Since 1955 with the introduction of the first Chrysler 300, he letter series cars were the most powerful and one of the most exclusive vehicles produced. It was a rare car when new in 1960; only 964 hardtops and 248 convertibles were built. Standard engines were 375 horsepower 413 cubic inch V’8’s making 495 foot pounds of torque equipped with two Carter AFB four barrel carburetors mounted on a long intake manifold that extended over the valve covers. These engines were an impressive sight to wow any onlooker when the hood was lifted. This was also the first year for unibody construction, iving the car an impressive feel of solidness along with a quieter ride.
Chrysler also transformed the interior of the new 300F. Standard were four luxurious leather bucket seats, he front ones swiveling for easy access, eparated by a center console stretching from the dash to the rear panel, dorned with large armrests, torage compartments, ontrols for the power windows and a cable driven tachometer. The instrument panel was a designer first, hrysler called it the “Astra-Dome”, t had a 3D effect with the large semi-circular 150mph speedometer in the background and a compliment of gauges placed in the front and the entire unit covered with a clear dome. Lighting of the dash was “electroluminescent”, ighting individual numbers, etters and pointers with a soft glow.
This rare example is fully restored to factory fresh and one of a few finished in Terra Cotta, quipped with a tan cloth power convertible top, ower driver’s seat, ush button transmission, ignal seeking radio, ide white wall tires with full wheel covers, lus all of the standard options found on the letter cars and the one year only faux spare mounted on the trunk lid. New, hese cars sold for over $5800! A lot of money considering the average family yearly income was $5500! It’s no wonder they were called the “Banker’s Hotrod”. An exclusive automobile for the discerning collector.