USA vs USA — 1955 vs 1963
| 300 Letter Series (300C) | Turbine Car Gas Turbine | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 390 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 425 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,424 cc | — |
| 0-60 mph | 7.7 sec | 12.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 4,400 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,264 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 5,588 mm | 5,090 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,402 | 55 |
| Original MSRP | $5,359 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $15,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Chrysler has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) with the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 130 hp, a 260-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a V8 OHV (Chrysler Hemi 392) in the Chrysler 300 versus a Gas turbine (4th generation A-831) in the Chrysler Turbine Car. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C) edges ahead at 7.7 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. The Chrysler Turbine Car carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 500 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 55 units built, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine is considerably scarcer than the Chrysler 300's 2,402 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine commands a significant premium over the 1955 Chrysler 300 Letter Series (300C), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car Gas Turbine rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.