1968 Chrysler 300

The legacy of Chrysler's 300 series began with the C-300 unveiled on February 10th of 1955 as a stylish two-door hardtop coupe that successfully combined luxury with a higher performance version of the Hemi V8 motor. For the decade that followed, the 'Letter Series' Chryslers would signify the ultimate in speed and personal luxury, promoted as the fastest and most powerful car built in America. The final 'Letter Car,' the 300L, appeared in 1965, however, the '300' name would continue until 1971.

Based on the C-body platform introduced in 1965, Chrysler's model line-up for 1968 received extensive restyling, the bold new frontal styling highlighted a pronounced v-shaped grille, rear-wheel skirts, and revised tail lamp treatment. 1968 Chrysler passenger cars rested on a 124-inch wheelbase while the station wagons used a 122-inch platform. The 300 was distinguished from the lesser 'entry-level' Newport series by a unique grille, with blacked-out treatment and hidden headlamps, along with five chrome vent moldings behind the front wheel arches. Special badges and wheel trims, along with a unique new cast metal 'road wheel optional, further distinguished the 300 from the Newport. For those seeking an even plusher interior, and more standard features and exterior trim, Chrysler offered the New Yorker. The Newport was equipped with a 383 CID V8 with 290 horsepower while the 300 and New Yorker shared a 440 cubic-inch V8 with 350 horsepower. Both V8s had overhead valves, five main bearings, and a cast-iron block. The Newport came standard with a three-speed manual transmission while the other models were equipped with a TorqueFlite self-shifter automatic.

The 1968 Chrysler 300

The 1968 Chrysler 300 had bucket seats trimmed in vinyl with a center armrest, a 70-amp battery, and full carpeting. Among the list of options included a burl walnut-look center console, full leather upholstery, Automatic Speed Control, and a Tilt-A-Scope steering wheel. The 'TNT' motor, rated at 375 horsepower was available as a $79 option, adding twin exhausts, a twin snorkel air cleaner, and a high-performance camshaft. An uprated suspension, heavy-duty brakes with the option of power discs up front, and a 24-gallon fuel tank were also part of the options list.

Body Style, Pricing, and Production

The two-door hardtop coupe with seating for five had a factory base price of $4,200. The hardtop sedan listed for $4,285 and the convertible at $4,540. Only the Newport and the 300 offered a convertible option in 1968. Within the 300 Series, the hardtop coupe was the most popular with 16,953 examples built, followed closely by the hardtop sedan with 15,507 units built, and 2,161 of the convertible.

by Dan Vaughan

The Non-Letter Chrysler 300 Series was produced by Chrysler from 1962 through 1971. The Chrysler 300 Sport Series was positioned below the letter series and served as a replacement for the Windsor. The exterior appearance was identical to the Letter Car, except for minor differences including the tires, hubcaps, and an absence of 'H' on the rear deck. The 300 Sport Series also added a 4-door hardtop which had never been offered on the Letter Series. Powering the 300 Series was an overhead valve V8 engine displacing 383 cubic inches and offering 305 horsepower.

The 300 Sport Series was available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop coupe, 4-door hardtop sedan, and a convertible.

A Pace Setter Series was introduced in 1963 in commemoration of the 300 Series which had been the Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500-mile race. This special edition Pace Setter had special interiors and a checkered flag placed underneath the front fender 300 emblem. Instead of having a round steering wheel, they were given a square-shaped steering wheel.

In 1964, Chrysler dropped the word 'Sport' for the 300 designations. Also new this year was a special 300 which added a silver exterior finish and black vinyl roof with black leather or vinyl interior.

For 1965, the Chrysler 300 Series received mild updates to its trim alterations, and to its front and rear design treatment. The headlamps were now located within the grille and were given a unique glass shield. They were given different lower body trim to help distinguish these cars from the 300 Letter Series. The 383 CID V8 was now rated at 315 horsepower.

Chrysler discontinued the Chrysler 300 Letter Series in 1966.

In 1966, the glass-covered headlamps and the cross-bar grille were replaced with a more modern design. Horsepower in the 383 CID V8 rose to 325 horsepower. An optional V8 engine was available for those enthusiasts seeking even more power.

In 1967, the Chrysler 300 received extensive styling revisions to the front and the rear. The 4-door sedan was no longer available. Another change occurred in the engine bay, where a 440 CID V8 now came standard and was the sole engine available. This overhead-valve V8 engine was fitted with a Holley four-barrel carburetor and delivered 350 horsepower.

In 1968, the 300 was given concealed headlamps which would continue with the car until 1971.

In 1969, the 300 received 'fuselage style', and the 300 nameplates were now spelled out as Three-Hundred in chrome block letters. Standard equipment included a TorqueFlite automatic, heavy-duty batter, power-operated concealed headlamps, and triple body accent stripes.

For 1970, a Hurst 300 edition was available in Spinnaker White with Satin Tan trim and leather interior. Power was from a 440 CID V8 rated at 375 horsepower.

For 1971, the final year of the 300 Series, the convertible body style was no longer available.

by Dan Vaughan