At the turn of the century, Chrysler’s LH cars were the design leaders.
The 2002 Chrysler 300M Special was the most successful of the LH cars. The Special is less powerful than the standard 300M, with just five more horsepower and three more pounds, but the package stands out.
This well-preserved example is up for sale at Weta Trailer, and the auction ends March 26. When Chrysler introduced the 2002 Chrysler 300M Special, our front-runners thought it was an obvious attempt to regain their respectability when our love for the 300M began to wane. The model made our top 10 list in 1999 and 2000, and fell when stronger competitors appeared on the scene.
However, the horsepower and torque of the Special’s extra horsepower isn’t enough to do the trick. Still, the 300M’s “cab-forward” design was advanced for its time and it was old. This beautiful example, currently for sale at Weta Trailer (which, like the car and driver, is part of Hearst Autos), may still be turning heads today.
As one reviewer reported, the 300M was a last minute addition to Chrysler’s LH line.
The car is thought to have been designed as the second generation Eagle Vision, but when the Eagle division was discontinued, Chrysler was left with the model, selling it alongside the Concorde and LHS.
Compared to those two, the 300M is an international giant, only five meters long. Chrysler included a slightly more powerful version of the 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine in the Special than the standard 300M.
The special model produced up to 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to 250 and 255, respectively, in the standard 300M. The Chrysler 300M Special also featured a stiffer suspension, and the four-speed automatic transmission had a shorter final gear ratio (3.89 versus 3.66). There are also two special heating systems.
And, something unusual for a front-wheel drive car, the engine was installed long in the 300M, which helped to create a spacious and comfortable interior.
This car has a retro-tastic four-speed CD player and factory cassette, and its light leather interior is in excellent shape. This Chrysler also has a sunroof, lights and power front seats with storage and HID headlights. The exterior is painted in bright silver and the car has 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 3 tires.
A pre-owned example, with approximately 60,000 miles on the odometer and a repainted front fascia. It was originally sold in California and had a Pennsylvania title. It also has a clean CarFax record, but there is corrosion on the exhaust and suspension.
At the time of their debut, the LH cars were a big thing, and even the second generation models were ahead of their domestic competitors, at least in terms of design. This car is the coolest of the bunch and would have been a great drive in the post-Y2K era.
