1961 Chrysler 300-G Convertible Chassis no. 8413158814

1961 Chrysler 300-G Convertible Chassis no. 8413158814
413ci OHV Golden Lion V8 Engine2 Carter 4-Barrel Carburetors with Cross-Ram Intake375bhp at 5,000rpmPush-Button TorqueFlite Automatic TransmissionFront Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle4-Wheel Hydraulic Power Drum Brakes*One of the most luxurious and powerful American automobiles of the period*Fine example in beautifully restored condition inside and out *One of just 337 Convertible 300-G examples made*Fully-loaded, top-of-the-line, Virgin Exner-styled 'Letter Series' ConvertibleTHE CHRYSLER 'LETTER SERIES' CARPersonal luxury cars of a rather glorious anachronism, Chrysler's 300 'Letter Series' cars established a firm footing for Chrysler as a chief leader in performance and style. For ten successive years, each were given an assigned alphabet letter suffix and through their development, are considered to be an early ancestor of the muscle car. With Chrysler's most powerful FirePower 331ci Hemi, a 300bhp homologation C-300, introduced in 1955 and the first of the series, enjoyed considerable NASCAR racing success. In its later form, a 413ci Golden Lion V8 with Chrysler's soon-to-be legendary Ram Induction dual four-barrel carburetor set-up powered the 300, pushing horsepower nearest 400bhp. When paired with Chrysler's push-button Torque-Flite automatic transmission and specialized heavy-duty front suspension, the 300 possessed astonishing performance. A modified example would go on to hit 189.99 mph at Bonneville, while another set a Flying Mile class record at Daytona Beach. The seventh edition of Chrysler's fabled 'Letter Series' cars, the 1961 300-G marked the final, pure expression of Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' designs and continued to represent perhaps the ultimate American automotive design and engineering statement of its era. Stylistic revisions for 1961 included canted quad headlamps, following an industry trend, and a revised rear-end treatment. Most importantly, this was still an exceptional performance machine. According to a test by Car Life, the 375-brake horsepower, 413-cubic-inch 'Wedgehead' V-8 with its tuned dual Cross-Ram intake could propel the 300-G from rest to 60 mph in just over eight seconds – quite remarkable for a large American car of the period. The Chrysler 'Letter Series' cars were always costly and limited in production, hence they were nicknamed the 'banker's hot rod'. THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDThis stunning example of the seventh series 'Letter Series' cars designated as the 300-G model is one of the just 337 Convertible examples made in 1961. The new top-of-the-line performance Chrysler cost a staggering $5,841 from new. This fine example is finished in striking Mardi Gras Red exterior paint, and it is apparent that a comprehensive restoration has been performed on the car at some point in the past. Appropriate white wall tires are fitted on chrome wire wheels, while a set of the original stainless-steel hubcaps are offered with the car. Red/white/blue Chrysler 300-G emblems are in place, and the stunning chrome and brightwork shines incredibly well. Inside, the individual bucket seats are trimmed in tan color, matching the tan Convertible top, and the driver's seat features the cool swivel option for ease of entry and exit. The list of power amenities will rival most cars even by today's standards, and the rare factory optional air conditioning system is fitted. The spectacular Astra-dome dashboard gives one the feeling of flying a spaceship, and out front in the beautifully detailed engine compartment lays the powerful 413ci 'Wedgehead' Golden Lion V8 engine, putting out 375 horsepower thanks to the high-tech Cross-Ram intake system, fed by two Carter 4-barrel carburetors. The TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission is controlled by push buttons on the dash, very much like a modern luxury car. This long-fin rare 300-G series Convertible is breathtaking in every way. Big and fast, these cars harkened to the 1930s classic era, when the largest, most luxurious and prestigious cars on the road were also some of the fastest and best handling machines available.