When it comes to collecting classic Mopars, most gearheads seem to focus on vehicles from the golden muscle car era. And that's totally understandable based on how desirable those rigs are. Well, the collection you're about to see here is a bit different. Sure, it includes a few golden-era HEMI rigs, but it's centered around the "Forward Look" period.
It's called the McCandless Collection and it's managed by Mike McCandless, the son of Herb McCandless. If you haven't heard of Herb, he was a successful NHRA racer and became a respected engine builder after he retired.
Stashed in a museum in North Carolina, the McCandless Collection is the perfect place to visit if you're into "Forward Look" Chryslers. And you'll find some of the rarest and well-maintained rigs from the era in this place.
The footage kicks off with a very special 1955 Chrysler C-300. Sporting serial number 0001, this C-300 is the first of its kind. It's also the first American production car with 300 horsepower on tap. Essentially a prototype, this C-300 was raced at the 1955 NASCAR Speed Week, and it's probably the most significant iteration of the Chrysler 300 "letter series."
But this C-300 isn't the only 0001-serial rig parked in the museum. The family also owns the very-first 1957 300C. Used in advertising back in the day, it's the only 300C that left the factory with front bucket seats. Mike says they also own the first 1958 300D, but the car is currently undergoing restoration.
Next up, you'll see a rare and low-mileage 1958 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible. One of 666 units made, this gorgeous drop-top shows only 5,500 miles (8,851 km) on the odometer. The 1961 300G Convertible parked next to it is even rarer. Chrysler made only 337 examples.
Things become even more interesting if you're a fan of DeSoto, one of Chrysler's orphan brands. This collection includes a 1959 Firedome Convertible. One of only 299 units built, this finely-restored gem flexes a stunning color combo.
Not rare enough for you? Well, the family also owns a one-of-97 1959 Adventurer drop-top. Featuring a gold-flake carpet and a gold interior, this flamboyant ride is one of only 12 cars in existence. It may seem like Mike has a thing for cabriolets, but h also owns a 1959 Fireflite wagon. One of the fanciest grocery-getters available at the time, this Fireflite featured the "Adventurer Powered" one-year option, and it's probably the finest example around.
Moving back into 300 "letter series" territory, the museum is home to one of only two 1958 Chrysler 300D stick cars. Unlike most Mopars seen here, this one's unrestored. It still looks the part and has three land speed records to its name.
If you're more into vintage dragsters than "Forward Look" street cars, then you'd be happy to know that Mike's collection includes one of 17 1967 Plymouth Belvedere R023 homologation specials equipped with the 426 HEMI V8 and four-speed manual. The mini HEMI lot includes a 'Cuda dragster and a 1968 Dodge Dart L023. The latter is the only Dart fitted with the mighty 426, and only 80 units were built.
In addition to all these spectacular cars, the museum is decorated with an impressive amount of vintage sings. Most of them are from the pre-Pentastar era. Chrysler adopted the said logo in 1962.
If you want to check it out for yourself, the McCandless Collection Museum is in Burlington, North Carolina. Meanwhile, you can get a pretty good preview in the video below.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News