moparnut
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1969 Chrysler 300 - $22,900 - Cleveland, OH - Ultra-clean Texas car with recent paint and interior. Strong 440, rebuilt transmission, 3.23 gears. Only 1933 were built in 1969.This lovely 300 convertible hails from warm, dry, sunny Texas and it shows. The arrow-straight bodywork was refinished just a few years ago and required little more than straightening some parking lot dings in its flanks and one small patch at the rear of the passenger’s side quarter panel. Otherwise, it’s 100% original sheetmetal and thanks to the ministrations of some careful body men, all 19 feet of it looks pretty darned impressive. The color is actually Viper Red, perhaps a few shades brighter than the factory Crimson, but once you see this car in person, I don’t think anyone will complain. The doors fit extremely well, particularly for a uni-body convertible, and they close with a reassuring solidity that is extremely rare in any full-sized convertible of the era, let alone a Mopar. The chrome and trim is where this car’s southern heritage really shows, as almost all the brightwork is original and untouched save for a quick polish. Only the front and rear bumpers were refinished, treated to show chrome at a cost of over $1300.
The white interior was restored in the early 2000s and duplicates the original patterns save for tan piping on the seats that provides some welcome contrast. Showing only very minor signs of use, the front buckets and rear bench provide all-day comfort for five without anyone feeling like they’ve been short-changed. New black carpets were likely installed at the same time, but there’s a brand-new set of carpets in the trunk should they ever need to be replaced. Chrysler experts will quickly spot that ultra-rare and virtually irreplaceable steering wheel, which was available only with the tilt/telescope steering column and which gives the interior a notably different look. This car was originally equipped with an AM/8-track radio, but somewhere along the line was retrofitted with an AM/FM unit that still works properly. However, the dash was obviously designed for the 8-track system and there’s an opening where the tape drive should fit. As a result, the owner has located a correct AM/FM/8-track head unit that can be installed for a factory look. Options include power driver’s seat, power windows, and factory A/C. The top folds quickly and easily and stows under a matching white boot, and as you’d imagine, the trunk is monstrous and carries a correct reproduction mat.
This is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine and was freshened during the recent repaint. An inspection of the clearances showed that a full rebuild was unnecessary, but it did receive a Mopar Performance Parts “purple” camshaft, a new timing set, and fresh seals and gaskets throughout before being buttoned back up. A coat of Chrysler Turquoise engine enamel makes it look fresh and clean and it was fitted with both the exhaust manifolds and air cleaner assembly from the upgraded TNT model (although this is not a TNT engine). While the powertrain was out, the 727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission was fully rebuilt and there are 3.23 gears and a Sure Grip limited slip differential out back. The floors and chassis are in very good original condition, having been undercoated from new and spending four decades in Texas, and while it’s not detailed for show, there’s absolutely nothing underneath that should cause a new owner any concerns. 235/75/15 whitewall radials on factory Rallye wheels provide a luxury car ride.
This car comes with a lot of extras, including the aforementioned carpet set and AM/FM/8-track radio, plus the stock air cleaner, and a set of original 300 hubcaps should you wish to go back to plain-Jane wheels. There’s also a custom-made T-shirt with this car airbrushed on its front, restoration photos, and some receipts for the recent work.
Big, comfortable, fast, and unusual, this handsome Chrysler hasn’t caught on with collectors…yet. Why not get ahead of the curve and own the last of the Chrysler land yachts while it’s still very affordable?
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com.
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