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1959 Chrysler 300E - $129,900 - Charlotte, NC - SUMMARYBody-off rotisserie restoration completed in 2014Correct 413 cubic inch Golden Lion V8 / 380 horsepowerCorrect A488 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmissionFormal Black paint / Triple-plated chrome / Correct Solex glassBlack and Tan leather interior / Swiveling seatsSale includes: A copy of the car's original IBM card / Restoration photosSignal-seeking radio / Factory power windowsCorrect 8.75-inch rear axle / Sure Grip posi-traction differential / 3.31 gearsFactory Constant-Control power steering / Factory Center-Plane drum brakesBelieved to be 1 of only 118 300E coupes left in existenceWrapping a historic Golden Lion drivetrain in a tailored interior and 18 feet of stylish sheetmetal this incredible Chrysler believed to be 1 of only 118 1959 300E coupes left in existence HAS to be one of the coolest classics on the planet! In fact featuring an optimal mix of lethal performance and opulent luxury the Chrysler 'letter cars' have been long regarded as some of the most revered metal Detroit has ever produced. If you're a discerning collector who's itching for a classic big-fin MoPar that'll be the star of every show it attends here's your ticket to greatness!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Lovingly dubbed 'bankers' hot rods' the storied 300 series confidently owned the intersection of luxury and high performance. The line's futuristic design helped mark the debut of Jet Age Detroit styling trends that would continue for several years. And although Chrysler's aerodynamic ingenuity came in handy at Daytona Beach where a fire breathing 390 horsepower Hemi propelled the nearly identical 300C to a record 134 MPH it was the firm's style quotient that sent the market in to a frenzy. Before settling in to a life of charging down multi-lane LA freeways this decorous E was delivered to its first owner via Harger-Haldeman Chrysler in November of 1958. More recently the car benefitted from a body-off rotisserie restoration that was completed in late 2014. During that reboot rust-free sheetmetal was sandblasted clean sprayed in multiple coats of primer and dressed in wet-looking Formal Black 2-stage. That wet-sanded pigment perfectly complements triple-plated chrome professionally refinished stainless correct Solex glass and vivid red-bar grilles. And today roughly 100 miles out of the shop the car rolls as one exceptionally striking and decidedly handsome classic!
ENGINE
For 1959 the 300 swapped its heavy and expensive Hemi for a new 413 cubic inch 'wedge' that was marketed as the Golden Lion V8. No slouch in the performance department that fresh mill twisted 380 horsepower into 450 lb./ft. of sand-churning torque straight from the factory. Toss the sculpted hood and you'll find correct RB power that in addition to being re-machined rebuilt and restored to better-than-new condition is authenticated by an ''MR413'' assembly stamp and a 1851629 casting number. Induction is handled by snazzy gold air cleaners which are piped directly in to two Carter AFB 4-barrels. Fire is provided by a high performance points distributor which sequences spark between a tagged Autolite generator and eight MoPar M.E.S.C. plug wires. Spent gases exit through restored low-restriction exhaust manifolds. Cooling comes courtesy of a beefy radiator that's cinched to pliable hoses via old school squeeze clamps. Aesthetically the engine's glossy black paint rides well between glossy color-keyed fenders cool ''300 E'' valve covers and an array of correct decals and markings. And details like Autolite horns a tagged MoPar battery and a cool Jiffy Jet washer bag provide tons of exciting eyeball appeal.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Not only was the 300E known for its big power it was universally admired for its excellent handling. That on-track prowess was a direct result of the car's lower engine placement and precise spring location. The low-slung powerplant communicates through a correct A488 TorqueFlite which is hooked to an 8.75-inch Chrysler axle that's fitted with Sure Grip posi and 3.31 gears. That proven drivetrain rides a familiar torsion bar/leaf spring suspension which makes good use of correct Constant-Control power steering. At the corners of that suspension correct Center-Plane drums ensure solid fade-free stops. In the middle of the car's spotless Formal Black floors a traditional dual exhaust system employs throaty Dynomax mufflers. And all that road-worthy hardware rolls on painted steel wheels which twist 9.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around patriotic 300 hub caps.
INTERIOR
Take a look inside this coupe and you'll find an elegant Black and Tan interior that sports enough room to haul the whole family in comfort! High quality Gary Goers seating features correct swivel a fold down armrest and 6-way power adjustment for the car's driver. In front of those leather thrones a color-keyed dash hangs a new pad over pushbutton transmission controls and a signal-seeking radio that bridges the gap between a power antenna and two rear speakers. At the sides of that dash original door panels frame factory power windows. Beneath those panels rich carpet balances thick floor mats over modern Dynamat insulation. Opposite that rug chrome roof bows span a new headliner. In front of the driver a 2-tone steering wheel laps a chrome horn ring. And behind the passengers a factory defogger fronts a fully restored trunk.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Vintage marketing literatureA copy of the car's original IBM card1957-'59 Chrysler Shop Manuals (Volumes I II and III)A 1959 Chrysler/Imperial Service Manual SupplementA 1959 Chrysler HandbookA 1959 MoPar Accessories booklet1959 parts and service literatureA vintage MoPar parts listVintage service literatureA vintage Bendix Radio Service ManualA few 1961 Car & Driver MagazinesRestoration literatureHandwritten historical notesRestoration photosPaperwork for the car's engine rebuildPaperwork for the Chrysler 300 Club InternationalA large box of Chrysler 300 Club International periodicalsA 1959 Chrysler match boxAn extra set of keysAn extra rearview mirror glassExtra hood lettersA 300-themed California tagA 300-themed tag bracketA small diecast modelLooking back the 300 represents a huge milestone in the development of the Chrysler Corporation as a powerhouse manufacturer. After tearing up the beaches in Daytona and shattering speed records at the firm's own Chelsea Proving Grounds it single-handedly spawned the world-class performance image Chrysler's eponymous brand enjoyed well in to the '70s. If you're a discerning gearhead who likes top-notch classics that draw crowds wherever they go this all-American cruiser will be a significant addition to your collection!
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