The Birth of Chrysler 300M: A Concept That Shaped a Flagship

Unique ONES - Chrysler, more than any other U.S. automaker, has reached back into the past for its show cars. This Chrysler 300M Concept tried to recapture the flavor of Exner's 1950s Ghia cars, especially in the Italianate grille. With Viper established as Dodge's halo car, it was time for Chrysler to gain a flagship at last. Thus was born the Chrysler 300, which used themes that would mark Chrysler for the next decade, including the guppy grille and scalloped headlights.

The Chrysler 300M Concept tried to recapture the flavor of Exner's 1950s Ghia cars, especially in the Italianate grille. (Picture from: PlanetCarz)

The Chrysler 300M Concept shared some styling similarities with the Viper, but it was significantly larger. It was over two feet longer, half an inch wider, and seven inches taller. Despite the size difference, it retained the same powerful 8-liter V10 engine. However, to cater to luxury buyers, the 300M Concept came equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission instead of a manual.

The Chrysler 300M Concept shared some styling similarities with the Viper, but it was significantly larger. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Inside the 300M Concept, the designers focused on creating a user-friendly environment. Large, round gauges were designed for quick readability. The driver's area featured a black color scheme, while the passenger area had a tan interior with wood accents. The controls were driver-oriented, with some angled from a high console. The driver's seat even had built-in air conditioning vents. Additionally, the interior lighting had three adjustable levels to suit different preferences.

The Chrysler 300M Concept felt like a powerful luxury car from Detroit's glory days, solid and abundant in power and style, as it featured with a unique rear-suicide-door hinges. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The Chrysler 300M Concept had a wheelbase similar to the original 1955 Chrysler C300, ensuring a comfortable and spacious interior. The team paid attention to even the smallest details. For example, Al Turner, Jr., who oversaw the concept's construction, took pride in the high-capacity rear-suicide-door hinges. These hinges provided access to the rear seat area, which, despite being tight, managed to accommodate a tape-based video console and cell phone.

In terms of technology, the Chrysler 300M Concept showcased an early form of keyless ignitiones. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

To accommodate the suicide doors, the roof and pillars of the 300M Concept had extra steel framing. The engineers also devoted considerable effort to ensure that the car would pass Federal crash tests. Although Chrysler ultimately didn't produce the vehicle, the concept was designed as a production-intent car. It was made of standard steel, and its lighting and other features met the legal requirements for street cars.

Despite its longer length, the 1991 Chrysler 300M Concept was indeed based on the Viper. The Viper's space-frame was stretched by two feet and four inches to fit the 300M Concept. The car featured a modified iron-block V10 engine borrowed from an early Viper mule. This engine boasted an impressive output of 385 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Although the Chrysler 300M concept was designed as a production-intent car, but unfortunately it didn't produce by the automaker. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)

In terms of technology, the 300M Concept showcased an early form of keyless ignition. Instead of a traditional key, the driver used a small magcard to open a door covering the ignition switch. Different driver-specific cards could also adjust the seats and mirrors to individual preferences.

The designers placed a strong emphasis on sound insulation, ensuring a quiet cabin that suited a luxury-sport sedan. The car was reportedly exceptionally quiet at idle. The 300M Concept felt like a powerful luxury car from Detroit's glory days, solid and abundant in power and style. The view from inside was described as "panoramic," although the power mirror controls were non-functional, and the windows did not move.

While the 1991 Chrysler 300M Concept missed the mark in terms of design, it played a significant role in shaping the successful Chrysler 300 nameplate that would follow in the coming years. The concept's bold attempt at blending luxury and power may not have resonated with audiences at the time, but it served as a stepping stone for Chrysler to refine and improve their flagship model. Thankfully, Chrysler learned from the concept's shortcomings and went on to create the iconic Chrysler 300 that we know and appreciate today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AMCARGUIDE | PLANETCARZ | CONCEPTCARZ | CARSTYLING.RU ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.