1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible
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Highlights
- A very nicely presented and imposing Chrysler 300 convertible in a good useable condition
- Highly original with a pristine and period-correct interior and pristine bodywork
- Low original mileage and a very good maintenance history
The Appeal
With only 3,085 examples ever built, the 1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible was always a rare sight. This rarity has multiplied many fold with the passing of the years and the number in the UK today remains miniscule.
This is a US classic which is very hard to ignore. It is, of course, huge by UK standards and its 6.3 V8 power unit – shared with the original Jensen Interceptor – sounds amazing.
The condition of the car belies the fact that this is a 55-year-old vehicle and the condition of both exterior and interior is very pleasing indeed.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1966, the first year of the “non-letter” Chryslers
- Believed to be one of only around 3,000 built in this configuration
- Resident in its native USA until 2020 when it was imported to the UK
- Currently in the ownership of the second UK owner who saw the car at a US classic car show and had to own it
- The car comes with an interesting history file and associated documentation
- This includes the original owners’ handbook and embossed data card
- An original and beautifully illustrated sales brochure
- A number of original US documentation and certificate of title from before its import
- The current V5 in the name of the current owner
- HMRC and DVLA documentation confirming the appropriate import status
- A number of invoices covering work undertaken and maintenance addressed since import
- An notated envelope containing many invoices from its USA ownership period
- The car is now registered as a Historic Vehicle and as such is MOT and VED exempt
The Interior
- A delightfully period interior with a futuristic “Jetsons-esque” ambiance
- A very commodious interior providing ample space and comfort for five adults and their luggage
- Seats are upholstered in box pleated red vinyl and present in excellent used condition
- The red carpets are deeply piled and are in equally good original condition
- The carpet extends up the back of the front seats and is combined with bright chrome embellishments to make for a very appealing and retro-futuristic look
- The dash boasts a wealth of gauges and dials and is formed of red vinyl dissected by a bright chrome centre panel
- Door cards and all other aspects of the interior are in equally good condition and combine to make for a very appealing and memorable cabin
The interior of the big Chrysler is a mid-sixties time capsule and an absolute joy to behold. Despite Chrysler being a mid-market brand in the 1960’s this is a bright and well-appointed cabin. Whilst its size is what first strikes you, it’s the attention to detail and quality of this interior that stays with you.
The Exterior
- The exterior of the Chrysler presents very well indeed…..and there is so much of it!
- Both the bodywork and paintwork are in excellent used condition
- The bright white paintwork is deep and lustrous with no areas of significant deterioration noted
- The panel gaps are tight and symmetrical and doors, boot and bonnet all open and close easily and positively
- The generous areas of chrome are bright and reflective
- The chrome wheel trims with a central “300” emblem are in great condition and period-correct
- The large, red vinyl hood is in excellent condition and operates quickly and smoothly on the flick of the dash-mounted button
- The underside of the car looks to be in a very sound condition too, as you will see from our photographic package
If you are looking for a car with oodles of road presence, then look no further than this Chrysler 300 Convertible. It is so blessed with eye-catching period details that it is hard to drink it all in on a quick viewing. The big areas of boot and bonnet seem almost endless, and the bright chrome work and red vinyl hood make for a car that will literally stop people in their tracks as it passes. An amazing sight and an authentic slice of 60’s Americana.
The Mechanics
- The big 6.3L V8 engine is not just a powerful unit – originally rated at around 270 SAE hp – but also a very reliable and durable engine
- Shared by many well known cars of the period including the original Jensen Interceptor
- Feeding power through a Torqueflight, 3 speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels
- The car starts, runs and stops effectively doing, as the current owner puts it, “everything you ask of it”
- He also suggests that the new owner have the exhaust system checked as, although no blowing has been identified, he feels the exhaust to be louder than it should be
A car of this size and stature deserves a behemoth of an engine and the Chrysler 300 doesn’t disappoint in that respect. The 6.3L V8 is a smooth yet powerful unit much beloved of British specialist car makers like Bristol and Jensen.
Summary
What a car! For someone looking for a great value US classic, this one has it all. Road presence almost by the acre, a great original and period correct condition and real-world usability. The interior manages to feel both futuristic and retro all at the same time and its in immaculate condition…and there’s room for everyone.
This is a rare car too. Made in miniscule numbers, by US automotive standards, this is a car which will always attract a rarity premium. Don’t miss your chance to own such an endearing 1960’s US Classic as who knows when you’ll see another one.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1966
- Make Chrysler
- Model 300 Convertible
- Colour White
- Odometer 66,336 Miles
- Engine size 6000
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Derbyshire
- Country United Kingdom
25
bids
- Um•••• £17,000 11/05/22
- br•••• £16,750 11/05/22
- br•••• £16,500 11/05/22
- Um•••• £16,250 11/05/22
- br•••• £16,000 11/05/22
- Um•••• £15,800 11/05/22
- ne•••• £15,500 11/05/22
- de•••• £15,000 11/05/22
- br•••• £14,000 11/05/22
- Um•••• £13,300 11/05/22
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