Topless Chrysler 300C Wows Auto Show Goers and Chrysler Execs Alike

Only about 135 kilos (300 pounds) has been added to the car overall, which is quite impressive considering the many luxury

Only about 135 kilos (300 pounds) has been added to the car overall, which is quite impressive considering the many luxury upgrades. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

upgrades, folding roof mechanisms and considerable reinforcements, plus ASC believes it can build them en masse for as little as $4,800 ($4,000 USD) over the 300Cs MSRP; which is about the same as Toyota pays for the upgrades to its Solara convertible.

The only negatives are limitations brought about by one less rear passenger and slightly less trunk space.

ASC was clear to mention that its advanced convertible system is not only ideal for converting the 300C to open-top duties, but could also be applied to any two- or four-door vehicle.

The last year a four-door convertible was produced was 1967, marking the final year of production for Lincoln's now very collectible Continental convertible. The 300C Helios has all the presence of the Lincoln, and

Chrysler would be smart to put the Helios into production while the automaker is enjoying such renewed enthusiasm for the winged nameplate. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Chrysler would be smart to put it into production while the automaker is enjoying such renewed enthusiasm for the winged nameplate.

Most likely, it will come to market for the 2007 model year, coinciding with the 300C's mid-cycle upgrade. The timing would be ideal, as three years into any product is usually when designs start looking stale and customers start looking elsewhere for the latest trends.

The advent of a four-door 300C convertible should also quell any prospects of a two-door 300C coupe, at least during the car's current generation. Talk of a two-door, in both coupe and convertible guises, has been rampant since the new sedan took the North American market by storm last year.