Chassis No. 8413174378

Engine No. R41 HP 3-28

During the mid-century Detroit "Horsepower Wars" one automobile stood out: Chrysler's 300 series. From the 1955 C-300 to the 1965 300 L these limited production "Letter Cars" were very much in the spirit of the European Grand Touring tradition, but with a decidedly American spin. Most possessed the highest horsepower of any U.S. production car at that time, along with bold designs, unique trim, upgraded suspensions, and luxurious interiors befitting the Chrysler name. The 1961 300 G, for example, is powered by the 413 cu-in "Wedge" V8 engine producing 375 horsepower, its unique "Long Ram" induction system design a direct result of engineer Tom Hoover and his Ramchargers drag racing team's experiments. The 300 series had already earned two NASCAR championships and numerous speed records, and on the sands of Daytona Beach a stock 300 G coupe won the One Mile Acceleration Run. Backing the V8 is Chrysler's famed TorqueFlite three-speed automatic with pushbutton controls and a new 3.23:1 differential gear for higher top speed. 

This 300 G convertible is painted Mardi Gras Red, one of four colors available. The contrasting tan leather interior features four bucket seats with a center console running the length of the cockpit between them. The "AstraDome" instrument panel displays a 150 mile per hour speedometer and four gauges under a large, clear plastic dome, illuminated by electroluminescent lighting.  Just 337 convertibles and 1,280 coupes were built in 1961, and the Chrysler 300 Club International estimates just 124 convertibles remain today. This was also the last year for designer Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" with its bold sweeping "FlightSweep" fins. Car Life magazine tested an identical 300 G Convertible that year and concluded, "Chrysler '300' series cars have, from their beginning seven years ago, been truly outstanding machines, for a very special type of ownership."

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