For those passionate about Mopar products that couldn’t afford the considerable outlay for a “Letter Series” Chrysler in 1962, the company came to the party with the 300 Sport Series. While lacking the bells and whistles associated with its more glamorous siblings, it still provided a comfortable motoring experience and impressive performance. This 1962 300 Sport is an original and unmolested survivor. The seller planned a restoration but changed plans means it needs a new home. Therefore, it is listed here on Craigslist in Englewood, Colorado. For a classic that could be enjoyed immediately and treated to a cosmetic refresh as time and circumstances allow, the sale price of $9,000 makes it look pretty affordable. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mark_K for spotting this promising project.
The 1962 Chrysler range benefitted from the touch of Virgil Exner, although the styling was considerably less flamboyant and more restrained than his earlier efforts. The 300 retains the low, flowing appearance that was part of the hallmark of the Forward Look design but lacks the enormous fins that Exner loved. These changes make the car look more refined, although they didn’t result in significant sales increases across the Chrysler range compared to equivalent models from other manufacturers. This 300 is a survivor that wears most of its original Festival Red paint. It is patchy and carries marks and imperfections, but it remains presentable if the new owner elects to retain this car as a genuine survivor. A cosmetic refresh should be straightforward because while there are a few bruises, there is no significant rust. The panels are clean, and the seller recently added a couple of small patches to the floors. This photo reveals some holes in the trunk pan, but the buyer could patch these without resorting to wholesale steel replacement. The exterior trim is intact and in acceptable condition for a driver-grade car, while there are no issues with the glass.
If returning this Chrysler’s exterior to a pristine state is an easy undertaking, the same appears true of its interior. The front seat has a seam separation on the driver’s side, but I would discuss the issue with a competent upholsterer before spending money on a new cover. The remaining upholstered surfaces look respectable, while the dash and headliner are spotless. The seller replaced the carpet, but other changes are minimal. Someone added an aftermarket turn signal lever on the column, as it appears the quirky dash-mounted unit doesn’t operate. The seller includes this component, so a bit of patience on behalf of the buyer may see it returned to active service. They will also need to investigate issues with the dash lights, AM radio, and heater because none of them function.
I may be a lone voice on this, but I believe that Chrysler has produced some of the best gauge clusters of any manufacturer on the planet throughout history. Few who have seen the electroluminescent panel used in the First Generation Dodge Charger will disagree, while the 1962 Chrysler 300 Sport setup is another work of art. It may not be the clearest to read at first glance, but it is an automotive scuplture. This cluster is in excellent order, with the gauges operating as they should.
Lifting this Chrysler’s hood reveals a numbers-matching 383ci V8 producing a healthy 305hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering removes the physical effort from the driving experience. With an overall weight of 4,010lbs, it is clear that Chrysler had one eye on luxury when they designed the 300. However, it didn’t lack anything when the driver floored the gas. It could despatch the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds before winding its way to 122mph. Most owners wouldn’t have tested those claims, but a few would undoubtedly have been happy to know they had that level of performance at their disposal. The seller recently replaced the alternator and battery and treated the carburetor to a rebuild. A previous owner rebuilt the TorqueFlite, but there are a few tasks for the buyer to tackle. The transmission pan leaks, but the seller includes a new gasket to address this. There is also a leak from the power steering pump, so a rebuild may be on the cards. Otherwise, this Chrysler runs and drives well and is ready to provide its new owner with immediate enjoyment.
Chrysler found itself with a minor sales hit in 1962, with 25,578 buyers handing over their cash for a 300 Sport across all body styles. The 2-Door Hardtop proved the most popular with 11,776 vehicles. The 4-Door Hardtop, like our features car, trailed slightly behind with a tally of 10,030. How many survive today is unclear, but it is worth noting that while values have climbed recently, the 300 Sport is not a mega-bucks classic. Even a perfect example will struggle to top $15,000 in the current market, which is surprising. Assessing the supplied photos suggests that this car’s new owner should be able to complete many restoration tasks themselves, thus minimizing expenses. They may have little choice but to follow that plan if the project is to remain financially viable. However, going slightly over budget may not be the end of the world because increasing values could mean that such a situation is negated in short order. Is that enough to have you considering pursuing this classic Chrysler further?
What a beauty. Imagine pulling through the neighborhood when this was new. What a statement this red beast must of made. Hope she finds a good home
From the looks of it, I’d say it was painted with a brush and roller.
?? Waddya want, egg in your beer ??
Try using a monitor instead of a cellphone !
Nope, using a ViewSonic 4K gaming monitor. Definitely looks like a brush and roller job on that right rear quarter. You must be the seller??
I looked at it on a big monitor. The entire right side has weird shading issues not produced by shadows. Rocker looks a different shade from the front door and fender, top rear of front fender has unusual marking on it. Both doors has splotches on them. This one needs an in person inspection.
Any idea what the egg-in-your-beer comment meant? Grow some hide, no need to get all defensive, kid! Its just a car on the internet site “barn finds” !
and Barn Finds finds a lot of cars that should have stayed in the barn.
Agree 100% on the instrument cluster.
My sister for a while had a ’61 Windsor that had the same sort of cluster. Holy Flash Gordon, what a art deco, shiny chrome work of art. Looked like it came out of a space ship from some 30 movie. The rest of the car was a lumbering hulk, but I loved those instruments.
Yes, that instrument cluster is beautifully out of this world. Literally. And you should see it at night. Like a bug, I’d be mesmerized and drawn right to it, making it difficult to keep my eyes on the road…
My first car was a 1964 Chrysler Newport. Same basic chassis and the 383 engine. I had mine just over 120 once on the freeway. Nice boat.
This year was starting to ween away from Exner cues, AKA the “plucked chicken” look. Still, this beast would certainly stand out next to a lot of its competition from this year.
My Father was a Dodge guy, maybe because they sold him a new 1946 Dodge just when new cars began to arrive after WWII. He bought a new convertible every 2 years, and kept them 4. He ordered a 1962 Dodge 880 convertible.
This was a Chrysler Newport with a Dodge nose and dash. From the sales material. my Father ordered blue paint, interior and top. The car came in with black interior and top. The salesperson said all blue concertibles get black tops and interiors. My Father refused the car.
The owner of the dealership offered a Newport at the same price.My Father’s ears perked up. The dealer called the factory rep. All blue Newport convertibles would get black tops and interiors. The dealer told my Father black looked better, my Father dropped n F bomb for the only time I remember.
I steered my Father down the street to the Pontiac dealer. A Catalina convertible was ordered in tan with tan top and tan/brown interior. It came in exactly as ordered. No more Dodges.
Mr. B,
I’m trying to see if there’s some sort of lesson to be learned here. The Dodge dealer couldn’t get your dad the car he wanted, and Dodge is still in business. The Pontiac store *did* order and deliver the color combo your father wanted…yet Pontiac is gone. I guess failing to give customer’s what they want is the way to stay in business, it’s sad. :-( :-(
frm 1st few sentences in the write up one would never expect this was a model of hi popularity & beloved thru time. In fact the co brought back the moniker several decades later attempting to bring in the buyers. Nota mopar guy but may B this is due to the ‘sports’ label attached.
I certainly agree w/the ‘dash’ comment and “chrysler’s thru the ages” as they always experimented (like AMC) to get in the clients. Not even “we’re number 2” could be used in their adds, love it when the under dog(s) excel.
They offered two “300s” that year. The Sport, which was basically a Newport hardtop with “300” badges, and of course the letter series which we all know and love.
That is a beautiful cluster. When lit at night it gave the illusion of the gauges floating in space. And the”Golden Tone” radio was one of the best sounding AM units you could get.
As for the paint being “original” look at the 3rd pic down. A pillar driver side is that pale yellow paint under the red ?