Chrysler 300 non-letter series#1979
{{about|Chrysler 300 models from the 1960s and 1970s|the cars which proceeded these in the 1950s and 1960s|Chrysler 300 letter series|the 1999 to 2004 model|Chrysler 300M|the 2005 to 2023 model|Chrysler 300}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Chrysler 300
| image = Chrysler 300, 1971 (25261800337).jpg
| caption = 1971 Chrysler 300
| production = 1962–1971
| assembly = Jefferson Avenue Assembly
Detroit, Michigan, United States
| manufacturer = Chrysler Corporation
| predecessor = Chrysler Saratoga
| successor = Chrysler Cordoba
| class = Fullsize car
Muscle car
| body_style = 4-door hardtop
2-door hardtop
2-door convertible
| layout = FR layout
| related = Imperial
Chrysler New Yorker
Chrysler Newport
Chrysler Saratoga
}}
The Chrysler 300 (Chrysler 300 Sport Series) is a full-size automobile produced by Chrysler from 1962 until 1971. It was a continuation of the earlier Chrysler 300 letter series. Chrysler decided to consolidate its product line and the sedan replaced the 1961 Chrysler Windsor, which itself filled the place in Chrysler's line previously occupied by the Saratoga just the year before that (1960) and also filled in for the discontinued DeSoto product line. At the time, it was considered a luxurious "muscle car", with all the performance of the Dodge and Plymouth products of the time, but with the luxury features expected of the Chrysler name.
The 300 was positioned as a more affordable version of the exclusive 300 "letter series", and a sporty variant of a full-size automobile, adding 4-door hardtop version and running alongside that model until its discontinuation in 1966. It became the sole 300 model until 1971, when production ended. The 300 name returned to the Chrysler line in 1979 as an option package on the Cordoba coupe.
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1962–1964
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Chrysler 300: 1962–1964
| image = 1964 Chrysler 300 (35002949772) (cropped).jpg
| caption = 1964 Chrysler 300 4-door hardtop
| production = 1962–1964
| body_style = 4-door hardtop
2-door hardtop
2-door convertible
| platform = C-body
| engine = {{convert|383|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} B V8
{{convert|413|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} RB V8[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1962 History Of the Chrysler Three Hundred Series – 1962] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521170127/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1962 |date=2012-05-21 }}. Chrysler300site.com (2000-05-31). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1964 History Of the Chrysler Three Hundred Series – 1964] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717000828/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1964 |date=2012-07-17 }}. Chrysler300site.com (1999-09-16). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
| transmission = 3-speed automatic
3-speed manual
| wheelbase = {{convert|122|in|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|215.3|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|79|in|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|55|in|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|3970|lb|0|abbr=on}} (4-door hardtop){{cite web |url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1963/501695/chrysler_300_sport_4-door_hardtop_firepower_305.html |title=1963 Chrysler 300 Sport 4-door Hardtop Firepower 305 full specs, performance and photos (Since middle 1962 for North America U.S.) |accessdate=2012-06-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130117114431/http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1963/501695/chrysler_300_sport_4-door_hardtop_firepower_305.html |archivedate=2013-01-17 }}
| designer = Virgil Exner
}}
The Sport Series was introduced in 1962 along with the letter series 300H when DeSoto was cancelled. The Sport Series was the hardtop coupe, sedan and convertible and had only bench seats installed for all passengers, while the letter series was the coupe and had only bucket seats for all passengers and a full length center console.
Chrysler expanded the 300 product line to include a 4-door hardtop, which was a previous appearance on the 1960 DeSoto Adventurer hardtop sedan, adding 383 V8 as a choice (letter cars had 413 V8 as standard).[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1962 Chrysler 300 History and Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521170127/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1962 |date=2012-05-21 }}. Chrysler300site.com (2000-05-31). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
For Canadian market there was similar Chrysler Saratoga offered instead, also as a 4-door sedan, from 1964 named Chrysler Saratoga 300 and bearing a similar trim.[http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/Canada/Chrysler/1964%20Chrysler%20Brochure/index1.html Chrysler 1964]. Chrysler Canada Ltd., 1964
1963 saw all-new sheet metal and the canted headlights were no longer offered.
{{gallery
|align=center
|width=220
|File:Chrysler 300 1962.jpg|1962 Chrysler 300 Sport Series 2-door hardtop
|File:1962 Chrysler 300 4-door hardtop.JPG|1962 Chrysler 300 Sport Series 4-door hardtop
|File:63 Chrysler 300 (7154794459).jpg|1963 Chrysler 300 interior
|File:1964 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop, front left, 07-01-2024.jpg|1964 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop
|File:'64 Chrysler 300 (Auto classique Laval '10).jpg|1964 Chrysler Saratoga 300 (Canadian) 4-door hardtop}}
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1965–1968
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Chrysler 300: 1965–1968
| image = Glacial Ridge Trail Car Cruise (8037955346) (cropped).jpg
| caption = 1965 Chrysler 300 4-door hardtop
| production = 1965–1968
| body_style = 4-door hardtop
2-door hardtop
2-door convertible
| platform = C-body
| engine = {{convert|383|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} B V8
{{convert|413|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} RB V8
{{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} RB V8[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1966 Chrysler 300 History and Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321021838/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1966 |date=2012-03-21 }}. Chrysler300site.com (2000-01-18). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
| transmission = 3-speed automatic
4-speed manual
| wheelbase = {{convert|124|in|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|218.2|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|79.5|in|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|54.9|in|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|4390|lb|0|abbr=on}} (4-door hardtop){{cite web |url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1965/502865/chrysler_300_4-door_hardtop_firepower-315.html |title=1965 Chrysler 300 4-Door Hardtop Firepower-315 |accessdate=June 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130117111949/http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1965/502865/chrysler_300_4-door_hardtop_firepower-315.html |archivedate=January 17, 2013 }}
| designer = Elwood Engel
}}
There was an all-new sheetmetal in 1965. When the performance-first Chrysler 300 letter series was discontinued in 1966, the 440 V8 replaced the 413 V8 in this "non-letter" version, and there was a mild facelift.[http://www.allpar.com/model/chrysler-c.html Chrysler C Bodies: The Big Guys]. Allpar.com. Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
1967 brought makeovers which changed front and rear styling extensively. The 4-door sedan was dropped from lineup (leaving the 4-door hardtop, 2-door hardtop, and 2-door convertible), the 440 V8 remained and only available powerplant in two guises: base and more powerful TNT. 1968 face-lifting brought concealed headlamps which were to be 300 trademark until 1971.[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1967 Chrysler 300 History and Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717000849/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1967 |date=2012-07-17 }}. Chrysler300site.com (1998-12-12). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
{{gallery
|width=220
|File:'65 Chrysler 300 Non-Letter Sedan (Cruisin' At The Boardwalk '10).jpg|Canadian 1965 Chrysler Saratoga 300 4-door sedan
|File:1966 Chrysler 300 2-Door Hardtop, front right, 06-03-2023.jpg|1966 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop
|File:1966 Chrysler 300 coupe (15462712009).jpg|1966 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop interior|File:1968 Chrysler 300 2-Door Hardtop.JPG|1968 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop
|File:Chrysler 300 BW 2016-07-17 13-14-44.jpg|1968 Chrysler 300 convertible
}}
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1969–1971
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Chrysler 300: 1969–1971
| image = Chrysler 300, 1971 (40133650191) (cropped).jpg
| caption = 1971 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop
| production = 1969–1971
| body_style = 4-door hardtop
2-door hardtop
2-door convertible
| platform = C-body
| engine = {{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} RB V8
{{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} TNT V8{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1971_Chrysler/1971_Chrysler_Features/1971%20Chrysler%20Features-28.html |title=1971 Chrysler Features |page=28 |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |accessdate=20 January 2014}}
| transmission = 3-speed automatic
| wheelbase = {{convert|124|in|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|224.7|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|79.1|in|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|55.6|in|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|4320|lb|0|abbr=on}} (4-door hardtop){{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1969_Chrysler/1969_Chrysler_Data_Book/1969%20Chrysler%20Data%20Book-08.html |title=1969 Chrysler Data Book |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |accessdate=20 January 2014}}
}}
1969 was first year for "fuselage styling", there were two engine options; 440 and 440 TNT.[http://www.fuselage.de/chr69/ 1969 Chrysler]. Fuselage.de. Retrieved on 2013-05-11.[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1969 Chrysler 300 History and Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321022422/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1969 |date=2012-03-21 }}. Chrysler300site.com (2001-02-18). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
For 1970, taking a cue from Oldsmobile, a Hurst 300 was offered in Spinnaker White trimmed in Satin Tan with leather interior (borrowed from the Imperial), powered by a {{convert|375|hp|kW|abbr=on}} {{convert|440|cid|L|1|abbr=on}} TNT V8, as a limited edition of 485.Flory, J. "Kelly", Jr. American Cars 1960–1972 (Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Coy, 2004), p.734. The single convertible built used a standard Chrysler 300 white interior.
In 1971, the convertible was no longer offered, as Chrysler halted production of convertibles across the entire lineup in 1971.[http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1971 Chrysler 300 History and Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321021852/http://www.chrysler300site.com/cgibin/history.cgi?1971 |date=2012-03-21 }}. Chrysler300site.com (1998-12-12). Retrieved on 2013-05-11.
{{gallery
|width=220
|File:Chrysler 300 Convertible (4648176381).jpg|1969 Chrysler 300 Convertible
|File:Chrysler 300 Hurst 1970 Leimershof -20190907-RM-163623.jpg|1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst 2-door hardtop
|File:70 Chrysler 300 (8936797271).jpg|1970 Chrysler 300 interior|File:1971 Chrysler Three Hundred 005 - Flickr - denizen24.jpg|1971 Chrysler 300 2-door hardtop rear }}
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= Engines =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%;" | ||
| engine displacement, type, carburetor type | max. motive power at rpm | max. torque at rpm |
|---|---|---|
| {{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} RB V8 (1971) 4-barrel | {{convert|335|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} [{{convert|220|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}] @ 4,400 [4,000] | {{convert|460|lbft|0|abbr=on}} [{{convert|350|lbft|0|abbr=on}}] @ 3,200 |
| {{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} RB V8 (1969–1970) 4-barrel | {{convert|350|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} @ 4,400 | {{convert|480|lbft|0|abbr=on}} @ 2,800 |
| {{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} TNT V8 (1971) 4-barrel | {{convert|370|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} [{{convert|305|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}] @ 4,600 | {{convert|480|lbft|0|abbr=on}} [{{convert|400|lbft|0|abbr=on}}] @ 3,200 |
| {{convert|440|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} TNT V8 (1968–1970) 4-barrel | {{convert|375|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} @ 4,600 | {{convert|480|lbft|0|abbr=on}} @ 3,200 |
| colspan=3|[ ] denoting net figures {{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1969_Chrysler/1969_Chrysler_Data_Book/1969%20Chrysler%20Data%20Book-11.html |title=1969 Chrysler Data Book |publisher=Oldcarbrochures.com |accessdate=20 January 2014}} |
1979
File:Chrysler-Cordoba-300-1979-2015-08-22-15.07.jpg
The 300 name returned to the Chrysler line in the spring of 1979; this time based on the Cordoba coupe. The 300 was a $2,040 option package featuring special emblems and traditional "cross-hair" 300-style grille.{{cite web |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1979-1982-chrysler-cordoba-300-cordoba-ls.htm |author=Auto Editors of Consumer Guide |title=1979-1982 Chrysler Cordoba 300/Cordoba LS |date=16 July 2007 |publisher=HowStuffWorks.com |accessdate=20 January 2014 |archive-date=8 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808035728/http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1979-1982-chrysler-cordoba-300-cordoba-ls.htm |url-status=dead }} It was available in Spinnaker White (perhaps 30 were painted Rallye Red) with a red-leather interior and red pin stripes. The model came with the code E58 {{convert|195|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} {{convert|360|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} V8, featuring a four-barrel carburetor, a performance camshaft, and dual exhausts.
Other features included police-spec suspension with 15"x7" wheels, heavy duty torsion bars/leaf springs/shocks, front and rear sway bars, and a 3.23 rear gear ratio. The deteriorating U.S. domestic economic conditions that led to the early 1980s recession reflected in low demand and less than 2,900 were built. The 300 model was planned for the 1980 model year using the new 2nd-generation Cordoba (based on the downsized Chrysler J platform), but was instead called the "LS".
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Notes
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External links
{{Commons category|Chrysler 300 (non-letter)}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120717000713/http://www.chrysler300site.com/ Website covering all generations of Chrysler 300 vehicles from 1955 to 2007]
{{Chrysler}}
{{Chrysler timeline}}