- Seller: chris M (Contact)
- Location: Vancouver, Washington
- Mileage: 56,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 8223146067
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 440 V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Chrysler made some bold moves as an organization in 1962. Some didn’t work out that well in hindsight, such as shrinking the full-size Plymouths and Dodges (although the long-running B-Body did emerge from the downsizing as a popular intermediate); others worked out quite well, such as the addition of a “base” 300 series (sometimes called the 300 “Sport”). It hung on in the Chrysler line for almost ten years, carrying on a little of that “Letter Series” style at a lower price. It was also a momentous year for Chrysler’s rear-end styling, as those high-rising fins were banished once and for all, leaving a completely new impression for drivers who were watching these big-block-powered Mopars slowly walk away from them. That might have been what the original owner of this 300 had in mind: It was originally powered by the optional 413-cubic-inch big block. It is now being offered as a Barn Finds Classified in Vancouver, Washington, with an asking price of $9,500.
True to our name, this Chrysler is being presented as a barn find, one that’s been off the road for roughly 30 years. The previous owner used it as a daily driver and weekend drag car, and it now has a 1969 440 under the hood rather than the 413 it came with. It will run if it’s bottle fed, but it doesn’t idle and will clearly need a fuel system restoration. You’ll also need to rebuild the brakes, as you might expect, because the brake pedal goes straight to the floor.
Before we move on, I think something needs to be said about the slot mags in front, steel wheels in back, and slight rake overall. It’s a look I wouldn’t expect on a big, luxurious Chrysler, but there it is…and it works. Of course, it will be at the new owner’s discretion whether or not everything is returned to stock configuration.
Speaking of luxury, this 300 was outfitted with so many options that ordering a 300H might have been within reach; it has power windows, a power seat, power locks, power brakes, and power steering. “Genuine hand-rubbed leather upholstery” was an option, and given the wear patterns front and rear, I’d guess that this car has it. The seller has removed the carpet to inspect the floors, and he has found no perforation in the metal, and will include a new carpet with the car.
The seller claims that this car has 95% original paint and only a few areas of concern when it comes to corrosion; the trunk lid is one of them (see pictures in the gallery below). There are also a few minor areas in the trunk floor, which could probably be repaired with some judicious patching.
There is also some rust on the passenger side quarter panel that will require a patch. Being a black car, it would be easy to do the required bodywork back here, blend in a repair, and polish the rest of the paint to match.
The seller will also throw in nice front and rear bumpers with the sale. This 300 presents a new owner with a couple of options. It could be completely restored as an interesting example of a Chrysler “Letter Series Light” with a long manifest of options, or it could be cleaned up, mechanically restored, and driven as is. I think I’d choose the latter, because you could have a rare car with a fascinating history and still use it as the previous owner did. Who wouldn’t like to see a big Chrysler take a few passes down the strip? If you think that sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday, make an offer now!
All that verbage and no engine shots?
Exactly my thoughts!
It’s got that amazing dash! Looks like a good buy but as always, the devil is in the details.
Love it. Dash looks surprisingly good. It would be interesting to know it’s history.
The author says 1962 was “a momentous year for Chrysler’s rear-end styling.” The funny thing about that is that 1962 Chrysler rear styling was a product of desperation. The abrupt cancelling of Chrysler’s S-series cars left designers scrambling. The fins and sloping trunk of 1961 had to go, but there were few options in the short time they had available. They took a 1961 Dodge, added a 1961 Chrysler front end, created a new, finless rear quarter panel, and called it the 1962 Chrysler. Doors, trunk lid, rear bumper, and sedan roofs were taken from the 1961 Dodge. Town & Country wagons used a lightly modified 1961 Plymouth wagon body.
And also in ’62 Dodge dealers were screaming about the new downsized cars. Plymouth dealers could move full size customers into a Chrysler Newport. So Chrysler bolted the ’61 Dodge front end to the Chrysler body and came up with the 880. Dodge didn’t get the cool dash though, buyers got a ’61 Dodge dash.
Having grown up in the back of a ‘61 Plymouth wagon, I love the reference and will check out those ‘62 T&Cs!
B52 is the perfect plate for this. Real nice lines, and a front end that grows on ya
Too heavy for the dragstrip, the ’62 300 was raced by Buck and Buddy Baker in NASCAR, and did rather well. It is said, the ’62 300 was the last 300 car to be raced in NASCAR. This would have been the 300H, and read not much difference between the 300SC and the H. I believe Chrysler had a much bigger calling in police cars with the 1962 “Enforcer”. That dash, by the way, I think won some award for the most appealing US dash display. If not, it should have. Absolutely stunning at night. Also I’ve seen companies make fireplace surrounds out of the front ends of these cars. Whether you like the styling or not, they were fantastic road cars. The 300s weren’t cheap, some letter cars with options, were over $5grand! A base ’62 Newport was just about $3K, and a 300 coupe about $4K, so a hefty price difference.
Now thats styling!
It’s awesome. Love it.
I think with some leather soap and conditioner, those seats would look presentable. Big slab of bondo on the side. Could be fun.
Could have stood back a bit to get better pictures of the whole car
The tin worm is rapidly taking its toll. Save her
What a beautiful car ! It should have those blue rims all the way around..
I was really looking forward to see what that 440 looked like, but not a single engine pic, damn. I would have liked it’s original 413 as well. Love these Chrysler letter cars but waiting for a 65. This one is priced to sale for what it seems to be.
This is a cool one here! And be one of the only 300 M’s not driven by a certain segment that owns 98% of the newer ones thinking its a Bentley