Vehicle Description
Wrapping a historic Golden Lion drivetrain in a tailored interior
and 18 feet of stylish sheetmetal, this incredible Chrysler,
believed to be 1 of only 118 1959 300E coupes left in existence,
HAS to be one of the coolest classics on the planet! In fact,
featuring an optimal mix of lethal performance and opulent luxury,
the Chrysler 'letter cars' have been long regarded as some of the
most revered metal Detroit has ever produced. If you're a
discerning collector who's itching for a classic, big-fin MoPar
that'll be the star of every show it attends, here's your ticket to
greatness!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Lovingly dubbed 'bankers' hot rods', the storied 300 series
confidently owned the intersection of luxury and high performance.
The line's futuristic design helped mark the debut of Jet Age
Detroit styling trends that would continue for several years. And,
although Chrysler's aerodynamic ingenuity came in handy at Daytona
Beach, where a fire breathing, 390 horsepower Hemi propelled the
nearly identical 300C to a record 134 MPH, it was the firm's style
quotient that sent the market in to a frenzy. Before settling in to
a life of charging down multi-lane LA freeways, this decorous E was
delivered to its first owner via Harger-Haldeman Chrysler in
November of 1958. More recently, the car benefitted from a
body-off, rotisserie restoration that was completed in late 2014.
During that reboot, rust-free sheetmetal was sandblasted clean,
sprayed in multiple coats of primer and dressed in wet-looking
Formal Black 2-stage. That wet-sanded pigment perfectly complements
triple-plated chrome, professionally refinished stainless, correct
Solex glass and vivid red-bar grilles. And today, roughly 100 miles
out of the shop, the car rolls as one exceptionally striking and
decidedly handsome classic!
ENGINE
For 1959, the 300 swapped its heavy and expensive Hemi for a new,
413 cubic inch 'wedge' that was marketed as the Golden Lion V8. No
slouch in the performance department, that fresh mill twisted 380
horsepower into 450 lb./ft. of sand-churning torque straight from
the factory. Toss the sculpted hood and you'll find correct RB
power that, in addition to being re-machined, rebuilt and restored
to better-than-new condition, is authenticated by an "MR413"
assembly stamp and a 1851629 casting number. Induction is handled
by snazzy gold air cleaners, which are piped directly in to two
Carter AFB 4-barrels. Fire is provided by a high performance points
distributor, which sequences spark between a tagged Autolite
generator and eight MoPar M.E.S.C. plug wires. Spent gases exit
through restored, low-restriction exhaust manifolds. Cooling comes
courtesy of a beefy radiator that's cinched to pliable hoses via
old school squeeze clamps. Aesthetically, the engine's glossy black
paint rides well between glossy, color-keyed fenders, cool "300 E"
valve covers and an array of correct decals and markings. And
details like Autolite horns a tagged MoPar battery and a cool Jiffy
Jet washer bag provide tons of exciting eyeball appeal.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Not only was the 300E known for its big power, it was universally
admired for its excellent handling. That on-track prowess was a
direct result of the car's lower engine placement and precise
spring location. The low-slung powerplant communicates through a
correct A488 TorqueFlite, which is hooked to an 8.75-inch Chrysler
axle that's fitted with Sure Grip posi and 3.31 gears. That proven
drivetrain rides a familiar torsion bar/leaf spring suspension,
which makes good use of correct Constant-Control power steering. At
the corners of that suspension, correct Center-Plane drums ensure
solid, fade-free stops. In the middle of the car's spotless, Formal
Black floors, a traditional dual exhaust system employs throaty
Dynomax mufflers. And all that road-worthy hardware rolls on
painted steel wheels, which twist 9.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown
whitewalls around patriotic 300 hub caps.
INTERIOR
Take a look inside this coupe and you'll find an elegant Black and
Tan interior that sports enough room to haul the whole family in
comfort! High quality Gary Goers seating features correct swivel, a
fold down armrest and 6-way power adjustment for the car's driver.
In front of those leather thrones, a color-keyed dash hangs a new
pad over pushbutton transmission controls and a signal-seeking
radio that bridges the gap between a power antenna and two rear
speakers. At the sides of that dash, original door panels frame
factory power windows. Beneath those panels, rich carpet balances
thick floor mats over modern Dynamat insulation. Opposite that rug,
chrome roof bows span a new headliner. In front of the driver, a
2-tone steering wheel laps a chrome horn ring. And behind the
passengers, a factory defogger fronts a fully restored trunk.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Vintage marketing literature
A copy of the car's original IBM card
1957-'59 Chrysler Shop Manuals (Volumes I, II and III)
A 1959 Chrysler/Imperial Service Manual Supplement
A 1959 Chrysler Handbook
A 1959 MoPar Accessories booklet
1959 parts and service literature
A vintage MoPar parts list
Vintage service literature
A vintage Bendix Radio Service Manual
A few 1961 Car & Driver Magazines
Restoration literature
Handwritten historical notes
Restoration photos
Paperwork for the car's engine rebuild
Paperwork for the Chrysler 300 Club International
A large box of Chrysler 300 Club International periodicals
A 1959 Chrysler match box
An extra rearview mirror glass
Extra hood letters
A 300-themed California tag
A 300-themed tag bracket
A small diecast model
Looking back, the 300 represents a huge milestone in the
development of the Chrysler Corporation as a powerhouse
manufacturer. After tearing up the beaches in Daytona and
shattering speed records at the firm's own Chelsea Proving Grounds,
it single-handedly spawned the world-class performance image
Chrysler's eponymous brand enjoyed well in to the '70s. If you're a
discerning gearhead who likes top-notch classics that draw crowds
wherever they go, this all-American cruiser will be a significant
addition to your collection!
SUMMARY
Body-off, rotisserie restoration completed in 2014
Correct 413 cubic inch Golden Lion V8 / 380 horsepower
Correct A488 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission
Formal Black paint / Triple-plated chrome / Correct Solex glass
Black and Tan leather interior / Swiveling seats
Sale includes: A copy of the car's original IBM card / Restoration
photos
Signal-seeking radio / Factory power windows
Correct 8.75-inch rear axle / Sure Grip posi-traction differential
/ 3.31 gears
Factory Constant-Control power steering / Factory Center-Plane drum
brakes
Believed to be 1 of only 118 300E coupes left in existence
