Vehicle Description
1961 Chrysler 300G 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.The 300G
was called the bankers hot rod because of its combination of luxury
and speed and could go from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds which is
astounding for a full sized luxury car in 1961.
For consignment, a 1961 Chrysler 300G hardtop with 89,919 miles
showing on the odometer, unverifiable as the title reads Mileage
Exempt. It's got swivel front seats, a push button transmission,
and a Golden Lion V8 under the hood. The car comes with a box of
extraparts and a service manual.
Exterior
There are so many unique elements to the exterior of the 300, but
perhaps the most glaring is the diagonal headlights which very few
cars had, the first being the 1958 Lincoln, right after it became
legal in 48 states to have separate low beams and high beams. On
the 300, this shape plays through to the egg crate grille which is
a trapezoid, vertically flat, and containing bold cross trim pieces
and a 300 crest. But it doesn't stop there as the chrome bumper
tilts up to match the shape and tucks clever marking lights inside
the bend point. Then comes the fin which, like a bird taking
flight, extends from the door and cants outward as it grows in
height, just rearward in a point, then slingshots back to the body
which leads to a horizontal band containing two modest taillights
on the corners. Midline trim that is a two sided spear, breaks up
the Alaskan White paint on the car and sports another red, white,
and blue 300 badge on each side. In profile, the body of the car
leans forward, dragging the fins in the wind while the cabin leans
back, the windshield and the window line dipping with the wind
while the long, sloping C-pillar sheds it to the valley between the
fins. The paint and metalwork including hardware and emblems are in
great shape. Imperfections include quite a bit of bubbling down
low, some suspect rust under the paint down low, and paint
runs.
Interior
Light saddle leather covers the door panels along with a stainless
dress piece and 300 digits. It's very clean on both and
complemented by the black carpeted low which picks up on the black
insert of the armrest. Light saddle and tan swivel bucket seats
occupy the front and are in nice condition, with a bit of patina on
the driver's side and both are wearing polished shells that pick up
on the metal of the center console. Meanwhile, bucket seats in back
take advantage of the console that extends to the back is sculpted
metal and a leather armrest. The back walls pull design from the
door and also show some patina but overall, this is a fantastic
place to be the driver's guest. Back up front, a translucent
plastic and black steering wheel fronts an arched speedometer and
gauge cluster surrounded by what seems like hundreds of buttons.
One set of jukebox-like controls is for the transmission while the
opposite group controls the air conditioning. Still, a smaller row
of metallic buttons are reserved for the radio. It all shows some
age but even a slightly worn 300 is still a great 300. The metal
backing to the dash and center console takes on all types of
engraving and embossing and there's barely a smooth surface
anywhere. The floor mats over black carpet pick up on the patterned
squares of the seats and even the headliner puts on a show with
polished cross braces between the tan cloth. The trunk is covered
with a tan rug, showing use, and a spare tire wrapped in a black
carpeted case.
Drivetrain
Performance begins with a 413ci V8 rated at an astounding 375
horsepower. The Golden Lion is topped with two 4-barrel Carter AFB
carburetors on a long ram intake and driven by a TorqueFlite
3-speed automatic transmission sending those horses to the 8.75"
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. The configuration of
the showy long ram intakes are worth popping the hood every
time.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with prevailing surface rust, areas
showing residual oil that has blown rearward, grease on the
knuckles, and area of flaking rust but nothing deeply invasive. The
dual exhaust flows back to a pair of stainless steel mufflers and
exits through tailpipes out back. Torsion bar suspension help this
car ride a bit firmer than the land yachts of the day and leaf
springs held their own in the back.
Drive-Ability
We take our seat in the driver's bucket, turn the key, push a few
buttons, and wait for a Bobby Darin record to load. But no, it's
not a jukebox as much as it emulates one. We actually press the D
button and begin the forward motion of this winged wonder. Floats
like a butterfly, stings like a bee would be appropriate here as
the power and acceleration is as obvious as the opulence and smooth
ride. This is one fantastic cruiser. We note the reverse lights not
working and the right rear power window is slow, but beyond that,
everything functions as it should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Chrysler's bold choices created a unique car that serves as a
special classic in modern times. The 300 name lives on in somewhat
more mundane vehicles perhaps, but the legend lives on in earlier
versions. It lives on in film as well. A film about Spartans who
were determined to survive against the competition, just as this
Chrysler has survived its 63 years. "Give thanks men, to Leonidas
and the brave 300! To victory!"
8413172027
8-Chrysler
4-300G
1-1961
3-Jefferson Plant, Detroit, MI Assy Plant
172072-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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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