Long and low is one way to describe this 1969 Chrysler 300—the fuselage-styled body certainly makes a visual statement. Parked in 1989 and garaged ever since, this outsized two-door hardtop is looking for a fresh start with a new owner. Calling Evansville, Wyoming home, this three-owner 300 is available here on eBay for a current bid of $1,995, with the reserve not met yet. There is also a BIN option of $8,000 available.
While not one of the famed “letter” series 300s, this example essentially delivers the same impact. Available in four-door hardtops or two-door hardtops and convertibles, Chrysler assembled 32K 300s in ’69 with exactly half of that number being a two-door hardtop such as our subject car. The seller states that the original owner purchased this big coupe (224.7″ in length and tipping the scales at 4,300 lbs.) in Colorado Springs and had it repainted from green to yellow in ’74. Claimed to be rust-free, the repaint is faded and there is an indication of nicks and scratches but nothing more serious than that. That sans-rust claim isn’t totally accurate as the vinyl top is bubbling, and the rear left corner, below the rear glass, shows something brewing underneath. Note the side bump strips, these add-ons were all the rage in the ’70s and I’m surprised that neither side has started to peel off – their usual fate.
The interior is a shade that you’d only experience in this era – avocado green. I’d suggest that it’s a misfit with a yellow exterior but we’ve already covered that color switch. One nice feature, however, is the optional bucket seat/center console arrangement. The entire environment is in surprisingly good shape with the only noted deficiencies being a split in the passenger seatback outer seam and a headliner that is just starting to show signs of degradation. One area of concern is the blanket covering the top of the rear seat backrest – my bet is that it’s sun-damaged.
Under the flat, great plains-sized hood is the standard 350-gross HP, 440 CI V8 engine. The seller remarks, “Runs off of a gas can. I am not going to get her running and driving. I am leaving that up to the buyer.” So, I take that to mean that the engine starts/runs but the car is not really driveable. As is always the case, a Torque-Flite three-speed automatic transmission, the only one available, handles all things gear-related. The mileage recording is 44K but I’d suggest that this car’s true experience is likely 144K miles.
This is a nice find, as full-size, V8-powered, two-door hardtops, once the every car of America, are long gone from our current automobile marketing plan and those that wish to still experience that segment must rely on examples like this 300. I’d rate this one fair – I’d like to know more about its mechanical condition and what’s percolating under that worn vinyl top. I will add that the bucket seat/console option is a +1, most of these non-letter cars that I encounter usually have a bench seat with a fold-down armrest. What do you think, are there possibilities here?
Why are they always in Wyoming? Or Oregon or Washington? Great looking car I love it.
Or some other state whos name you forgot after High School…..
I agree with Rex, it sure does seem that way. But this one is one very nice 300.
Looks like it has AC no mention how it works, PB and PS presumably but crank windows? That’s a lot of glass, just saying. Could be good for someone.
You could raise a family in that trunk….
It might already be occupied. They just scurry whenever the trunk is opened.
Chryslers fuselage design was outstanding. These are real cars in every sense of the word. Large, powerful and comfortable. True, true the period, there are no power windows. That seems funny to me today. Additionally, this particular Chrysler has that ugly ding strip that was added by the dealer going down the side. I remember those and did not like him at the time. The color combination of this Chrysler 300 is very typical of the era. I’m so impressed to see this large two-door Chrysler. Since this beauty was built, Chrysler has gone through many manifestations. At this moment in time, it looks as if Chrysler is soon to be no more. This is an American automotive icon. I remember the deal that allowed Fiat/Stellantis to buy Chrysler. To me, it seems as if Stellantis did not honor the agreement. Chrysler needs to be owned by an American concern. Chrysler needs to be an American corporation.
In case you hadn’t heard, executives of China’s Chery automobile company were in Motown, apparently to buy the Maserati and Chrysler marquees from Stellantis.
Odd that it’s optioned with A/C, cruise, and pwr seats but no pwr windows. And that rub-strip on the side is not factory.
1st year fuselage styling made these huge inside. But don’t let the size fool you, these are 0-60 fast AF!
I had a 69 300 buckets and console along with power windows, tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a factory 8track. It was a highway star
That rub strip is unfortunate. Awkward and clutters up such a great and clean design. Looks screwed or riveted on too. Can’t not notice it. Probably the elephant in the room. One could live with the repaint in yellow, but they’d have to repaint it anyway to get rid of the trim.
I like the add on strip, but if someone does not- it looks like one of the adhesive (possibly3M) secured types. Also think the yellow respray goes with the green interior–nothing wrong with that 70’s vibe.
I got me a chrysler its as big as a whale. The love shack.
It seats about twenty, so hurry up and bring your jukebox money!
“It seats about 20”
My neighbor for many years growing up always had a new black 4dr Lincoln Continental, every 2 years. One year a new black Conti showed in the driveway but it was a 2dr. When I got the chance, I asked him why he went with the 2dr. He said, “Kids are grown up and have their own cars. I needed something smaller.” I still laugh whenever I think of that.
I love these! The fuselage design of the late 60s early 70s was so dynamic! Long (very long) low & wide. Just my kind of car. I had a fuselage 1971 Imperial LeBaron 2 door coupe. Same basic car, power everything. The only thing I didn’t care for was the steering wheel rim horn. Just squeeze the steering wheel and the horn would blow. Not very good in a panic or fast maneuver.
These old non runners were the cars you bought out of someone’s garage for a couple of hundred bucks and the seller was so happy to see it go.
You threw a battery in it, cleaned out all the junk, you and your buddies rebuilt a thing or 2 and left everything else alone. You drove it for as long as you could until something major croaked and then off to the crusher.
Now, everyone wants way too much for something that they have not even looked at for 20 years.
@PRA4SNW
That’s why. It’s their “investment.” Hold onto it for twenty years, watch the prices go up on well maintained running and clean cars and then try to sell your piece of junk for the same amount.
This is a $1000 car to me. Even with inflation this is not an $8000 car. Take what you can and bail.
Yes it has potential. However with the rust repair, a repaint back to green and new vinyl top, plus all the reconditioning to get it road worthy from the fuel tank to the accessory systems, the current bid of $2,000 is all this car should get. And you would still be underwater when you’re done. If one has to pay more than that, it’s just a beater,
”I got me a car, it’s as big as a whale
And we’re headin’ on down to the love shack
I got me a Chrysler, it seats about twenty
So hurry up and bring your jukebox money!”
This Buy It Now listing sold on Fri, Mar 21 at 2:32 PM. $7K.
Wow, 7K. Maybe there is hope of someday recovering my investment in my old C-Bodies.
For $7k, it’s destined to be a beater.
I paid $3600 for my New Yorker 3 years ago, just as you see it in the photo. 58K miles, and not a speck of rust on it.
Insanity!
Red Kahrs, love your C-Bodies. I would love to own one but no longer driving and living in an apartment with no covered parking in Chicago, IL.
Thanks Mike. Hope you are well up in Chi-town. Cheers from Tampa.
Cool car, but what a horrid color combo!
Did anyone notice the bright yellow tow strap sticking out under the passenger side front tire?
Yeah, I was going to mention the tow strap and the wheel dolly before I read that the seller says it was owned by their parents and has sat in the barn for the last 20 years.
That also explains the look of the tires that have probably been flat the entire time.