A look back at the 2005 Chrysler 300C

When it was introduced back in 2004, the Chrysler 300C was destined to be a standout car thanks to its sinister - yet discreet - design, choices of Hemi V8s, practicality, and reasonable price. With a 5.7l Hemi V8 producing 340hp and 390 lb ft of torque, it had plenty of grunt for the supposed gangsters who would buy this car to make a getaway.  It was also quite popular in the world of hip hop, back in the mid 2000s, when gigantic chrome wheels were the thing, it appeared in many videos and lyrics.

Although the interior was covered in nasty-looking plastics, it was well equipped.  The big cushy seats and Mercedes Benz-derived suspension components, also ensured that its driver and passengers rode in comfort.  The car also featured a Mercedes Benz five-speed automatic transmission, and to aid fuel economy, the engine would run on four cylinders when driving at low speeds.

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The 300C was well-received by the motoring press, with them being very kind about the performance of the engine.  Despite its cylinder shut-off system though, it could only get around 14mpg in mixed conditions and 17mpg on the highway.  The 300C is also fairly reliable, but if something does go wrong, getting it fixed will be on the expensive side.

Overall the 5.7l 300C gave good performance, but for those who desired more power and better handling, the SRT-8 version was available.  It came with Brembo brakes, bigger wheels, and an even bigger 6.1l V8 producing 425hp that could propel the big beast from 0-60mph in under five seconds.

Looking through online adverts shows that the 5.7l Hemi could be had for less than $16,000 and with less than 50,000 miles on the clock, while the SRT-8 could also be had for just over $20,000 for a car with similar mileage.  UK buyers can expect to give out around £7000 for 5.7s with less than 60000 miles, while an SRT-8 with similar mileage can be had for less than £10,000.  Euro zone buyers, on the other hand, will pay as little as 11,000 Euros for 5.7s with less than 100,000km, while SRT-8s can be had for around 18,000 Euros.

Alex KIsiri