The 1959 Chrysler 300E is the fifth edition of the letter-series 300. Basically the same car as the 1958 300-D, but sported a horizontal-bar grille instead of the previous eggcrate and a 413-cid wedgehead V-8 instead of the fabled Hemi.

The 1959 Chrysler 300-E hardtop coupe, the fifth edition of the letter-series 300.
1959 Chrysler 300-E hardtop coupe.
See more pictures of Chrysler cars.

The E's reputation for sluggishness is undeserved: most contemporary road tests pegged it a good second quicker than the D up to 60 mph and up to three seconds faster to 90 mph.

Rear-end styling was altered in line with other '59 Chryslers. A difficult sales year for the industry as a whole limited production, making this model a real find today.

Pluses of the 1959 Chrysler 300E:
  • Rarer than other 300s
  • Styling (still good)
  • Performance
  • Roadability
  • Magnificent mile-eater
  • Interior luxury
Minuses of the 1959 Chrysler 300E:
  • A "bum rap" for "doing in the Hemi"
  • Magnificent fuel-eater
  • Rust-prone
Production of the 1959 Chrysler 300E:
  • 2-door hardtop: 550
  • Convertible: 140
Specifications of the 1959 Chrysler 300E:
Length, inches: 220.6
Wheelbase, inches: 126.0
Weight, pounds: 4,290-4,350
Price, new: $5,319-5,749

Engines for the 1959 Chrysler 300E:

TypeSize HorsepowerYears
ohv V-8 413 380 1959

Want more information about classic cars? See: