1956 Chrysler 300-B Stock Car
Add to SetSummary
Mercury Marine founder Carl Kiekhaefer formed his NASCAR team with top drivers, first-class equipment, and fast cars like this powerful Chrysler 300-B. Kiekhaefer taught rivals a lesson, dominating the 1955 and 1956 seasons. But he learned something too: success breeds contempt. When fans began to resent Kiekhaefer's dominance, he disbanded the team in 1957.
Mercury Marine founder Carl Kiekhaefer formed his NASCAR team with top drivers, first-class equipment, and fast cars like this powerful Chrysler 300-B. Kiekhaefer taught rivals a lesson, dominating the 1955 and 1956 seasons. But he learned something too: success breeds contempt. When fans began to resent Kiekhaefer's dominance, he disbanded the team in 1957.
Artifact
Racing car
Date Made
1956
Creators
Kiekhaefer, Elmer Carl, 1906-1983
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Highland Park
Creator Notes
Made by Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Michigan, modified under the direction of NASCAR team owner Carl Kiekhaefer.
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driven to Win: Racing in America
Object ID
2003.13.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Steel
Chromium
Vinyl
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Technique
Customizing
Color
Cream (Color)
Red
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Length: 3.36 in (Stroke)
Height: 54.5 hp
Width: 79 in
Length: 220.5 in
Horsepower: 355 in (264.72 kW)
Weight: 4235 lbs
Inscriptions
On back, right side panel / front, left side panel: KIEKHAEFER / MERCURY . . . MOST POWERFUL NAME IN OUTBOARDS On door, left & right: "FULL JEWELLED" / 300-B On front, left side panel / back, right side panel: OUTBOARDS / RAY FOX / CHIEF MECHANIC On hood, left & right side: 355 H.P. Over driver & passenger doors: BUCK BAKER Painted on trunk: 300-B On trunk: 300 B emblem Top of engine block, behind waterpump: H20 (engine ID)
Specifications
Make & Model: 1956 Chrysler 300-B (stock car racing)
Maker: Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Michigan
Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 354 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 54.5 inches
Width: 79 inches
Wheelbase: 126 inches
Overall length: 220.5 inches
Weight: 4145 pounds
Horsepower: 355
Pounds per horsepower: 11.7
Competition History: It's impossible to say which races this car won in 1956 because the team didn't keep track of wins by particular cars. Overall, the Kiekhaefer Chryslers won 22 of 41 races in 1956.
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