Vehicle Description
1962 Chrysler 300H Hardtop
Chrysler's 300 series personal luxury performance cars represented
a new genre not yet in demand, and so production numbers were low
and provided some exclusivity to those opting for a Chrysler.
Though not true muscle cars, they've been recognized as an early
spark to what would eventually become the true muscle car.
For consignment, one of 435 1962 Chrysler 300H hardtop coupes
produced and this one has a title verified 83,494 actual miles.
With convertible 300H considered, total production in 1962 was 558
and that makes this car quite rare. Unless you're a dyed in the
wool Mopar fan, you may have never encountered one of these. Well,
here's a great example.
Exterior
Two stage Formal Black paint adorns this car and its unique shape.
It starts with the diagonal arrangement of the dual headlights, now
LEDs, the upper curve of which turns into rounded fenders that
blend into a straight shoulder line and into rounded rear fenders,
the only remnant of the previous model's exaggerated fins. It's a
wonderfully sleek car with a slightly raked, wraparound windshield
leading to a long slightly descending roofline, and a sharply
sloping rear window which also wraps to the sides. The dynamic line
is highlighted by a hockey stick shaped trim piece and a spear
travels from the back fender forward to the door. Wings grow from
the front chrome bumper to hug the sides and form the shape to
which the marker lights fit, quite a spectacular design feature.
All the metal work including the robust window frames and flush
door handles is in fantastic condition. The rear tail lights are
entirely unique, surrounded by sculpted, polished metal and curving
around the top edge of tail creating a pointy fin above a square
tail light. 300 branded hubcaps top 15-inch steel wheels. A few
imperfections are noticed in the form of scrapes, chipped paint,
and a previously touched scratch.
Interior
Keeping with the luxury theme, the saddle interior appears bright
and clean, contrasting dramatically with the black exterior. Door
panels contain metal trim surrounding stitched inserts in a clean
and uncomplicated presentation. The 300 H came standard with front
bucket seats, and they are low backed with a tuck and roll design
sporting weave pattern inserts and are saddle leather in
composition. All are in excellent condition with one blemish on the
driver seat bottom. An interesting design for the rear as 2+2 seats
that mirror the fronts have a center console and armrest flowing
from metal trim that comes from the front seat. The front occupants
share a padded armrest as well in a lighter tone of leather. On the
rear shelf we find a speaker grille and raised vents for the rear
A/C which our consignor feels may be unique to this car. A lot of
thought went into the interior design, and that continues with a
multi material steering wheel topped with translucent plastic over
a gold rim and metallic horn ring. The dash was referred to as the
jukebox dash and indeed, with all the bright metal, glass, and
large buttons, it resembles one. An amazing domed gauge package is
fan shaped with the speedometer curving like an umbrella over
smaller rectangle gauges. All the large buttons, for the heater and
AC, AM radio, (an FM converter is under the dash), and push button
transmission are labeled, while robust knobs are assigned to other
functions. Raised vents top a padded dash that hovers above the
center stack which houses the tachometer and large, polished metal
console. Plush, light brown carpet covers the floor and even the
foot pedals are unique with raised texture tabs. A beautiful tweed
headliner is supported by metal trim pieces that stretch side to
side. The enormous trunk is lined in black carpet and is clean with
a spare tire in place. Overall, this is an amazing and unique
interior, and we've seen our share of automobiles!
Drivetrain
Performance begins with a 413ci V8 rated at an astounding 380
horsepower. The Golden Lion is topped with two 4-barrel Carter AFB
carburetors and driven by an A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic
transmission sending those horses to the 8.25" rear and 3.23 gears.
Power drum brakes are found at each wheel. Visually, the engine bay
is clean but not pristine and we would classify this as better than
driver quality.
Undercarriage
Things are in similar condition underneath, very clean with some
minimal surface rust on the uncoated metal and hardware and where
scrapes have occurred on the frame rails. The dual exhaust travels
in tandem to meet a pair of stock style mufflers, then
dumpsdiscreetly through tailpipes before the rear bumper. Torsion
bar suspension makes up the front while leaf springs are out back.
We note some oil sling from the tail shaft but beyond that, the
underside is clean and dry.
Drive-Ability
Why do I get a Vegas Rat Pack vibe from this car? It's 1962, and
Dean Martin is pulling up to the valet booth at the Sands hotel. No
no, it's just us taking this car around the loop in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, but we do have a casino across the street, but I
digress. The twin carbs jump into action, pumping fuel to feed 380
horses, and although it's towing 4,010 pounds, there's plenty of
power here and it happens to sound pretty good as well. The ride is
soft and luxurious, and the straight away begs more throttle, but
for now we cruise the loop and check the functions on the jukebox
dash. What we find is all good with the exception of the A/C, which
has been converted to R134a but needs a charge, and that epic
center mounted tachometer is not working.
Here's a rare opportunity to own a special car. Throughout its
early production, 300 "letter series" cars were made in limited
numbers and as a result, they don't come up for sale often. Our
consignor feels this may be the only one with rear air conditioning
as he has not encountered another. We couldn't verify this but with
or without that feature, this is a collection worthy example of a
1962 Chrysler 300 H. We'll call Dean Martin a cab. Meanwhile, you
call the mall and get a front table for this show!
8423159924
8-Chrysler V8
4-300H
2-1962
3-Jefferson, MI Assy Plant
159924-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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