When I see cars like this in the state that this one is in it really makes my heart ache. Once upon a time, someone was really excited as their shiny new Chrysler rolled out of the showroom and into their life. Sadly this is the fate to which so many of them are destined. This looks like one pitiful example that on first glance may seem destined for the crusher, but I really hope not. Located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and for sale here on eBay, this tired old girl comes with a clean title. With 2 days remaining, there have so far been 5 bids, and the price has reached $500.
At first glance, the future prospects for this Chrysler really don’t look good. The list of issues is as long as your arm, but there just might be a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. A convertible with a shredded top sitting exposed to the elements doesn’t augur well. As you can see, there is obvious rot in the rear quarter panel. Given how close this old dear sits to the cold, cold earth I think that there’s a fair chance that we’re only scratching the surface here. One positive is that as I look at the photos, all of the exterior trim and lenses appear to be intact except for 2 pieces of trim on the passenger side.
The engine is the mighty 383ci according to the seller. It is backed by an auto transmission. The bad news here is that the engine is locked. I don’t know when this engine last ran (or even moved freely) but this may or may not be retrievable. For me, the plus is it appears that the hood has been left closed, so at least that mill hasn’t been exposed to direct moisture. But given how damp the surrounds look that probably hasn’t helped much. It is interesting that of all the photos this is the only one that appears to have been taken in direct sunlight. Is this the flickering light that I mentioned earlier?
To be diplomatic, the interior doesn’t look great. This probably isn’t surprising given all of the issues already mentioned. I really wish that this shot was clearer. I’m a fan of reclining bucket seats, but these go to an extreme that I’d never considered. As hard as it may be to believe, not only can I see some positives here but also that glimmer of hope. Firstly, the interior looks complete, and in surprisingly good condition all things considered. The other thing that stands out to me is that in spite of the blurry photo, the floor-pan looks remarkably solid (well as far as can be ascertained from that photo). Maybe, just maybe, there is some hope there after all.
I would dearly like to take a close look at this car. I would like to get a look underneath and in the trunk. The seller seems to be under the impression that this noble old Chrysler can be restored, but we’ve all heard that plenty of times. The fact is that even if it can be saved, it probably doesn’t make financial sense. But then again, with old cars how many times does the heart over-rule the head?
Love the screw in the bat terminal, and those seats are like that because of the tremendous speed it attained as it hurtled into its rotting place.
Are you sure those are floorpans your looking at in the blurry picture? Or is it the ground?
That’s what I’m not sure about Steve A. I tried zooming the photo but I think that made it worse. I think that it is the floor but it has a fair coating of corrosion on it. The thing that made me wonder though is the fact that it has been pretty wet there, but the surface looks relatively dry if it’s the floor. If it’s been raining I would expect to see water on the floor. That’s why I couldn’t decide.
IF you could pick this up for under 1K, and put another 2K in it (making it start and stop safely) it would be great fun rolling into a Chrysler car show and snagging the “most original” trophy! Top down of course…
Sitting on ground and leaves in Williamsport for how many years the rust on the underside must be really bad.And I agree with Steve A about the floors…
Anything can be saved. Depends on how much love and money you have for the project. Emphasis on money, cause at some point in restoration , you’re gonna talk bad about it
That looks exactly like the car I had in California in 1988.
I wonder if it made its way to Pennsylvania after that.
Chrysler 300’s are special. All of them. Convertibles launch that fact into the stratosphere. They are rare and they are desirable. The 383 is not the engine of choice, admittedly, but it is a good motivator.
Among the many unique cars my brother and I have owned, I had a 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst. My problem is that it was too large for me to get excited about.
Maybe had it been one of the few convertibles, or maybe one of the 2 Hemi’s. Sigh. It wasn’t either. It, like all the others, went reluctantly down the road to its respective uncertain fate.
Had I not just gotten one of my bucket list cars (article to come), I would show some interest in this. No A/C is another minus, but for a 300 collector, it may be a mandatory buy.
It is even more special as it is a Pacesetter edition, which was not mentioned in the write up.
@Miguel – As usual, you contribute a unique insight. Thumbs up.
TriPower, I questioned it myself because of the missing center console and the odd color paint, but if you look under the hood the Pacesetter color is there.
I agree. The fact it’s a 300 ragtop is a collectible find. Fantastic road cars. I’ve seen these tv car shows restore much worse, but gonna take deep pockets for this one. At least the price is right to start out, they all look like this “before”. I think with restoration costs out of reach for most today, people are saying the heck with it.
I think this is the same Pacesetter that kicked around CL a couple years back in Jersey. Perhaps someone bought it, said “ooops” after the purchase, and is now looking to sell. Parts for this era of Chrysler (well okay basically all eras of Chryslers) are extremely hard to find and very expensive when you do.
First glance junk it, the seats have pulled through the rust floor. After a close look, it appears to be worth saving. Paint looks original and the car looks accident free with all the chrome and other bits in tact Alot of work but do able
Lroy, I doubt the paint is original as it has a different color under the hood. It has the Pacesetter color under the hood.
Haven’t heard anything about what letter this model is, unless it isn’t, which devalues it even more. Ugh. My grandfather had a ‘64 New Yorker with the 413 cu in engine and it would flat out haul butt!
I read, in ’63, the letter part, which would have been “J” for the hardtop, was dropped for the convertible, which was just a 300.( but returned in ’64 as the 300K convertible) BTW, this was the 1963 Indy 500 pace car. Could be done up as a replica of that. ( look what it sold for!!) Look at what a beautiful car this could be.
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1963-CHRYSLER-300-PACE-CAR-CONVERTIBLE-190982
This is most-assuredly not a letter car.
You can see by the front plate that it was once Ida’s pride and joy. Seller says little but claims it’s a flood car, which may have been what put the end to Ida’s dream. Seller has 440 Mopar in his name so probably knows what he has and even he doesn’t want it, so we can assume it’s pretty bad. It does seem to be the pace car model, but you’re probably much better off spending $32k on the one in perfect shape.
I seem to recall this one being offered as part of a trio of 300s of 1963-64s, all in similar despair. Maybe this one was the better of the trio, and the others were sent to “that horrible place”
Bingo! Good job Dovi65 I knew I had seen this car before!
My older brother had one of these, a 300 in the exact same color combination.
At 10 years old it had had a sheet metal patch panel neatly fared into the right rear fender just back if the wheel well lip.
Faded paint, crumbling foam in the front seats, wouldn’t start when it was cold, but great to ride in during the summer.
The 63 Chrysler is another not well served by the following year’s facelift.
Chrysler 300s are unique and worth saving weather they are Letter cars or not.
If this is a Pacemaker I would jump on it but I have no room and the car is too far away. Somebody near it go put your hands on the car, look at its bones and make a decision to own it. Yes, it’s a big number to get it straight. When it’s done, you’ll love it.
I don’t think this car has a heart problem.
Did you mean to say Pacesetter?
Heck, the steering wheel alone is worth the price of admission!
This would be a labor of love & LOTS of money & time. If there is a buyer, bent on restoring the car, I would be HIGHLY interested in the progression of it’s restoration.
“… reclining bucket seats…”
no, bolts on the ‘track’ pulled right thru the rotted floor.
Great when done, a long wayta go.