Fins may have begun fading into history when this 1961 Chrysler 300G emerged from the factory, but it still carries the hallmarks of Virgil Exner’s iconic “forward look” styling. Exner’s philosophy defined American automotive design during the 1950s, forcing other manufacturers to adopt similar styling themes. This 300G is a tidy vehicle that spent thirty years in storage. It runs and drives, but requires minor mechanical TLC before becoming roadworthy. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ed for spotting a classic with a genuine sense of presence.
The “Letter Series” marked Chrysler’s entry into the Personal Luxury Car market segment that was dominated by the Ford Thunderbird. Introduced in 1955, the Letter Series would undergo annual updates and receive a new letter designation every year until 1966. The 300G appeared for the 1961 model year, with Chrysler offering a Hardtop and a Convertible version. The former was the more popular because the price of the Convertible was eye-watering. The seller indicates this car emerged from thirty years of hibernation in an Arizona barn in 2017. That is good news for potential buyers because the climate protected the car from significant rust issues. The seller admits there are a couple of small bubbles, but it appears the new owner won’t face wholesale steel replacement. The 300G received a repaint at some point in its original Mardi Gras Red, and it still presents well. The shine is consistent across every panel, and any imperfections are too minor to warrant immediate attention. The Solex tinted glass is crystal clear, the trim is spotless, and the wide whitewalls are period-correct for this classic.
Chrysler pushed out the boat to ensure the “Luxury” part of the Personal Luxury Car designation was appropriate. This 300G features air conditioning, power windows, power front swivel seats, a power antenna, a remote exterior mirror, and a full-length console with a factory tachometer. The radio is one of the more interesting features because it is a “Golden Touch Tune” AM/FM unit with rear speakers and a foot-operated station changer. The interior is in exceptional condition for its age, with no evidence of significant wear or abuse. If the front seats look good, the back ones look like they have never been used. The only question mark hangs over the state of the pad. It is hidden under a cover, which could be for protection, but may also hide deterioration. Otherwise, the interior has no apparent needs.
Chrysler always seemed to produce cars with impressive performance during this period, and the 1961 300G was no exception. Lifting the hood reveals the 413ci Cross-Ram V8 that delivered 375hp and 495 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard fare. The Hardtop tips the scales at 4,430 lbs, but with the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.2 seconds on its way to 132mph, these cars were undoubtedly steel fists cloaked in silk gloves. The seller indicates that this classic runs and drives, although it requires some mechanical love to be considered genuinely roadworthy. The brakes feel soft, the carburetors require a rebuild, and there is an unspecified oil leak that needs attention. However, none of the issues sound significant, meaning it might not take much time or money before the new owner can slip behind the wheel of this Chrysler for some classic motoring fun.
Chrysler produced the 300G in Hardtop and Convertible form, with the former scoring the higher build total. It found 1,280 buyers for the Hardtop, but a mere 337 people paid the premium for the drop-top. Rarity equates to a high value in this case, with spotless Convertibles typically commanding six-figure prices on the rare occasions they hit the market. The seller listed this 1961 Chrysler 300G Hardtop here on Craigslist in Eugene, Oregon. Their price of $44,500 isn’t unprecedented in the current market, and returning this car to a pristine state could net the new owner a value above $60,000. Doing so should be straightforward due to its overall condition, but is that the path you would choose?
The path I would choose is straight into my garage.
yes!!!!
Great write up Clarkey.
Normally an autoloader trans is a deal breaker for me. Not w this push button Torq-flite and that 413 combo. 495lb/ft wow.
Yes please 🙏 Beautiful interior as well. Love it.
That is a great price. You couldn’t build a car to this condition for half of what he is asking.
YES, Buy IT Now !
That is a great price. You couldn’t build a car to this condition for double the price he is asking.
If I had 45K to spend on a car it would definitely be this machine!
This is a unicorn by virtue of equipment and model. However, having grown up seeing the Kiekaufer(?) cars of the mid 1950’s, I would opt for one of those were I considering spending $75-80k. Didn’t many of the early aftermarket radios installed by dealers in the 1930’s have foot tuning? That cross ram manifold is a work of functional art up there with the SHO done by Yamaha. Your network of sources is A-1.
Signal seeking radios did not come into being until mid 50’s. I have an experimental GM signal seeking Buick radio built in 1950 at Delco Radio.
I remember when I was a youngster the Local owner of the Chrysler Desoto & Plymouth dealership Son ordered these to Drive and some with 4 Speeds and he had a pile of trophies from the local drag strip
OH LORDY, ” STEEL FIST IN SILK GLOVES” How perfect is that its like my SEAL TEAM.. DANG it why such beauties and so little cash.. But thanl you fro the drool time. Bullfrog
What a beauty, this 413 cross ram induction engine setup is a work of art. Seller isn’t asking more than what this car is worth, in this condition. Glad it’s on the opposite coast.
A four speed would be nice but then I realized it’s got the push button trans. George Jetson your car awaits you tail fins and all.
No 4 speed trans. in 1961, the only manual transmission is a 3 speeds Chrysler. The 4 speeds Pont-A-Mousson transmission is exclusive to the ’60 300F
I am not a normally fan of wide whitewalls but this car really stands out with all that white. I had a 61 Buick Special in Tampico Red that I put skinny whitewalls on and would never have thought to put wide whitewalls on that small a vehicle. But this similar red really looks nice with those whitewalls. Nice looking vehicle.
This one looks like it could be a real winner. 30 years dormant will probably have a significant punchlist to bring everything functional and truly drivable.
Expect A year of free time and a good amount of $$$ To bring it all back, but certainly worth all the effort. There is a great community through the 300 club international for all the resources and knowledge you would need. Just finished the above on a similar condition 62 300, A gentle hand and patience required, but what a wonderful driving car on the other side.
Did Exner volunteer for those LSD experiments, back in the 50’s?
He may have.That would explain the violent flashbacks of 1962
Nice car. 30 years of storage, seller mentioned carbs need work, oil leak, soft brakes, to be expected with something like this. At that price needs a complete inspection because there’s going to be unexpected problems. This could be a good buy if buyer knows what to look for.
Beautiful car! I’m truly entranced. The options must’ve been top of the line and cutting edge. AM-FM in 62? I’ve never even heard of a foot controlled tuner.
Wonderful reminder of a bygone time.
My 62 Buick Electra 225 convertible had a signal seeking radio with a button on the floor to take it to the next station. Found that button quite by accident when looking for dimmer switch. Radio button was quite a bit flatter than the dimmer that protruded an inch or so from floor.
There were no FM car radios as early as 1962. It appears that the only option this car doesn’t have is the phonograph record player, though.
The first in dash AM-FM combined radios appeared in 1962 models of GM, Ford, and Chrysler. FM Stereo appeared later in mid 60’s.