Chrysler introduced the 300 model series in 1955 which was based on the luxurious New Yorker coupe. This new model showcased Detroit's emerging styling trends and its pursuit of performance that would continue into the late 1960s. The industry-high 300 horsepower engine was fitted into a sporty full-size body design with front sheet metal and grille shared with the Imperial. The 331 cubic-inch Hemi V8 was the most powerful engine in the company catalog and was equipped with dual four-barrel carburetors, a racing cam, and solid lifters. The name of the Chrysler 300 was in reference to the 300 horsepower produced by the engine, making it the most powerful American passenger car engine. In 1956, a new 300B model began the 'letter series,' which would continue for a decade. A convertible joined the 300C in 1957, endowed with a full leather interior, clothed with new corporate styling, and the first year of the tri-color 300 emblems prominently emblazed on the rear quarter panel. By this point, the Hemi engine displaced 392 cubic inches and offered 375 horsepower or 390 with the optional dual-quad carburetors.
Hardtop Coupe
View info and historyThe 300D of 1958 experimented (unsuccessfully) with fuel injection and the 1959 300E gained a 413-cubic-inch wedge engine. The 1960 300F received ram induction, and when coupled with long-ram manifold and solid lifters, the horsepower rose to 400 bhp. Chrysler continued to use the wedge engine for the 1961 300G, and it used twin Carter Type AFB four-barrel carburetors located on opposing plenums, set at a specific 30-inch distance from the intake valve, which subsequently created 'sonic supercharging' at a given RPM level. The engine had a 10.1:1 compression and a forged steel crankshaft. The engine was backed by the bulletproof TorqueFlite automatic. A three-speed manual gearbox was made available for racing applications.Body styles included a hardtop coupe priced at $5,400 while the convertible sold for an additional $400. 1,280 examples of the 300G coupe were built and just 337 of the convertible. Styling changes for 1961 were similar to the other Chrysler model changes, including restyling of the grille and reshaping off the headlights, now mounted in a slanted formation. The 300G would be the final Chrysler with fins, bringing an end to an era. Nineteen sixty-one would also be the last year the 'Letter Series' cars would be exclusive. In 1962, the 300 line was expanded to include less expensive, non-letter 300 cars that included a four-door body style.
Hardtop Coupe
View info and historyThe 300H of 1962 and its successors shared a platform with the less-expensive 300 Sport series, based on the Windsor. The Exner-influenced fins of the 1950s and early 1960s were gone, but its engine remained potent, rated at 380 bhp. The 300J of 1963 was available solely as a hardtop coupe and wore standard leather interiors. The 'J' medallions distinguished this special vehicle from its more common 300 Sport Series sibling. The convertible body style returned a year later on the 300K, and styling continued to mimic the 300 Series (the 'Sport' no longer part of the name), distinguishable by a more luxurious interior. The final year of the 'letter' series arrived in 1965 with the 300L, equipped with high-performance tires, suspension, and the 413 CID single carburetor engine. During its existence, the 300 Letter Series were touted as limited-edition automobiles precision-built for connoisseurs who demanded super engineering, craftsmanship, and the best of Detroit's emerging styling trends.
by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019
Hardtop Coupe
View info and history
Hardtop Coupe
View info and history
by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019
Related Reading : Chrysler 300 History
of the original Hemi engine equipped with two four-barrel carbs, solid lifters, special manifolds, and enlarged dual exhausts. This vehicle gave the Chrysler Corporation a performance and sporty image, a much-needed persona in this post-World War II era. Many European manufacturers, such as Jaguar and MG, had introduced high-powered, small, responsive sports cars. American manufacturers countered....
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Related Reading : Chrysler 300 History
In 2005, the wave of retro design that is still shaping American cars first washed over Detroit. American companies, with their stale product offerings, began looking towards their rich pasts to inspire new models with the design and flair of long-gone icons. It was in 2005 that Chrysler launched a modern iteration of the famed 300. The 300 name had actually been revived by Chrysler several years....
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March 2023
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1961 Chrysler 300G Vehicle Profiles
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$2,960 - $3,620
$4,130 - $4,870
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