Lounging in this Westmont, Illinois garage is a rare 1964 Chrysler 300K convertible. It’s a project car with most of its original parts, and it’s been for sale for a few years now, according to the listing on facebook Marketplace. The seller wants $7000. Chrysler’s letter cars were launched in 1955, when the C-300 arrived. “Arrived” is an understatement: with 300 hp – 50% more than anything else on the road – the C-300 descended on NASCAR like a bomb, devastating the competition. Many believe the 300 was the first muscle car. For sure, it generated “Legend” status for Chrysler’s hemi engine. As the years rolled by, each new year’s letter car presented a similar package of style and pace. Good eye, Zappenduster, thanks for sending the tip along!
When the 300K arrived, its price was reduced, and sales surged. However, the price concession derived from making performance parts and some luxury features optional at extra cost, rather than standard. The base engine became the 413 cu. in. Golden Lion V8, but with just a single Carter four-barrel. Still, output was around 365 hp. Optional – for this model only – was the same motor fitted with cross-ram induction and two four-barrel carbs. Output rang in at 390 hp. This car has the TorqueFlite automatic, still with pushbutton selectors and park lever introduced in 1963 to the left of the steering wheel. The seller notes that the motor is “not locked”, and the transmission works but needs a seal.
Leather upholstery became optional, but the center console was standard. Seat covers obscure the condition of this upholstery, but some fading is apparent. The top works and, from the limited photo views we’re provided, it’s in decent condition except for the rear window. Starting in 1963, Chrysler introduced the “squircle” steering wheel, sometimes translucent but always color-keyed to the interior. This controversial feature disappeared in 1965. The letter series cars earned the nickname “banker’s hot rod”, thanks to serious performance layered onto a full-size, luxuriously appointed car.
Those trapezoid taillights were a one-year-only item for the 300K, though other Chrysler models shared the same distinctive part that year. Fins were back under designer Elwood Engel, but that would also last only through 1964. While this listing mostly displays the seller’s car in a flattering way, a closer look at the flank shots reveals what appears to be serious rust in the rockers. I always feel a little sorry for cars with this problem – it’s a daunting issue and a deal-killer for many. I certainly wouldn’t make a move without asking for close-ups of those areas as well as underside photos. What do you think?
I really like these cars, both inside and out. A 413 with “only” 365hp? Good enough for me! This unit is a bit rough here and there but it is a ragtop. I hope whoever buys this can talk turkey with the owner to get the price down a little, and then repair/fix what it needs.