1957 CHRYSLER CARS DESCRIBED - …wildaboutcarsonline.com/members/AardvarkPublisherAttachments/... · 1957 CHRYSLER CARS DESCRIBED ... absence of the Hemi V-8 and being fitted with

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1957 CHRYSLER CARS DESCRIBED 1957 CHRYSLER - GENERAL: The 1957 edition of Chrysler's 'Forward Look' was widely acclaimed for its clean lines and crisp styling. Drawing the most attention were the large sweeping rear fender fins. The grille used a broad, horizontal motif. All 1957 Chryslers had new bodies as well as new chassis features, with torsion bar suspension being the big innovation this year. The long-standing Newport name was no longer used for the hardtop body styles. Dual headlamps became standard equipment shortly after production began and as such are missing from many brochure illustrations and advertisements. Dual rear swept back aerials were a new option.

The Saratoga returned as the mid-level Chrysler after an absence of four years. The Hemi engine's bore and stroke were increased and the cubic inch displacement was raised nearly ten percent to 392 CID. The Poly-head engine used on the Saratoga and the Windsor was now raised to the 1956 Hemi’s 354 CID.

INNOVATIONS: Torsion bar front suspension, called “Torsion-Aire” and completely concealed tail pipes, spool-like engine mounts and optional "Captive-Aire" (tubeless) tires on the New Yorker Town and Country station wagon, where a spare tire was not provided on this model. 14" tire/wheel combos were all new as well, lowering the ride height and accentuating the car's modern look. Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission.

1957 WINDSOR SERIES C75-1 (Poly 8-Cylinder): Windsors remained the entry-level Chryslers, more by plainer interior trim and standard equipment being less than the Saratoga and New Yorker. Mechanically, Windsors only differed by the absence of the Hemi V-8 and being fitted with a manual transmission as standard in lieu of the Torque-flite. Two tone hardtop models had optional “Flight Sweep” color panels on the rear fenders, where “Windsor” in script was located, 3/4ths of the way back aft of the rear wheelhouse opening.

1957 SARATOGA SERIES C75-2 (Poly 8-Cylinder): The Saratoga lineup returned. This mid-line Chrysler, based on Windsor components, featured upgraded upholstery. a higher horsepower Poly engine with dual exhausts, backup lamps and brake warning signals. Torque-flite 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 - a 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. New Yorkers with two-tone finish had the roof color added to the side trim area. Trim was upscale from the Windsor and Saratoga series 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 sweeping 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 trims 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 representative of the high-performance nature of this 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. Monotone colors were used exclusively on the 300. 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 almost every other U.S. production automobile except for perhaps the Corvette.

MODEL/ENGINE I.D. DATA:

Windsor serial numbers. Windsors built in Detroit were numbered from W57-1001. Los Angeles built cars were numbered from W57L-1001. Motor numbers ran from WE57-1001 to WE57-48864.

Saratoga serial numbers. Saratogas built in Detroit were numbered from L57-1001. Los Angeles built cars were numbered from L57L-1001. Motor numbers ran from LE57-1001.

New Yorker serial numbers. Detroit built cars serial numbers were from N57-1001. Los Angeles built cars serial numbers were from N57L-1001. Motor numbers ranged from NE57-1001 to NE57-35552.

Chrysler 300C serial numbers. Serial numbers for the Chrysler 300 were from 3N57-1001, built in Detroit only. Motor numbers ran from 3NE57-1001 to 3NE57-3338.

All serial numbers were located on the left front door hinge post. Windsor and Saratoga Poly V-8 engine numbers, and New Yorker and Chrysler 300C Hemi V-8 engine numbers were located at the front of the engine block, between the heads, under the water outlet elbow. No code numbers were provided for identification of body/style type.

BODY PAINT CODE/COLORS: CHRYSLER 300C

A Jet Black F Parade Green N Copper Brown P Gauguin Red X Cloud White

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BODY PAINT CODE/COLORS: ALL EXCEPT CHRYSLER 300

B Horizon Blue C Regatta Blue C Velvet Blue D Sovereign Blue E Seafoam Green F Parade Green H Mist Gray J Charcoal Gray J Gunmetal Gray J Gunmetal Gray L Desert Beige M Shell Pink N Copper Brown P Gauguin Red R Regimental Red S Sunset Rose T Champagne Gold U Deep Ruby V Saturn Blue W Indian Turquoise X Cloud White

CHRYSLER ENGINES: Windsor Series Standard Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Polyspherical combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block.

Displacement: 354 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.94" x 3.63". Horsepower: 285 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 365 foot-pounds at 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Carburetor: Carter two-barrel, Type BBD Model 2527S.

Saratoga Standard Windsor Series Optional Power Pack Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Polyspherical combustion chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 354 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.94" x 3.63". Horsepower: 295 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 390 foot-pounds at 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel, Type WCFB Model 2589. 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". Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 R.P.M. Torque: 430 foot-pounds at 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Carburetor: Carter four-barrel, Type WCFB Model 2590, later cars equipped with Carter four-barrel, Type AFB Model 2448.

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". 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. Compression ratio: 9.25:1. Carburetors: 2 Carter 4-barrels Front WCFB Model 2534, Rear WCFB 2535.

Chrysler 300C Series Optional Engine. V-8 overhead valve, Hemispherical Combustion Chambers. Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 392 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.00" x 3.90". 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. Compression ratio: 10.0:1. Carburetors: 2 Carter 4-barrels Front WCFB Model 2534, Rear WCFB 2535. This engine was available only with stick shift and no power options. It had special four-bolt cast iron exhaust headers and a 2.5-inch low back-pressure exhaust system.

CHASSIS:

Wheelbase: All models - 126.0". Separate body and frame construction. Hotchkiss drive. Hypoid rear axle. Total-Contact brakes.

Overall length: Windsor, Saratoga, New Yorker and 300C 219.2", Town & Country 218.9 Front tread: Windsor and Saratoga - 61.0"; New Yorker - 61.2". Rear tread: Windsor and Saratoga - 59.7, New Yorker and 300C - 60". Width: All models – 78.8". Tires: Windsor and Saratoga - 8.50 x 14, New Yorker and 300 - 9.00 x 14.

POWERTRAIN OPTIONS:

Windsor. Three-speed manual transmission standard with Torque-flite automatic transmission optional. Saratoga and New Yorker. Three-speed Torque-flite automatic transmission standard. Chrysler 300C. Three-speed Torque-flite automatic transmission standard. Three-speed manual transmission

special order (standard with optional 390 HP Hemi).

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS:

Air-Temp air conditioning. Backup lights for Windsor (standard on other series). Captive Air tires (standard on Town and Country station wagon). Dual head lamps (standard on all lines shortly after production commenced). Dual rear antennas. Fresh air heater. Full-flow oil filter on Windsor. Hand brake warning signal for Windsor (standard on other series). Hi-Way Hi-Fi phonograph. Instant Air heater. Non-slip differential. Nylon cord tires. Outside mirrors. Power brakes. Power front antenna. Power steering on Windsor (standard on other series). Power windows lifts.

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SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS Continued

Radio with Music Master or Electro-Touch tuner. Rear seat speaker. Rear window defroster. Six-Way power seat. Stainless steel wheel covers for Windsor (standard on other series). Tinted glass. Two-tone finish (not available on 300C). Undercoating. Whitewall tires. Windshield washer (standard on New Yorker/300C).

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: The 1957 Chrysler models were introduced on October 29, 1956. Since 1926, when the first one was produced, By 1957 there no longer were any Imperial body parts interchangeable with the Chrysler line.

PRODUCTION: Chrysler production for 1957 totaled 122,273. See the attached chart for the detailed model breakout.

CAR IMAGES The Chrysler 300C was offered as a hardtop and convertible. 1,918 hardtops (shown here) were sold. The 1957 Chrysler 300C Convertible was all style and flash. Its base price of $5,359 limited the run to 484 cars. Continued –


CAR IMAGES Continued The 1957 Chrysler 300 featured a full leather interior unique to the model. The pattern evoked a 4-bucket seat interior that would appear in 1959. The 1957 Chrysler 300 logo. Each successive year would add a letter until K was reached.

The 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Wagon was very pricey at $4,746, however they were popular and 1,391 were sold. Continued –


CAR IMAGES Continued

The 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible was #4 on the high-price list, and was the only convertible other than the 300C. Only 1,049 left the factory, indicating that perhaps a Windsor or Saratoga version was needed.

The New Yorker 4-door Hardtop lost its "Newport" designation but still sold almost 11,000 units in 1957.

The New Yorker 2-door hardtop also gave up both its "Newport" and upscale "St. Regis" designations and sold just a bit less than the previous year, likely due to the more reasonably priced Saratoga offering.

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The 1957 New Yorker 4-door Sedan sales dropped to 12,369 from over 24 thousand in '56 and that was definitely because of the lower-priced Saratoga version.

The Saratoga nameplate returned after a 5-year hiatus, with a Windsor Poly-head 4-barrel V-8 and New Yorker-like options and interiors. Shown is the Saratoga 2-door hardtop. Note the single headlights in this early depiction.

The 1957 Saratoga 4-door Hardtop merely added to 4-door hardtop model sales - adding 11,586 to the totals.

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The 4-door Saratoga sales ate into the New Yorker line's4-door, but returned 14,977 deliveries, adding up to over 27,000 high-end sedan sales.

The 1957 Windsor 4-door Hardtop sales doubled over 1956 at 14,354.

The loss of the upscale Windsor Nassau 2-door Hardtop dropped this body style's sales by almost 1/2, down to 14,027, but with the Saratoga version selling 10,633, 2-door hardtop totals jumped up.

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The biggest bite in sales came from the 1957 Windsor 4-door Sedan - which dropped to 17,639 delivered, down from 53,199 in '56.

The 1957 Windsor Town & Country Wagon sold slightly less than the previous year, but not significantly.

The Chrysler line was one of the few luxury lines that offered two different engines, rather than just a lesser tuned version of the premium car's V-8. This would continue until the Hemi was retired in 1959.

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STYLING CHANGES:

The entire Chrysler model line, less the 300C, featured the same nose. At first the dual headlights were optional, but they were standardized as duals by January 1957.

The Chrysler 300C nose was entirely different and very aggressive looking. It carried dual headlights from day one. The orange grilles allowed air to the front brakes.

All 1957 Chryslers used the same taillights and rear fascia. The difference was in the fin where the New Yorker had the seven hashmarks (arrow) Windsor had “Windsor” in script, and the Saratoga had nothing. The 300C had the “300” emblem bisected by a chrome strip in the same position.

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1957 CHRYSLER CARS DESCRIBED - …wildaboutcarsonline.com/members/AardvarkPublisherAttachments/... · 1957 CHRYSLER CARS DESCRIBED ... absence of the Hemi V-8 and being fitted with