Enthusiasts love to share special features and interesting facts about their rides, and 1961 Chrysler 300G owners draw from a deep well of fascinating model-specific factoids. Chrysler’s pinnacle of luxury performance boasts a 413 V8 topped by cross-ram induction, a glowing glass AstraDome instrument cluster, 2+2 seating with a front-to-rear center console, top-speed accolades from Daytona, and it’s the last year of Chrysler’s fantastic ’50s fins. This specimen comes to sale here on eBay and the listing details “overhauled” engine and transmission, new exhaust and tires, and more. At least eight bidders have its market value over $6500 without meeting the seller’s Reserve. About two days remain in the auction if you’re itching to add a Chrysler “Letter Car” to your collection.
Long intake runners build torque, and the Ram-induction system puts twin carburetors 30 inches from the combustion chambers for maximum effect, 495 lb-ft of torque at 2800 RPM, accompanied by 375 HP. No wonder the 300G topped the 1961 Daytona Flying Mile with its 143 MPH two-way average. Factory air conditioning keeps occupants as cool as this induction system looks. Thanks to lov2xlr8 for some details.
Fins from mid-door to pointy tip stand tall and prominent, dominating the “G” styling from all angles. Inline trim on the trunk lid lends a luxurious nautical touch. Smooth and understated wraparound lights above the bumper contrast with the jagged fins above. Like many General Motors cars of the year, the Chrysler’s thin pillars impart near 360-degree visibility and questionable rollover protection.
The AstraDome cluster ranks among the most interesting ever produced and can only be fully appreciated at night. A factory tachometer in the full-length console underscores the sporting aspect of this flagship ride. A three-speed automatic transmission handles the gear changes.
Power windows came standard on the “G,” and perforated leather, too. While this car needs some bodywork, it’s clearly never been left to rot in a field or obviously abused to make it this far in its current condition. Would you enjoy this high-speed luxury coupe as-is or immediately restore it?
That car has it all
Wow, classy car, with air.
It’s the kind if car you need to tackle the Daytona mile in hot Florida without breaking a sweat!
Wow! Now this is original Mopar!
Just a note – the 143 MPH 300 Gs were the “short ram”, 400 HP car with 3-speed manual transmissions. There were two engine options this year. The short ram cars also ran a mechanical camshaft as well. Anyone who is considering this beauty should see https://over-drive-magazine.com/2025/03/18/1961-chrysler-cars-fact-sheet/
Didn’t the letter series 300s have carpeting with special inlays? It looks like this one has a replacement carpet that would have been found in a Newport or Windsor.
Special “air flow” front fenders!
Carpeting, the things some of the readers catch. Nice.
Are you the Steve Crist who was CEO of The Daily Racing Form?
In 1973 I was searching for a place to store and work on 2 Packards, and I heard about a lady who owned a big Victorian house with a large carriage house out back. She was willing to rent me the carriage house, but there was a catch, I would have to “Get rid” of an old car inside.
The car in question was an identical example to this 300G. Same color and factory A/C. Considering the rusted body panels, the likelihood this car came from somewhere far away from South Dakota [especially since few 300G cars were equipped with factory A/C], there is a good chance this car may have been “my” 300G.
I ended up giving the 300G to my brother, and we were quickly able to get it running. We did have to replace the Torqueflite as it had internal damage that caused it’s retirement to the carriage house, but the donor car was a rusty 1961 Newport wagon we found for $25.
My brother sold the Chrysler around 1982 for about $1,500.
Fun cartoon styling.
After looking over this beauty all I can say is todays cars suck. I’d take this over anything.
How in the heck could you drive this car without your right foot always plastered to the floorboard ?!!
It’s no wonder the transmission is shot.
This was the old cast iron Torgueflite, and the case was cracked. Discovered the crack when we tried to add ATF to it, only to see red fluid all over the carriage house floor.