USA vs USA — 1957 vs 1957
| 300C 300C | Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 390 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,424 cc | 6,767 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.7 sec | 10.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.5 sec | 17.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 5,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 3,302 mm |
| Length | 5,552 mm | 5,791 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,886 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,598 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $85,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Chrysler 300C 300C brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design answers with stronger collectibility, better value. 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 1957 Chrysler 300C 300C with the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1957 Chrysler 300C 300C holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 340 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chrysler 300C uses a V8 OHV Hemi displacing 6,424 cc, while the Chrysler Imperial Crown relies on a V8 OHV (Chrysler 392/413 Hemi/Wedge) with 6,767 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Chrysler 300C 300C edges ahead at 7.7 seconds versus 10.0 seconds. On the collector market, the 1957 Chrysler 300C 300C commands a significant premium over the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1957 Chrysler Imperial Crown Virgil Exner Design rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.