1957 Chrysler Cars Fact Sheet

The first Torqueflite automatic transmission provided three speeds forward plus reverse. Gear ratios were 2.45:1 in first, 1.45 in second, and 1.00 in third. The transmission was controlled by push buttons located on the vehicle’s dashboard. Catch the 1957 Chrysler Full Line Brochure HERE.

The new Hemi had a 4.00″ bore and 3.906″stroke. The deck height was raised to 10.87″ accommodate the stroke. Because its deck was taller, the heads were cast with wider intake ports so that earlier manifolds could be used with the new heads. The version of the 392 in the Chrysler 300C was rated at 375 HP and 390 HP. See the Chrysler 300C Brochure HERE.

1957 SARATOGA SERIES C75-2 (Poly 8-Cylinder): The Saratoga lineup returned. This mid-line Chrysler was based on the Windsor. It featured upgraded upholstery. a higher horsepower Poly engine with dual exhausts, and had backup lamps and an emergency brake warning dash light. Torqueflite transmission, stainless steel wheel covers and power steering were standard equipment.

A single horizontal trim molding ran from front to rear, giving the car a long sweeping look. Two-tone finish was optional and popular. The “Saratoga” script was located below the horizontal trim line, just aft of the front wheelhouse opening. Early cars had single headlamps, with a dual system optionally available.

1957 NEW YORKER SERIES C76 (Hemi 8-Cylinder): For 1957, the top-of-the-line model Chrysler featured the largest production car engine available in that year, at 392 CID. It was the familiar Hemi making 325 HP. The styling copied the Windsor and Saratoga, except that a narrow, dart-like color sweep distinguished the sides of the car. Interiors were plush and much more upscale from the Windsor and Saratoga.

New Yorkers with two-tone finish had the roof color added to the side trim area. Trim was upscale from the Windsor and Saratoga and many features were standard: power steering, variable speed wipers, backup lights, windshield washer, to name a few.

All body styles were included in this series: 4-door Sedan, 2- and 4-door Hardtops a Convertible and a Town & Country Wagon. Dual rear antennas were a popular option that emphasized the sweep of the large tail fins.

1957 CHRYSLER 300C SERIES C76-300 (Hemi 8-Cylinder): The third version of the 300, the “300C” continued as the fastest and most powerful production car in the country. The 300 featured full leather interior trim and a new, masculine grille unlike any Chrysler offering, and the front bumper did not have the short, narrow vertical bumper guards found on other 1957 Chryslers.

Exterior ornamentation was minimal with single spear-like moldings on the lower rear quarter panels. The round 300 medallion, with a red-white-blue background and model numbers and lettering made its debut. Two medallions were placed on the side spear, four on each hubcap, one each on the hood, deck lid, glove box and another within the steering wheel center hub. Only the two on the spears carried both numbers and letters, the others had only the “300” designation. The colors of the emblem were to represent that this was an All-American performance car.

With the new, smaller, 14 inch wheels being used, it was necessary to provide for additional brake cooling on the Chrysler 300. This was accomplished by adding a rectangular opening below the headlamps which admitted air and guided it, via a duct, to the front brakes. The 300s were considered a part of the New Yorker series, but were so different as to be a world apart from that line – and also almost every other U.S. production automobile except for perhaps the Corvette.

Monotone colors were used exclusively on the 300. No two-tone colors were available.

• Cloud White
• Gauguin Red
• Jet Black
• Parade Green
• Copper Brown

Saratoga Standard and Windsor Series Power Pack Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Polyspherical combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 354 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.94″ x 3.63″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 390 foot-pounds at 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 256°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel, Type WCFB Model 2589S. Includes dual exhaust and full-low oil filter standard.

New Yorker Series Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.90″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 430 foot-pounds at 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 30°, Lift (Intake) 0.389″ (Exhaust) 0.389″. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel, Type WCFB Model 2590S.

Chrysler 300C Series Standard Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.90″. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Horsepower: 375 @ 5200 R.P.M. Torque: 420 foot-pounds at 4000 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters with high-lift camshaft and extra-stiff valve springs. Camshaft Duration: Intake 280°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 60°, Lift (Intake) 0.444″ (Exhaust) 0.435″. Carburetors: 2 Carter 4-barrels Front WCFB Model 2534S, Rear WCFB 2535S.

Chrysler 300C Series Optional High Output Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00″ x 3.90″. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Horsepower: 390 @ 5400 R.P.M. Torque: 410 foot-pounds at 4200 RPM. Five main bearings. Solid valve lifters with high-lift camshaft and extra-stiff valve springs. Camshaft Duration: Intake 260°, Exhaust 255°, Overlap 40°, Lift (Intake) 0.455″ (Exhaust) 0.455″. Carburetors: 2 Carter 4-barrels Front WCFB Model 2534, Rear WCFB 2535.

NOTE: This engine was available only with stick shift and no power options. It had special four-bolt cast iron exhaust headers and a 2-1/2 inch low back-pressure exhaust system. Current information indicates that  this camshaft had faster ramps – equivalent duration to the standard engine is: Intake 300°, Exhaust 295°  Overlap 95°.