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1962 Chrysler 300 - $34,900 - Cleveland, OH - ONE OWNER survivor with 64,888 original miles. Original paint, interior, and top in very good overall condition. Excellent mechanically and still includes the original, unused spare!Classic Oyster White over red leather upholstery is a color combination that is as appealing today as it was in 1962. Only 1848 300 convertibles were built in 1962, making this one rather rare. You can see the love and care that this car has received throughout the years and it was clearly something special to its owners, because it was the only new car they ever bought. It wears all of its original bodywork and sheetmetal panels, and all of the code W Oyster White paint was applied in 1962. Evidence of the car’s above-average maintenance can be seen everywhere you look, and while it is not perfect, it is quite impressive overall. The doors, hood, and trunk lid fit precisely and open easily, providing a window into the past to give us an idea of just how good these cars were when they were new. The grille is exceptional, looking almost new save for some light fading on the ‘300’ emblem in its center. The bumpers are not damaged or dinged, although there are some moderate scuffs on the passenger’s side front bumper, perhaps from parking too close to the garage wall. All of the original emblems glow with gold anodizing to stand out against the background and the factory-issued glass remains clear and free of major cracks and scratches.
The red leather interior has the inviting, worn look of WWII leather bomber jackets, a little tattered but all the more appealing for it. Despite being an open-air car, the red hides still look vivid and aside from a 1-inch split on the lower cushion on the passenger’s side, there are no damaged seams. The door panels show a little discoloration on the armrests, but like the seats, it would be a crime to replace them. We suspect that perhaps the carpets have been replaced at some point, as these are just too nice to be 50+ years old, particularly following years of UV exposure in a convertible. But the 300’s most striking feature is the Astra-Dome instrument panel, which is jet-age tech at its finest. The squared-off steering wheel isn’t cracked or broken and the top of the dash itself is extraordinarily well preserved with no cracks or fading. Everything on the car works, including the radio, heater, wipers, lights, and the power convertible top, which stows neatly under a matching red boot that has been neatly patched once or twice, but never replaced. And speaking of the convertible top, it, too is original and folds easily with the touch of a button. And as I mentioned, the trunk includes the original Goodyear spare tire and jacking instructions, as well as a factory floor mat that’s brittle but still intact.
To move all this sheetmetal, you need muscle, and the 383 cubic inch V8 under the hood delivers in a big way. The engine spins to life with that familiar Chrysler starter sound and it quickly settles into an even idle without any smoke or crankiness. With just over 64,000 original miles on it, this engine is in the prime of its life and a glance under the hood reveals that it has been maintained throughout its life with service parts as needed, but no major alterations from stock specifications. The engine bay is a little dirty, but a dedicated hobbyist could clean things up in a weekend and a few thoughtful touch-ups would pay big dividends if your intention is to show the car in preservation class judging. On the other hand, if you’re just into driving, this one is a very strong runner with no notable issues. Chrysler’s Push-Button TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission offers crisp shifts and smooth performance. The pushbutton mechanism works properly, as does the emergency brake. The undercarriage is typical of a 50-year-old car that’s in original condition, but it has obviously never been used in the snow or inclement weather. The exhaust has a nice V8 burble to it, but it never gets too noisy, and the car handles the way only an untouched, original car can, a feeling that probably needs to be experienced to be fully understood. It sits on a set of modern whitewall radials with stock hubcaps.
Survivors are red hot for a very good reason and this Chrysler is unquestionably a high-quality car that’s led a very good life. With a wonderful history with an owner who was not only an enthusiast but a beloved member of his community, it becomes more than just a cool old convertible. Ready to enjoy, this is a car that has many years of enjoyment built right in. Call now!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com.
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