Chrysler’s 300 had the honor of pacing the field at the 1963 Indianapolis 500. To help promote the occasion, they built a few hundred “Pace Setter” editions of the Sport Series hardtops and convertibles. The Sport Series (which debuted in 1962) was a non-Letter variant of the “300” performance model. This convertible, one of more than 1,800 assembled, is a running project that awaits restoration.
Beginning with the C-300 in 1955, Chrysler would build some of the industry’s fastest-production automobiles over the next decade. And only a few thousand were sold each year through 1965. The 1963 model year brought a redesign of all of Chrysler’s full-size cars, which included the 300. Unlike the Letter 300, the Sport Series 300 used a 383 cubic inch V8 engine as standard equipment. When it became known that the 300 would pace the field at Indy, Pace Setter replicas were added to the inventory. Most of the photos you’ll find show them having Indy decals on the body sides.
Because a canvas top version was used at Indy, most of the tribute cars were the same (said to have been 1,861 copies) but 300 of the hardtops also saw the light of day. These vehicles all had white interiors, bucket seats with a console, and discreet badging. At first glance, I thought this might be a “regular”300 but on the console, there is an emblem that says “Pace Car”. Details about the seller’s car are sketchy, but it is said to run and move around the lot.
Besides the paint being old and the interior needing some attention, we’re told this Chrysler has rust in its rocker panels, floorboards, and trunk. We assume everything works as it should and the automobile is offered with a clear title. From Casa Grande, Arizona, this project Mopar is available here on craigslist for $3,400. Considering how few of these Chryslers are likely still around, this should be a rare vehicle to revive. Kudos to Gunter Kramer for helping us out once again!
Hard to see this as a Pace car, especially at Indy.
Maybe a Pace car for a turtle race. …… 😂😂
The entire 63 and 64 Chrysler Corp line IMO (except for Imperial) had an award controversial look. Not my choice! I believe Exner was searching for a new look, following his highly successful fabulous finned fantasies. For me, this doesn’t set the PACE. NO SALE!
Awkward? That’s a Chrysler feature. I like it but I wonder how hard it would be to get floors and a trunk pan. The top isn’t roached either which is a plus. I think I saw something similar to this at the Crawford Auto museum in Cleveland.
It gets just a little bit old hearing the same comments on your opinion of the styling of the 63/64 Chrysler’s, every single time one happens to come on here. Just to set the record straight, there are plenty of owners, like myself, of 63/64 Chrysler’s who do NOT share your opinion.
Don’t understand all the sour grapes. More hp would be nice, but the 383 is no slouch. Fairly rare, nicely equipped, and the “Pace Setter” identifier is cool. Serious drop-top fun! It’ll take a little patch work, and some paint, but well worth the money IMHO- and I’m not even a “Moper” fan. 🤷♂️
And such a clean, uncluttered under-hood appearance …
Exner had been replaced by Elwood Engel by then…
Thanks. I thought that 63s were still Exners, even though Engel was at Chrysler and responsible for 64.
The vehicle awarded to the race winner, the just passed Parnelli Jones
For a special series Chrysler 300, listed for this price, the rockers and pans must be pretty bad. BFs has been on a roll this week with some very desirable 50s and 60s Mopars. Such as a 1961 Desoto, 55 Crown Imperial, and now this 63 Special series 300. All are sure headturners IMO.
Deal of the week if it’s for real……
That was nice looking at dried out cracked leather lol