Lot 1020: 1965 Chrysler 300

The first Chrysler 300 was the 300C of 1955. It was big, brash and beautiful. Although there was no such thing as a muscle car in the mid-1950s, that was the only description for Chrysler’s flagship.

A big 300 horsepower Hemi V-8 was mated to a Torque Flite transmission and dropped into a body that was nothing short of an amalgam of what Chrysler had on hand. The main body shell came from a New Yorker two-door hardtop, with an Imperial nose and bumper and Windsor rear quarter panels. The car was elegant and understated on the outside and trimmed in leather on the inside.

Brakes and steering were power-assisted and the car was powerful and fast. Immediately taken to the NASCAR circuits, the 300s were incredibly successful, especially when driven by the Flock brothers and campaigned by Carl Kiekhaefer of Mercury Marine. Tim Flock won the championship by winning 18 out of 38 races and finishing in the top five no fewer than 32 times.

The 300 remained at the top of the Chrysler food chain for years. They always had the biggest engines and the highest levels of trim. No one could call them sports cars, but they were big cars with huge engines and lots of horsepower.

Although the 1965 models didn’t have that old Hemi, the base engine was a 383cid V-8 good for 315 bhp. For those looking for that little extra, the 413cid engine was available and brought along an extra 45 horses. With either engine the transmission was automatic and the chassis featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle.

Few late Chrysler 300s have survived, so this 1966 383 hardtop coupe offers an unusual opportunity. Understated styling, bucket seats and gobs of power make this a unique car. There won’t be another chance to buy one of these any time soon.