UPDATE: This stunning Blue 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible has been relisted for sale. It appears that the owner might be willing to negotiate a bit on the price for interested parties. It is located in Miami, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the BIN at $23,000, but the option is available to make an offer.
I am continuing in my quest to uncover and review as many old, full-size American automobiles as I can find, and today’s discovery is a beautiful 1970 Chrysler 300, and it’s a convertible! This car is especially pertinent today as we compare it to what Chrysler has become in modern times.
Chrysler, at one time, one of America’s best known and most technologically advanced marques, has been reduced these days to selling a fifteen-year-old design passenger sedan and an awkward-looking minivan – that’s it. But there was a time when Chrysler vied with Cadillac and Lincoln and usually added a performance twist, especially with the 300 “Letter Cars” that were offered between 1955 and 1965. By 1970, the 300’s volume had dropped 35% from the previous year, and only 21K of these special Chryslers rolled off of the Jefferson Avenue assembly line in Detroit. The 300 was offered in both a two and four-door hardtop as well as a convertible, which proved to be the least popular, with just a little over 1,000 finding new owners that year. This was also the last year that a 300 convertible was offered.
The most notable thing about today’s find is the presence of the wide whites. Completely inappropriate for a car of this era, they’re a personal choice, and if that’s what the owner wants, so be it! Nevertheless, dressed in them, there will be no mistaking this car. Any way you cut it, there’s a whole lot of wide, flat real estate that comprises this 300’s bodywork. And it all appears to be straight and free from rust, collisions, and even minor parking lot skirmishes. This big Chrysler is listed as a “one-owner” car, which means that the seller acquired it from the original owner. Maybe so, but the chain of ownership isn’t explained thoroughly though this Chrysler was supposedly owned by Hollywood producer Al Simon, known for his work on I Love Lucy and the Burns and Allen Show. The only chronological issue is the fact that Mr. Simon passed in 2000, so where’s this convertible been for the last twenty-one years? It probably doesn’t matter, and Mr. Simon’s bio does mention that he owned a blue Chrysler convertible.
The sole engine available in the 300 for 1970 (unless you include the special 300 Hurst model) was a 350 gross HP, 440 CI “RB” V8 engine. The seller states, “Drives excellent with no issues.” No matter that this is a boat of a car, it probably moves out with authority thanks to that venerable 440 engine. As expected, a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission gets the power to the rear wheels.
Get a load of that interior! While the upholstery pattern looks correct, I wonder about that blinding two-tone color combination. Original? It’s neat but doesn’t seem dignified enough for a Chrysler – I’d welcome comments on that matter, original or custom? Anyway, it’s in very nice condition and showing no wear or discoloration. It’s the same story with the carpet and door panels. Nothing there is askew. The only demerit appears to be the dash pad and front-facing surface, which looks to be discolored.
The seller claims this to be a 50K mile example and states that documentation exists, though none is photographically presented in the listing. As to originality, or survivor status, I’d say this Chrysler has had a least a repaint based on all of the painted-over screws, etc., in the door jambs. And does that really matter? I’d think not. This is a fine and rare convertible that appears to have been well maintained, one that should have quite a bit of life to it still. I’d be happy with it, except for those wide-whites, how about you?
The wide whitewalls gotta‘ go. Otherwise, very nice.
Yep. Lose those tires, and this is a beauty.
I’m thinking redlines.
Nooooo!! I love whitewalls! Getting hard to find, though. Back my day, it was a sign of class to have them, black walls meant you were a lower tier driver.
Beautiful car in an eye-catching color. Not a fan of the wide whites either, thin line whites would look more appropriate. I don’t know if the seat upholstery is correct (the seller claims it’s original) but I like it, it really pops! There’s a lot to like here if you’re into big cars; it’s a rare convertible in great condition with low miles and it’s a car you can enjoy right away. The price seems reasonable for a very nice turn-key classic drop-top.
Seats are wrong. Interiors then were NOT two-toned. Owner’s choice (like those horrendous tires!)
I had heard 50 Cent was paring down ihis collection. Never thought he’d let the Chyrsler go though.
LOL–he’s only worth two bits!
He’s holding on to the Cadillac with the diamond in the back sun roof top. ……
Well, first of all, Chrysler NEVER made two toned interiors, AND they would never put wide whites on a 300 convertible! What a waste!
I wish classic car buyers would at least keep the whitewall tires period correct. 1961 was the last year for factory wide whitewalls.
Isn’t this the car that Willie Mays Hayes drove to spring training in the second Major League movie?
Yeah, that size whitewall was 25 years out of date when this car was built.
Jim, you my be overlooking the fact that Chrysler makes the Charger (a nice looking car), and the Challenger (seems popular), and, of course, the whole Ram truck line, which seems to be flying off the shelf.
So, Chrysler seems to be carrying on with performance cars and trucks, if not big luxury automobiles.
This big Fusilage C-Body is a real beauty, I love it.
Rex, the author was referring to Chrysler branded vehicles, not Chrysler the company, when he said only 2 vehicles.
Rex, the Charger and Challenger are both Dodge marques and the Ram line of pickups are their own marque.
If you want to buy a car that is badged as a Chrysler, you have a choice of the 15-year old design 300 and the Pacifica, which is some kind of fancy minivan.
I love my 2020 300S 5.7L. One of the last V8 – front engine – rear drive – 4 door automobiles built in North America. Unfortunately, I recently found out that my car may have a fatal engineering flaw. My car has less than 5k miles – brief lifter clatter on cold starts started last week.
While doing research, I find out the Gen III Hemi ‘Eagle’ has a horrendous cam – lifter failure rate. FCA says its less than 5% but internet rumors state the percentage is much higher. Excellent fuel economy and performance otherwise. Bummed….
Nothing about the current Charger’s design strikes me as being distinctive (especially when you compare it to the original Charger) and the Challenger is based on a 50 year old design. I will admit however, unlike the other Big 3, that Chrysler has been more daring over the last few decades with creative designs by coming out with cars like the PT Cruiser, Crossfire, Prowler, and Viper.
A 2 door charger would not look much better/distinctive, but IMO it should have been 2 door only from the getgo.
The “current” Challenger just outsold the Mustang recently. & the Camaro is on its deathbed. If you ask me, i think Chevy should replace the latter by buying a ’69 dynacorn 1st gen camaro & figure out how to bring it up to current safety specs, & i bet it would be an insane hit! Remember, the ’69 was sold for just 1 model year!
The “current” Chally has been around for 14 years, essentially unchanged!
Here’s a ’70 300 interior, probably correct. The subject car’s interior probably isn’t, but it ain’t bad.
Do you not think the “subject” cars interior is not original?
It seats about 20
Did you bring jukebox money?
I got me a Chrysler, it seats ’bout 20 , so come on and bring your ‘ juke-box’ money …..The Love Shack ; ” B-52s” brings back memories. Those tires will have to go, though.
The Pacifica is a great looking minivan, nothing awkward about it. The 300 is getting long in the tooth though. At some point Stellantis will probably chop Chrysler as a brand, we’ll see.
It’s as big as a whale and its about to set sail!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the body style on these, but those tires make me wanna rip my eyes out. I would go Torque Thrust with a black side wall. But that’s my ‘go to’.
1962 was the last year Detroit offered wide whites on cars.
Doesn’t look right on any model yr after that.
Due to my age and body proportions, I would take this car over any Mustang,Camaro, or Chevelle. this car has class, sportiness, and its a convertible to boot. You would get noticed wherever you went, and you could bring all the companions you chose to. I have ridden in one of these and it’s a riot. So much room, yeah it seats about 20. Hidden headlights, 440, and a convertible, what else could you ask?I like most of the cars on BF, but I love this one.
Interesting – I like this car!
Nice car, and a convertible! But, I would ditch the white tires
and go w/ red stripe ones.
Nah, it’s a borderline Liberacemobile with the wide whites. Needs diamond studded splash guards and a Picasso portrait applied to the convertible top……..
Except for the wide whites,this car is gorgeous. This is one real head turner. I wonder how many would crowd around this car at a local car show in a sea of Mustangs,Camaros, and Corvettes?
Would you still be able to drive one of these things on the road today? And how about parking spaces? Seems like they shrunk everything down along with the cars.
Been a long time since I drove my father’s 77 Chrysler Newport. I wonder if it still exists?
Was traded in on a 1990 Plymouth Acclaim at a local dealership. It only had 56,000 miles on it.
Yes lose the big ass whitewalls and wheel covers and get a set of Chrysler factory road wheels instead.
I like it just the way it is. Kudos to the owner for doing exactly what he wanted to his 300.
I have always loved the body style of these big Chryslers. I had a friend who had this exact same car but in gold, in 1970. Beautiful car. I had a ’71 Imperial in white. Same basic car.
The wide whites could stay or go for slimmer ones, say 1.5 or 2″. But definitely NO blackwalls or red stripes!
Red stripe tires!!! Gorgeous car. Great price.
Love big cars,especially c-body mopar,obviously the owner liked wide white walls,I don’t like them either, but would not let that,or the interior be a deal breaker.
The car needs PERIOD CORRECT whitewall tires period!!!!
.
Obviously, the wide whites are the elephant in the room, and easily fixed. Only an elderly owner would have wide whites, as anyone under 70 thinks they look out of place on a car like this. Maybe a bathtub Nash, but this actually detracts from the beautiful lines. These were BIG cars meant for cruisin’ down the boulevard, in the left lane. Radar was in it’s infancy, and you could actually get away with 90 mph, which this car would do with ease. Today, probably best for a cruise down to the lakefront, or ice cream shop, using 1/8 of that motors potential. 440’s were the staple of most police cruisers of the day, that idled for hours on end, and when needed, could still catch the speeders. It was a hell of a motor. Chryslers best, right here.
The correct tires would not be cheap …
http://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/a5/e1/99a5e11bca2a5825d785528a720590f4.jpg
Assuming these wide whitewalls are not too old, not sure if it’s ok to simply remount them with the blackwall on the outside.
1st TWO door car i could recall where the convertible got vent windows, but the steel roof 2 door coupe did not! Why tool up an extra big door?
Not sure if this Mexican New Yorker is any different than the USA version …
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/401439712094-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
That’s a Canadian ad in a French print MACLEAN’S magazine.
Look back in history most cars had vent windows up until 1972 for the most part. Chrysler C bodies even had a crank mechanism for opening and closing. Getting rid of vent windows was a cost-saving for the manufacturers Still miss the vent window.
I think that most “leftover” body style from the late 60s that kept going into the 70s had came with vent windows kept them ,like the 68 -72 Nova, the 67 -76 Valiant/Dart sedans and this Chrysler which is a continuation of the 1969 body style . New 1970 body styles like the Maverick , Duster ,Hornet, etc. did not have them.
Mexican New Yorker….
70s were carryover 69s basically, so the doors, etc. were the same. Perhaps sealing problems kept them from the converts, which were on their last leg at Chrysler.
I had a 70 300 convertible in this same color full of rust in WI in the 90’s. I think I paid 3K for it, and it was a blast to drive. It floated like a cloud at 70 mph, but I assume the revs were close to 4K ( no tach ). The interior is not correct, Rex posted a correct photo, and as I recall Blue carpets also. These are great cars, the ride and handling are excellent for the size. ( Also had a 69 Chrysler Newport convertible in puke green….383, not as nice )
If only things were reversed & it was only the contemporary vehicles that rusted out quickly – my prayers would be answered & i sure wouldn’t miss any of em!
Ironically, unlike classic cars, aren’t new vehicles made out of recycled steel? & besides that, the steel is thinner than that on cars of the ’70s.
& ’60s GM(at least) car steel is thicker than 70’s steel!
JoeNYWF64,
Cars today are made of plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Very little steel and what there is is so thin you can dent the cars by breathing on them. Of course, I’m being facetious, but I don’t think I’m far off.
You are not far from the truth about the gauge thickness of today’s steel usage. Back in 1970,
. this was when you got some real metal for the money. look at the bumpers on this car!!!!!
My 79 Mark V, which was to be honest a truly horrible driving car, had the weakest sheetmetal of any car I’ve owned. Just the pressure of washing the roof would make the metal flex. They certainly took a lot of weight out of them, in pretty obvious ways.
Your not far off at all Angel!,just doing a wax job on a new one,you can easily depress the panels and don’t even get me started on the plastic “bumper covers”..so called,junky as hell,I could go on,and have had super low speed,parking lot “bumps”that added up very quickly when repair time came.
George Louis, I had a ’71 Imperial with essentially the same bumpers and I gotta tell ya, they weren’t worth anything but esthetics. This is why by ’73 the government mandated 5 mph bumpers because the bumpers on pre ’73 cars were just for looks. They had no real bumper value
That may be true but they still gave you some real steel for the money paid.
LOL @ “bumper value!”
Fantabulous! Not a Mopar fan, but this car is an exception to the rule. I’d love to have this car parked in my driveway, if only I weren’t so poor.
God bless America
Are those skid marks from the owner doing donuts?
I love the interior. I’m not too sure about the white walls, but they’re easy to replace.
Could we make this into a DONK
Back in the 1970s my boyfriend at the time traded his 1967 Mustang convertible for a 1965 Cadillac Sedan de Ville. And the first thing he did was put these wide “gangsta” whitewalls on it. They were “port-a-walls”. You put them over a blackwall tire.
Maybe the seller wants to be a gangsta?
I had a 69 coupe with a 383 bucket seat console tilt and tele and a factory 8 track
I also had a 70 convt 440 commando column shift 60/40 split front seat neither car was a quarter mile monster but on the interstate there wasn’t much that could keep up
huge and ugly… sorry…
If it makes you feel any better, I had a gen III hemi 2014 charger r/t for close to 4 years with the hemi tick,never failed, and I ran it pretty hard,fairly often, full synthetic Castrol edge, and lucas synthetic oil stabilizer about every 7k,and better filters is how I maintained it.
I’m guessing this is addressed to me – not sure why your reply ended up way down here. Your ‘hemi tick’ was the well known exhaust manifold issue as you wouldn’t have driven very far with a destroyed cam and roller lifter(s).
Sorry, but there is NO excuse for a cold start lifter rattle in a new car using the recommended oil and filter. I’ve owned too many cars going back to the early ’70s. I will be trying a SRT filter and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full synthetic (SRT Blend) shortly in the factory recommended viscosity, 5w-20. Many state this will cure the condition.
To be fair, the ‘rattle’ only happens if I start cold and drive a short distance (less than a mile) and turn off the car, then the dreaded ‘rattle’ happens on the restart. Park the car fully warm and no rattle on the cold restart. Still disconcerting.
Still, an impressive motor as it makes better numbers than the 440 Commando motor of yore. And, I see 30mpg on the highway quite often. A great driving, handling and riding car.