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2005 Chrysler 300C Helios Concept by ASC

ASC 300C Convertible May See Production

Down in the basement of Detroits Cobo Hall, home to the North American International Auto Show, was one of the most intriguing cars shown at the January event.

Of course, the premise of chopping the roof off of Americas sweetheart sedan is a no-brainer, but the way American Specialty Cars (ASC) went about the job was unorthodox and the result is an unusually attractive and wonderfully practical luxury ragtop.

Formed from a HEMI V8-powered 300C, a car that is now almost starting to look commonplace due to its enormous popularity, the Helios, named after the Greek god of the sun, was transformed into an extremely rich looking drop-top.

American Specialty Cars transformed a popular Chrysler 300C into an extremely rich looking drop-top. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

"From top to bottom, the Helios is inspirational, setting new standards for convertible performance, as well as offering the potential of creating an all-new vehicle segment not currently served today," said Paul Wilbur, president and chief executive officer of ASC.

Possibly it was the unique champagne and caviar color

"The Helios is inspirational, setting new standards for convertible performance," said Paul Wilbur, president and chief executive officer of ASC. (Photo: American Specialty Cars)

treatment, or the fact that only the wealthiest American tycoons or movie stars of the roaring twenties or dirty thirties could ever afford a dual-cowl phaeton, the name given to four-door convertibles back in their heyday when domestic luxury coachbuilders such as Cadillac, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow roamed the better neighborhoods.

OK, I agree that the Helios isnt patterned exactly

Rumor has it Chrysler is considering commissioning ASC to produce the new convertible for public consumption. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

after a dual-cowl phaeton, as it doesnt feature a rear passenger compartment sectioned off via a center bulkhead. The only Chrysler to be fitted with such a unique configuration was a one-off 1941 pace car based off what looks to be either a Newport or Thunderbolt, but that may change with the new ASC prototype. It seems that show goers werent the only ones to notice ASCs Helios, as rumor has it Chrysler Group are considering commissioning ASC to produce the new convertible for public consumption.

"The

"Theres a big white space on the entire industrys marketing map for a car like this," commented Jeff Steiner, ASCs executive vice president and chief marketing officer. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Helios is a whole new kind of halo car aimed at affluent Baby Boomers and others who seek the freedom, reward and excitement of open-air driving, but combined with four-door room and comfort," commented Jeff Steiner, ASCs executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Theres a big white space on the entire industrys marketing map for a car like this, and we think this type of vehicle might just be what the doctor ordered for OEMs looking for whole new emerging market segments."

Another "segment

ASC has put considerable effort into making sure the Helios not only looks superb, but also drives well. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

buster" from the automaker that stole the compact crossover limelight before there even was one with its utilitarian yet stylish PT Cruiser, introduced the car-like Pacifica luxury-crossover before most competitors had even dreamt up a concept, revitalized the full-size American luxury sedan segment, and continues to innovate while many rivals merely contemplate stepping up with new ideas, seems in keeping with Chryslers bold corporate philosophy, but a 300C convertible built outside Brampton?

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