Rare Rides: A 1967 Chrysler 300 - Large and In Charge

A recent edition of Buy/Drive/Burn included a Chrysler 300M from the turn of the century — a car which represented the third time Chrysler created a line of vehicles wearing “300” badges. The other day, the Internet presented the 300M’s closest ancestor, and my curiosity piqued.

And since we’re into coupes on Rare Rides lately, come along as we check out a big, bold coupe from Chrysler.

The first iteration of the 300 existed in dealer showrooms between 1955 and 1965. All of these cars were two-doors in nature, and coupe, hardtop, or convertible in styling. Known as the “letter series,” the 300s were muscle cars. Powerful and quick off the line, by 1965 the 300L version had a 413 V8 (6.8-liter).

Overlapping the letter series was the second generation of 300, which is where today’s Rare Ride comes into focus. Sensibly known as “non-letter,” the run of cars existed alongside the end of the letter series for a couple of years. Starting in 1962, non-letter cars were there to replace the aged Chrysler Windsor and Saratoga models. That’s the U.S.-market Windsor only, as Canada held onto the Windsor name through 1966 (a rebadged Newport).

Considering the success of the 300 line, Chrysler expanded its offerings. Non-letter cars were available in both two- and four-door variations, with a traditional pillared sedan, hardtop, and convertible. The company reshuffled the lineup for ’66 after the letter cars headed out to pasture. Styling was revised in ’67 to a considerable degree, as the brand headed toward what would become known as the fuselage era. The four-door sedan option went away, and customers were limited to the largest 440 V8 (7.2-liters). A three-speed automatic or four-speed manual were available, moving just under 4,400 pounds in four-door guise.

Another styling update in ’68 concealed the headlamps, and the second year of the 1967-68 version would be the last. Revised again in 1969, styling went full fuselage, as the 300 came with length. The former model was a scant 218.2 inches long, and 79.5 inches in width.

The new version shrunk to 79.1 inches wide, but extended to 224.7 inches on the same 124-inch wheelbase. Heavy stuff. The 300 line made it through the 1971 model year, when it was cancelled. Its replacement was the new personal luxury Cordoba in 1975.

Today’s Rare Ride 300 is a very clean example listed on the Providence, Rhode Island Craigslist (removed). With factory air conditioning and an excellent interior, it asked $10,000.

[Images seller]