As one of my all-time favorite Mopars, the Chrysler 300H featured here is a tremendous example of a time when American automakers built vehicles loaded to the hilt with luxury, power and style. Listed on eBay with a Buy-it-Now of $45,500, this ’62 300H isn’t cheap – but given its condition and rarity, it looks completely worth it.
The letter cars were some of Chrysler’s most complete showcases of power, style and engineering. The engine boasted high-performance credentials thanks to dual Carter 4 bbl carburetors and the push-button 727 Torqueflite transmission. 380 b.h.p. and 450 ft.-lbs. of torque were on tap, so despite its promotion as a luxury vehicle, the 300H had some serious power behind it as well.
Look at that interior – it’s still stunning today. How I wish we could return to an era where B-pillars were non-existent and rear quarter windows melted away into the door frame. This car is believed to have only 64,000 miles from new, so the leather still looks to be in great shape (or perhaps redone), as does the carpet and opulent dash. Since it’s been part of a museum collection for the last few years, I’m sure it has been used gingerly.
And there’s that monster of a motor. It still looks new and fully-deserving of its “Firepower” branding. The 300H was enhanced in other ways, with heavy-duty torsion bars and a sway bar to help keep body motions in check. This car is going for all the money, but the combination of equipment and desirable coupe body style make it tough to top. Thanks to reader Charles H. for the find.
Seeing this, makes me wonder, where did all of the American car co’s go?
Look at all of the glass, no blind spots. I think the DOT made cars more dangerous if it was their idea to cut back on glass and add more steel supports. The idea is to keep the car shiny side up, right?
What a sad shape we have devolved into.
This is a good-looking car.All that’s missing is the under-dash record player.
I agree with Randy….car’s just had so much more personality then!….everything is just so generic nowadays, just a disposable look and feel to them.
@Randy – Well, this is why… This was a parking lot (!) incident a few years back at a Southern California car show. These pillarless coupes look nice all right, but if someone had been sitting in the passenger seat of this Pontiac they’d be dead. End of story.
I enjoy my vintage cars as much as anyone, but I’m under no illusions about their construction. I’m not much safer in my pillarless ’63 Imperial than I would be on a motorcycle.
A pillar in that accident would have put a nice dent in the passenger, I do not see much difference. Why can I ride a KLR 650 without pillars and seatbelts, but the DOT gets to run roughshod over the automotive industry? Let the people decide, I no longer need or want a babysitter. Life is not safe, I do not want or need other peoples fears affecting my choices.
Right on, Bro! I’ve always felt the same way.
Perhaps the fact that over 40 thousand lives are lost annually in car crashes and 100’s of thousands badly injured. My choice is to live, in one piece I might add.
I’d say don’t drive or get into a car, they must be dangerous! Really.
The insurance companies also get into the safety game as well. Not just the DOT. If you’re not already in NH Randy come on up to live.. “Live Free or Die” .. I’d prefer to stick around a few more days.. and I live in NH.. lol
Where I’m going, I am not going to want to come back! Here’s a pick of my pasture, I like it here! Thanks for the invite though. Insurance, another royal scam.
Hard to see, but it’s 15 deer.
Looks like my neighborhood! Enjoy!
errr… back to the car. Note in the ebay pictures the tear in passenger seat leather. I suspect on closer inspection other issues. Plus, museum cars are notrious for needing every system with fluids redone ( brakes, fuel/carbs, PS, etc.). I think that is the uncertainty keeping bids down as of this moment.
I never wanted to own a car like this back in the day, but I’d really like to show up at the biggest Show ‘N Shine in my area in this letter car. If you taped over the brand names I’d guess that most people wouldn’t know what it is or what major company made it. I’d also guess that a lot of those people would be interested to look it over and find out more about it. No surprise…..you just don’t see these unless it’s at a show where collectors or fans bring them. The biggest thing about a car like this is that it’s distinctive—-it doesn’t look like every other modern car on the road. That’s a rare thing these days.
Blah blah blah
Old guy talking again
Back in 1965 or so when I was 17 or so an old guy (who was probably about my age now) said to me “All these new cars look exactly the same. If you took off the name then no one could tell them apart. I could tell you what every Model T and Model A looked like and what made them different”.
If you want to know what makes each new car different then ask a kid 17 and he will tell you.
The sad thing is, that most 17yr. old’s today are only interested in what different technology is available on cars, rather than styling!
I’m assuming this is a 413, as no CID was listed.
from Wikipedia:
Chrysler 300H 1962
570 produced
2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine 413 cu in (6.8 L) RB V8
Transmission 3-speed automatic
Wheelbase 122 in (3,099 mm)