Rare Drop-Top: 1969 Chrysler 300 Convertible

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With a total production of 32,472 cars in 1969, the Chrysler 300 is a relatively rare beast. However, that rarity rises to a higher level considering our feature car is 1-of-1,933 Convertibles to roll off the line. It has spent years as part of a collection in a motor museum. Its presentation is not bad for its age, while its luxury appointments should make every journey a special occasion. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. It could be yours with a BIN of $17,500, and with plenty of people watching the listing, one of them may find the temptation impossible to resist.

The seller indicates this Chrysler spent years on display at the Pate Auto Museum near Fort Worth, Texas, before being liberated by a private collector in 1995. Following that owner’s passing in 2013, it moved on to another collector. It has spent its life in Texas, which is positive news for interested parties. The underside shots reveal surface corrosion but no evidence of penetrating rust. The story is similar when we examine the exterior, with only a tiny rust spot behind one rear wheel arch. The seller admits that the Avacado Green Metallic is an older repaint in the car’s original color and shows its age. A cosmetic refresh would make a huge difference, although retaining it untouched would not present any problems. The White power top is a replacement in good condition, operating as it should. The headlamp doors work correctly, the trim is in good order, and there are no issues with the glass.

Chrysler offered potential buyers two engine choices in 1969, and while this car features the “entry-level” powerplant, it is no slug. Its 440ci V8 produces 350hp, while a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes round out the package. The 300 Convertible tips the scales at 4,185lbs, making its ¼-mile ET of 16.1 seconds look impressive. If you crave a rapid wind in the hair motoring experience, this classic should wind its way to 126mph. The car runs and drives, with the owner recently replacing the brake booster. It has a few issues for potential buyers to consider. The brakes pull to the left, although this could mean they need adjusting. The motor runs well but puffs a small amount of blue smoke on start-up. There is also a groan from the power steering that may indicate a rebuild is on the cards. Otherwise, it seems in reasonable mechanical health.

The Chrysler’s presentation level remains consistent when we examine its interior. Trimmed in green, it makes a positive first impression. The upholstery on the bucket seats shows some aging, and there is also a substantial tear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. A set of slipcovers would hide these faults from prying eyes, although spending $700 on a new pair of front covers would permanently eliminate the problems. The rest of the interior looks good, with no issues worth noting. The car features factory air conditioning, although it doesn’t blow cold. The buyer also receives power windows, a power driver’s seat, an AM radio, and a factory 8-track player.

Some classic cars blend into the scenery like an automotive chameleon, while others possess a genuine presence. This 1969 Chrysler 300 Convertible falls into the second category, and its rarity guarantees it will draw attention. Its needs seem minor, and with a fresh coat of paint and new front seat upholstery, it would present exceptionally well. However, leaving it untouched would be feasible if the buyer preferred the “survivor” appearance. What would be your approach? More importantly, are you tempted to hit the BIN button before someone beats you to the punch?

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Comments

  1. alphasudMember

    Good looking, relatively rare, and very affordable to purchase. You don’t typically drive classics often so owning a full size Chrysler that’s hard on fuel should not be a huge issue. The length of these cars however might be. Right now I’m working on a Turbo Cayenne that clocks in at over 5200#. That a half ton more than this car! I think the Cayenne might even fit inside the trunk. I have never driven one but I bet they are a hoot to drive.

    Like 7
  2. TimS

    This ticks a lot of boxes. I love a green interior but with the top down that would have to be hot as a skillet.

    Like 3
  3. DEAN JARVIS

    I have made this comment before. Remember these cars ran on leaded fuel. They have rubber valve guide seals. Depending on the miles driven and oil changes made any car from the age will smoke a little bit. I have 440 engines that I rebuilt with harden valve seats installed.

    Like 3
  4. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    Beautiful looking Chrysler. Few things I would do.. dual exhaust to help the 440. Pretty sure the rear end gears are 2.71. To help it move along install 3.55 posi set up. Change of the speedo gear so mph will read correctly. Last clean up the engine change the air cleaner cover to Mopar unsilence unit. Then go cruising and shows. Have fun…🐻🇺🇸

    Like 1
  5. Dave

    Good golly, and that price. Anyone interested in a classic should seriously consider this; assuming your garage is deep enough. Probably landed for $20k anywhere in U.S. Not a bad price for something that should only appreciate.

    Like 4
  6. John D.

    I’d leave it as is and drive the daylights out of it.

    My Dad had one, turquoise with a white roof and white seats. It would go like stink. I loved that car but the rust got the lower quarters and he had it redone for cheap. So lots and lots of bondo. But it did look good.

    Like 2
  7. wuzjeepnowsaab

    These fuselage cars were HUGE. I don’t think I could park it in my garage for how long they were. Probably the only car longer was a 59 Cadillac

    Like 2
  8. moosie moosie

    Beautiful car, if my situation were different I’d own it. The mention of its length made me laugh remembering my Dads concerns about the ’69 N.Y.er 4 door h.t. that he bought way back in ’69 fitting in his suburban 1 car garage. Previously the home of his ’59 Imperial 4 Door H.T. They both made it by only inches to spare. RE: the car listed, only thing I’d do is remove that tacky stick on body side moulding.

    Like 1
    • Chuck Dickinson

      I don’t believe those are the ‘stick-on’ style of mldgs. They appear to be the type that are riveted or screwed to the body, and then the colored vinyl insert is pushed into place.

      Like 0
  9. michael sizemore

    Would make a nice tow vehicle for your boat or collector car.

    Like 1
  10. normadesmond

    Rust on the bottom of a door always makes me nauseous.

    Of course I love this car, Mum had the very long wagon of this year.

    Like 1
  11. Jay McCarthy

    I had a 69 300 coupe and a 70 300 convt, true highway cruisers

    Like 0
  12. firemedic2714

    This has been in my watch list for a couple of weeks now. It ticks all the boxes. If only someone would buy my convertible Trans Am so I could make some room.

    Like 0
  13. Alan

    I’d have to clone it to a 300H car….just because

    Like 0

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