbakston7414]

When the 300 wasn't trying to be like Bentley anyways

[@sethjackson2266]

To be fair...I'd rather the 300 unless I could sell the Bentley immediately...they got a name and fancy looks but the cars are utter garbage...Chrysler dodge ain't much better but it is better

[@Louzahsol]

I only saw that when I had service calls in the ghetto.

[@JudgedBy12-jo7pg]

The 300 is a hidden gem who wouldn't want a better looking Challenger/Charger. This car will never be forgotten

[@justthisguy1948]

There was nothing hidden about it they were extremely popular

[@s_for_short2400]

I would say the challenger and charger both look better tho 💀

[@giggiddy]

Till it became synonymous with wannabe ghetto thugs. Ruined the image of another cool car.

[@josephthornton4206]

Grandpa’s Charger.

[@Maximus20778]

​@@giggiddyso a 60s Chevy Impala image is ruined then?

[@craigster1234]

I still drive the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 that I bought new. It's been a great car. And it still gets looked at and admired.

[@user-ug2sx7xs5e]

The 300 SRT8 is such a beautiful subtle car

[@gooberhellgod]

Cuz it looks identical to a Rolls Royce

[@AdamWaffen]

Nice Fiat, they say!

[@craigster1234]

@@AdamWaffen Actually... a nice Daimler. Fiat didn't own Chrysler when these 300's were being built. Fiat bought Chrysler on January 29, 2014.

[@AdamWaffen]

@@craigster1234 it was a shitstain of a Nazi car. The last Mercury’s were better built.

[@pfwww12]

Everyone wanted Chrysler 300m. That was a really good looking car when it was out.

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

Absolutely. I remember when they first came out. Cool AND classy looking. Chrysler got this design right. 👍🏽🇺🇸

[@nosah8415]

I wanted one SO bad!

[@billgund4532]

​@@nosah8415I still want one soooo bad!!

[@stevienguyen2047]

We called them Chrently’s

[@djrkcryt2568]

I still want one

[@ajwillett7302]

I will sadly miss the lx cars when they bow out after this year. I still think we need cars along with crossovers. I love how these cars rode. I'm a Chrysler technician and notice that parts are harder to get, even for 05 models, which is sad. But it is what it is.

[@67tomcat]

Agreed, we need passenger cars in the mix for sure.

[@R.J.1]

Hence why the Cadillac body style lasted till 92. People want comfortable big body coupes and sedans. Chrysler Imperials were the juice.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Yup Stellantis

[@NeoGee]

Chrysler, through Stellantis had access to the Peugeot 508, which is an attractive full size car with a good reputation for reliability, they could bring that to North America instead of the Fiat and Alfa based trash they've been bringing here

[@MrTimeless101]

The rise of crossovers is what killed the 300. Chrysler's stagnation as well as the death of Sergio Marchionne may have also played a role. I wouldn't call the cars forgotten, the hemi's are nice and the SRT8 is the one to get.

[@patrickracer43]

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 will still be remembered due the fact that it's in the game Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 in it's Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler DLC

[@johnh8705]

That platform survived for 20 years.

[@AdamWaffen]

Becoming a Fiat is what killed the 300.

[@XVXC-M8]

@@patrickracer43and also Walter White’s car

[@patrickracer43]

@@XVXC-M8 that one isn't in the game

[@S-T-E-V-E]

The 300C sold really well in the UK too! A common upgrade was the 'Bentley grill' which made it look like the Bentley Arnage on sale at the time!

[@Low760]

Definitely didn't look like an arnage unless you were drunk.

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

I imagine a lot of 300 buyers in England also drank a lot of Stella Artois. Same demographic in the US.

[@geraldscott4302]

Did anybody make upgraded 15" wheels for them, to make them look like normal cars instead of pimpmobiles?

[@filthyanimal874]

@@geraldscott4302they look nothing like pimpmobiles

[@imrjeffrey]

I had a 2006 300 srt for 14 yr and I now have a 2023 300C that I just LOVE!

[@NickTarterOKC]

I love the 300, especially the 2005-2010 model years. The Hemi versions are legit muscle sedans that are amazing to mod. They are Chargers with a little more class.

[@RoyalAbundance]

Great video as always. The only point I would add, the economic crash of 2008 also contributed to the drastic decline in sales.

[@Choralone422]

I was thinking the exact same thing. The financial crisis then tanked new vehicle sales for pretty much everyone in 08 and 09.

[@ericrobertbradley6591]

I still want one because it handled more smoothly than the other cars in Midnight Club

[@stockpicksbytim1228]

great games

[@jeffreyzabawski4862]

I have a 21 Touring L 300 and it's definitely aged but it rides really Refined at the sametime, and they got the ZF 8 Speed tuned perfect. The Shifts are so precise and smooth and quick, yet feeling a little kick from each shift at the sametime. It definitely makes it feel more powerful than it probably is. Plus the Handling is pretty Sporty and nimbel, for being so damn big.

[@arieljones4595]

To this day i think the 300C is drop dead gorgeous, especially the 1st gen. I think that a nice SRT-8 will be a future classic.

[@PeterGriffin-kb2hf]

The 300 is the only Mopar I would want. Something about luxury muscle just feels badass

[@trollmastermike52845]

You mean like American "luxury" Because if you want a luxury muscle car bmw m550i, m5, m5 comp, or m5cs are the kings

[@burningpotato9447]

@@trollmastermike52845those are sports cars

[@robgoffroad]

I had a 2017 Dodge Charger Scat Pack for three years. I LOVED the car. I only sold it because life changes meant I'd be traveling more and I didn't see the point in making the payments on a car I could rarely drive, and would have to pay to store it. But wow what an awesome car.

[@OLDS98]

You did a grand job on this video. I liked the footage. I liked how you covered all points and aspects about the brand and the car models as well. I liked how you made it global as well. That car has had an interesting model run. Thank you again.

[@luisvelasco316]

While I was reading Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, there were descriptions of "low men" driving around the city in sedans. I always pictured these as Chyrsler 300s.

[@SplosionMovies]

380 hp from a ‘57 is buckwild

[@joshuagonzalez9733]

I was thinking the same thing!!!

[@crktritual]

380 hp in 1957 is insane

[@TheSuburban15]

Look out for the 300s. Although they are pretty rare here in southeast Pennsylvania, they seem to be involved in an unusually large share of accidents and near misses.

[@ward9832]

The 05-10 300c Is a massive bargain nowadays. 3000-6500 for one in good condition and you're basically getting a dodge charger with the ride similar to an E class. If you can deal with the cheap interior they make excellent daily drivers.

[@RageousMode]

Was getting worried you missed one of the most obvious pop culture references in Breaking Bad seeing as you featured the Aztec and knew its prominence. Thankfully you put it in right at the end with one of the best scenes from the show!

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

The gangster vibe with the 300 is still alive and well if you want it to be! ♐

[@jakobschoen6499]

I especially like the 300M, which smiles at you so kindly.

[@MichaelMcDonald-ud8wy]

I've owned a 06 Chrysler 300c Heritage Edition. Beautiful automobile that draws looks and a blast to drive!

[@abandonexplorations3896]

I have a 1964 Chrysler Newport and I love that it hasn't been on the road since 1986 and I've been fully restoring it

[@TheeGlocktopus]

The biggest problem was the brakes on this and the charger. Those brakes were about 66% of the size they needed to be.

[@Mastah2006]

Oh, the brakes were nowhere near as bad as the interior. It made early 90’s kias look like a luxury cars

[@jacobyo99]

@@Mastah2006I think the interior LOOKS kinda cool for it’s day, 2005, but it FEELS terrible and fell apart

[@Low760]

Did the abs kick in if you press hard? If so then they weren't.

[@charlesharmon4926]

Chrysler always takes a great design and effs up the engineering by cutting corners to save a few shekels

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

While the cars were definitely American: they all weigh 150% what they should.

[@petersullivan3012]

I had 300c in the UK, and absolutely loved it. It stood out on the roads over here amongst the usual German cars, which may me good, but are every 3rd car on the road and just blend in. I bought a 2nd gen 300 in 2014 but had loads of problems, guess it was the Fiat engine (3l diesel) that let it down as the problems were always mechanical. Chopped it in for a Kia Stinger in the end and I'm loving that too.

[@Mr10Alpine]

in 40 years, the 2005-2023 LX/LD platforms will be highly sought after, much like their older platforms today. Especially the high-performance stuff, and in the Challenger, the 6-speed manual only offered on this platform.

[@jamespn]

The first gen square body modern 300 is very popular and had a more formal look. The interior had too much cheap plastic that let it down some.

[@JasonFlorida]

Outside was a wannabe Bentley and the inside looked like a Dodge Caravan

[@hakeemsd70m]

I loved the 2005-10 300. Never cared for the 2011-23, even though I'm glad they kept it in production for as long as they did.

[@grunkohlaktionar7474]

Please do an episode on the Mitsubishi Diamante

[@doug6191]

Hope to see a 929 video!

[@1mzfe]

I second that!

[@mctown972]

And now you mostly find clapped out 300s in the hood 😂

[@deathwrenchcustom]

With mismatched 20s. 😆

[@arcademania7544]

​@@deathwrenchcustom"Naw they 10's, but I keep them clean"

[@deathwrenchcustom]

@@arcademania7544 🤣🍻

[@milfordcivic6755]

Bad V-6 engines and transmissions tarnished the reputations of these.

[@mopargm9329]

Only the 2.7L and some early 3.5Ls. The 3.6 kicks ass

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Crysler has been known for bad transmissions since the 80s-90s

[@mopargm9329]

@@shadowopsairman1583 their 8 speeds are one of the most reliable transmissions in the industry. They are the German ZF ones

[@chaospxl_]

In europe these still have a massive swag factor, and might gain popularity in the youth in a couple of years.

[@MichaelPhelpsMedia]

I had a 2009 SRT8. It was a beast with upgraded intake and exhaust and custom tuned. With the 20" wheels, I was always getting it realigned every time I would hit a big pothole...

[@emilyadams3228]

1:42 "This plant will be transformed into making EV's, as Chrysler tries to play catch‐up with the growing global EV trend." Well, it's Canada, which is dead to the living, thanks to globalism. Let's start working on our Chrysler obituaries now. Never mind the one for Canada, that one is writing itself.

[@vicp8772]

That's Mr fancy socks in Ottawa to thank

[@snek9353]

I hope you're right that they'll be appreciated later. I love mine and it's one of the rarer versions. A V8-AWD John Varvatos. Truly unfortunate that this car got so lost in the shuffle at the FCA/Stallantis marketing/planning department.

[@dwtn81]

THANKS RALPH GILES FOR THE DESIGN OF THE MODERN MODEL 300C!!

[@45Thunderbird]

I loved how the 300c looked in black and chrome, looked so gothic and classic with that grill prior to the facelift. Never could find one the moment I had money to contemplate one, and often people told me a handful of maintenance warnings too to err me away from the idea...still a cool look though

[@xxyvng6831]

If i got one i would do white w chrome bumpers and pillars, all the badges removed 5% tint

[@giggiddy]

​@@xxyvng6831it would look like any number if them commonly still found in the road today. Very common where I live

[@rileysmith9843]

Thank you for making this. I had one of these vehicles (before the pre-Eagle Hemi’s fatal flaw took the engine out), and wanted a video on this car. And at some point, can you make videos on the rest of the LX cars (Charger, including all predecessors made from 1966 to 1978, 1981 to 1987, and current form set to sunset in 2023, including all concepts, Challenger, including all concepts, and predecessors made from 1969 to 1974, 1977 to 1983, and current form which started production in 2008 and ending production this year, and Magnum, including the 1978-89 USA/Canada model, 1979-81 Brazilian model, 1981-82 and 1983-88 Mexican models, and the 2005-08 station wagon version sold in Europe as the Chrysler 300 wagon).

[@CariHere]

I have a 3.5L AWD Chrysler 300 I love it ❤️ Despite only having a V6, I actually feel like it's quite fast and makes a great sound

[@LaneyTheOne]

the 3.5 is a nice sounding v6. Cut off the resonator and it makes a decent noise on the stock muffler

[@Samanthacroyall]

The Mercedes w210 e class chassis is what they used on these cars and they share a ton of components.

[@chrisxa1222]

Just the suspension the platform is chrysler

[@kyleharris8150]

Episode(s) on Oldsmobile Delta, Regency; Dodge/Plymouth Spirit/Acclaim; Ford Fairmont, AMC Javelin, Dodge Rampage, Nissan Silvia

[@padroooo]

I hate when they take a car model and try to make it high performance sporty car and then try to make it a luxury car. The Ford Thunderbird is probably the best example I can think of. Thanks Pat for another great video.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

I agree. I've always been a Thunderbird fan. Imo, it would have been nice to see it continue production. I could see it being continued alongside the Mustang like the Challenger is to the Charger. Take care👍

[@frontsidegrinder6858]

We ride a '10 300C CRD Station W here in germany as a daily and it's a wonderful car, so satisfied with it!!

[@billlee1227]

Great stuff as always!

[@IAmMisterTterevel]

I really would like to get a 2005-11 300; especially if it includes the 5.7L HEMI V8

[@kelvinhatcher3285]

When they first came out in 05 as a long time car business man. I felt something for this car it was 🤩!

[@davidp2888]

Great video, Pat.

[@KhaleesiStJames]

Long Live the OG Chrysler 300 C🎉🎉🎉

[@jasonvario9538]

The Dodge Magnum wagon was the coolest thing from this run

[@colinschmitz8297]

I have often wondered how much of the LX 300's success was a offering the Hemi engines along with the consolation of the Chrysler LH models from 3 models (LHS, 300M, and Concorde) to just the 300 series. I would have loved to have seen how the 300m would have sold if a Hemi version would have been sold (the LH platform was designed with the potential being switched to RWD).

[@Ian44_92]

I still think the 300 looks cool. I drove one before and it rode very nice and I also thought the gauges looked pretty slick

[@fatwithmoney8953]

I've owned a 08 300c and now a 23 300c. Love them

[@theelk801]

incredible that they fumbled the bag so hard on the chrysler nameplate that they had to make their escalade competitor a freaking jeep

[@chased6222]

Right. When I saw the new Wagoneers I kept expecting to see it rebadged as an Aspen.

[@Kman.]

Very informative, thank you.

[@mattjacomos2795]

I owned a 2005 V8 for a year and sold it a couple months ago. Loved the engine, hated the electrics. Driving along and it would randomly turn of headlights, the instruments and indicators would stop working and nothing I could do would solve the problem. Crap visibility with those massive A pillars too.

[@frozenrobert5735]

Great video. To be honest, I was totally waiting for the Walter White cameo. 😊 One of the best product placements ever.

[@Low760]

I thought you were going to say in Australia that the 300c SRT8 was competitive with the Holden Commodore/hsv's and the ford falcon's/fpv's

[@SonofthePhantom]

The 2nd gen 300 SRT8 was used by some Aussie police forces as a highway patrol car. Certainly sounded good

[@anthonyrowland9072]

a first gen 300c that's actually clean is still hard though. the first gen charger aged like mayonnaise in the sun however.

[@Atari2600Gamer]

They're both dreadfully cheap looking, but at least the charger wasn't a straight up wannabe Bentley like the 300.

[@NHNVrhythmguitarist]

Great vid, and a great car! Can you do a video on the AMC Eagle too?

[@JoeManLARockinEmpire]

The 300 Design was inspired by Checker Cab. Put them side by side you can see

[@georgeh6856]

Years ago, I lived in Florida. A guy I knew there was causing me all sorts of problems. He was very arrogant and a bully, even though he was about 5 feet tall. One day he showed up with his new Chrysler 300. Shortly after that, he parked his 300 too far against a tire stop in a parking lot. The 300 had such a low front end that it got caught on the tire stop and when he reversed out of the parking spot, it tore his front end up very badly. He apparently took the loss on his 300 and got a different car instead. I still remember how funny it was seeing his Chrysler 300 with its front end torn up.

[@billwill7383]

Karma

[@anthonyrivera4735]

Please do a video on the Ford Explorer sport trac pickup

[@JSFGuy]

Have you searched his files for that?

[@shadowopsairman1583]

You mean engine exploders

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

Still like that car, has a lot to do with it being one of the last mid sized car on the market and has a usable backseat, unlike smaller cars. Everything went to SUV. Electric cars aren't a replacement for anything.

[@tomtbi]

I built the AMT 21 Charger RT kit this past spring.. it also came out quite decently I think..

[@iabconsulting]

I won a 2009 Chrysler 300 Touring. Red with rear wheel drive. Best car I have ever owned.

[@pfwww12]

Woww. Chrysler designs definitely was more stylist than Chevy and Cadillac

[@The_Hulkster]

Disagree. GM had the SSR and the Cadillac XLR during this era. The C6 Corvette design was also ridiculous at the time. It was like seeing a Ferrari. Sort of like how the C8 was in 2020.

[@tomtbi]

Ive built the AMT 05 300C kit a couple of years ago . Came out quite decently I think..

[@alyoshapearce5985]

In Australia they were mostly Highway Patrol police cars. There’s still some in service now.

[@curtisdittmar8696]

Was a nice way to pass the time 🙂

[@samrosu2032]

I had a 79 300... Part of that $2000 was numbered units and a 360cid PI engine.

[@benbrown2119]

You missed the 1970 300-H Hurst edition - only 485, but a special Hurst treatment that is worthy of mention!

[@chrislong8986]

Actually the LX platform was based on the LH with the only only the styling and the rear coming from Mercedes

[@edwardpate6128]

When they stopped offering AWD with the Hemi that was a huge sales hit in Northern states where it snows.

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

If you want to go full Italian mobster you can buy it branded as a Lancia

[@alexmurphy4697]

I'm bouta grab a 5.7L v8 hemi 2005 300c and im excited to build it up

[@esvareinmal1041]

This channel worth a one million subscribers 🎉

[@bitemyshinnymetalass1569]

I love the look and performance of the Chrysler 300 from 2011-2023. Sad it's going away after this year. 😞

[@haydnredx]

I remember when the 300 came out. People would put Bentley badges on them 😂😂

[@rorybaker5799]

I’ve wanted one for years. It’s a shame they are canceling it.

[@MrMustang13]

I didn’t even know they were still making them in 2023

[@Francis292]

Yeah I remember them in UK and, very rare to see but available estate (Station Wagon) variant. I haven't seen one for ages.

[@engineer_alv]

those were sold here as the Dodge Magnum for about 4 years.

[@chadmontgomery7827]

They weren't the same shits exactly though. Those magnums were cool. People bitch and whatever but those overly powered soccer wagons were just too much for the typical run of the mill simple bitch. They were silly but a top notch upgrade to the wood wagons of yester days.

[@chrisegnatz3668]

I had a 55 C 300.Somewhat temperamental with a 6 volt eiectrical system.

[@geraldselvey7687]

As an Australian it fitted in well to the Australian market right beside the commodore and falcon

[@dudet9662]

pffft I just bought one.. still awesome

[@Schnarkel]

I recommend you cover the Acura TL or possibly the Honda Crosstour

[@ivertranes2516]

I wouldn't call it forgotton. Where I live the 300 is still very popular as a dependable "step up" car.

[@user-lc2di3bz2m]

What you mean?

[@draculastraphouse7863]

This kid: the 300 is forgotten 🤡 Me: i see at least 5 chrysler 300 cars a day

[@lennyinahemi4088]

Love these cars

[@SledgeGE2]

I appreciate the video, any chance you might make one about the ford fusion?

[@wesleyclark947]

Can you do a video on the Nissan sx cars?

[@pierresvensson340]

I have 300c 5.7 hemi am really Happy man

[@bk_goatkim679]

Keep up the great content! I’ll miss the 300 a lot!

[@olikat8]

Welcome to "Product planning" at Chrysler the last 30+ years.

[@bernardboka4277]

The convertible concept Chrysler 300 Helios was a sight to behold. It’s good looks to me recalled the class and sophistication of the Lincoln suicide door convertibles of the 1960s. It is a shame it was never put into production. It would have been a halo luxury car that could have pulled Chrysler upmarket and perhaps was worthy of branding as an Imperial. They might have lost money on the car but it would have made Chrysler an aspirational brand. Perhaps that made Mercedes nervous now that I think about it. There were aftermarket conversions sold which were nice but they lacked the beautiful and seamless trim and finish of the concept.

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Opening of movie "Quiz Show" featured an attorney in a showroom buying a 300. Best part of the movie for me...

[@kettle_of_chris]

Another great video - really enjoyed this one! I'm surprised you didn't mention their John Varvatos editions? They, whoever Chrysler was at the time, spent a lot of money on TV ads promoting the John Varvatos editions. That is to say I saw two of them. Twice. And I wasn't watching any regular TV at the time.

[@dannyochocinco232]

I thought the same thing, but he did include the varvatos commercial

[@dannyarchives]

will never be forgot about by me

[@josephtafur]

I remember the Beats By Dre ad for the Chrysler 300