The Chrysler 300 Letter Series debuted in 1955 as a full-size luxury/performance automobile. And it was in the mix through 1965. To capitalize on the name, Chrysler added the 300 Sport Series in 1962 with many of the same features, but a less potent engine. This 1965 300 is a Sport Series car (per the VIN), not a 300L. It’s been stored for 30 years and may have been an estate sale discovery. Located in covered quarters in Lyman, South Carolina, this dusty convertible is available here on Hemmings for $23,000 (negotiable).
While the Letter Series only came as a 2-door hardtop and convertible, the Sport Series also offered a 4-door hardtop (and a 4-door sedan through 1965). While the 300L enjoyed a potent 413 or 440 cubic inch V8, the Sport Series had to “make do” with a 383. Perhaps unusual, the seller’s car has a factory-installed 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter! The mileage is listed as 11,200, but surely the odometer has turned over unless the seller has documentation.
This Chrysler wears Royal Turquoise Metallic paint, which could be original (just a hunch). The body seems okay, and the limited photos don’t display any corrosion. The convertible has a black top, which may be okay, and the interior is mostly white with black accents (leather?). Bucket seats and a console make sense with the 4-speed shifter. The car is loaded with options, including factory air conditioning and power windows.
The drop-top version of the Chrysler 300 Sport was rare even when new, as only 1,418 copies were assembled in 1965. This one has been out of the elements for three decades, and we don’t know if it was parked because it was broken or because the owners didn’t want to drive it anymore (leading to my estate sale theory). Maybe if you clean out the fuel delivery system, this old Mopar will come back to life! A great tip brought to us by Barn Finder T.J.
This looks like it might be a nice car but who can tell. It’s been said on here many times but I’m going to say it again. If you want top dollar for your car pull it out of the garage and wash it, maybe add a coat of wax, and take some decent pictures. No one wants to guess.
This is absolutely gorgeous!! One of my favorite colors too!!! And the 4 speed….. Icing on the cake!!! My only thought it, for that kind of money, some photos of it outside and washed would be nice. ( I couldn’t get the photos to open) But this color combination it absolutely beautiful. Hope this gets back on the road
The 4spd is the strong selling point. The convertible, bucket seats, console, power windows are all plus’s, but the stick shift makes it a unicorn. There are certain cars, where condition and price take a back seat to desirability, this combination fill that bill.
Steve R