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.

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