Lot 012: 1964 CHRYSLER 300 K COUPE

The first American production car to boast a 300hp engine, the 1955 Chrysler C-300 luxury sports coupe is widely credited with starting the Muscle Car revolution. Winning both the NASCAR and AAA stock car series, the C-300 was timed at 127.58 mph over the Daytona Beach 'Flying Mile'. Known retrospectively as the '300A', it gave way to the 300B in 1956 and so on through to the 1965 300L (though the letter 'I' was never used). Gaining MOPAR's wedge-head 'Golden Lion' V8 for 1959 and unibody construction the following year, 'Letter Series' cars benefited from specially uprated suspension (independent torsion-bar front / leaf-sprung), power steering and brakes. Typically capable of circa 140mph during the mid 1960s, most were specified with three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission. Introduced on September 20th 1963 (for the 1964 model year), the 300K sported stylish new sheetmetal including a reworked version of the by then famous 'crossbar' grille. Equipped with a 413ci (6.8litre) V8 engine that allegedly developed 360hp and 470lbft of torque, it proved another 'Banker's Rocket'. A great sales success in 'Letter Series' terms, just 3,022 Coupes are thought to have been made. Finished in blue with blue leather upholstery, this particular automatic example is said to have been "recently repainted". Believed but not warranted to have covered 46,759 miles from new, it rides on distinctive chrome wire wheels. Fast appreciating assets in the USA, 'Letter Series' cars are also becoming increasingly sought after on this side of 'The Pond'. A singularly imposing motorcar, this 'beautiful brute' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2007 and historic class (free) road tax.