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.
“The base engine became the 413 cu. in. Golden Lion V8, but with just a single Carter four-barrel” In 1959 the first year for the 413 it was a 2×4 set up and Herb the mech down at the Enco/Exxon let one 300E sit behind the station as we rode our bycycles to the 7/11…..he always said it was tooo much car for me as I grew older and got a job at the Enco. Great guy and I learned much from him….but never was able to get it from him….he finally hauled it home after to many asks….
Those 2×4’s lated as factory I beleive until the 300G….
This is a non-letter 300, not a 300K (even the seller doesn’t claim it’s a K). The K had round “K” medallions on the front fenders and deck lid and different side trim — this car has the regular 300 emblems and trim. Base engine would be a 305 hp 383 (seller claims 413, which was optional, but he also claims 825 made when the real figure is 1,401 and K vert production was 625 so who knows if he has the engine right — 413 and 383 look identical).
Trivia note: the K outsold every other letter-series 300, but the series was gone after ’65 — maybe in part because few could tell the difference by then.
Correction/clarification to my own comment: On second look, seller indicates a 4-barrel carb, so engine should be a 413 (383 would have the 2-barrel). Still not a K, though.
i have a 64 has a 383 4 barrel
Everything Vance said is accurate. This is a 300 ‘Sport’ model, judging by the unsilenced air cleaner it would appear that the original owner checked the box for a 413. Push button transmission as opposed to console shifter that all of the K’s had. I’m no expert but I do own a K convert…this looks like a good prospect for a ‘driver as-is’.
All the golden lions had gold valve covers if I remember correctly.Mine did in 1960.
All the golden lions had gold valve covers if I remember correctly.Mine did in 1960.
A good friend of mine had a ‘63 300 Pace Car convertible. He restored it to better than new, nice car!
It’s an Illinois car. Underneath is probably a rust bucket. Look very carefully!
These Mopars were built with rust in the frame and floor. My first car was a Chrysler and I’ve owned several since. They all deserve Hemis. They all had lots of HP but that’s what it takes to move a barge around.
These were nice cars, but it’s location and the fact it’s been listed for 3 years now should tell you everything you need to know.
Love the body style. But too much of a barge for me. Make this body style in a Dart/Valiant size/weight vehicle and it would be really cool!
When I was in high-school back in 1964-65, my buddies and I used to check out the car dealers on Sunday when they were closed.
We found a fairly new Chrysler 300 convertible parked back in the local Chrysler dealer’s bodyshop. It had caught fire and the hood was open to reveal that awesome cross-ram dual quad induction system. It must’ve been an incredible car before it caught fire!