Rotisserie Restored 300E 413/380 HP Dual Quad V8 Torqueflite PW Power Seats

SUMMARY

Body-off, rotisserie restoration completed in 2014
Correct 413 cubic inch Golden Lion V8 / 380 horsepower
Correct A488 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission
Formal Black paint / Triple-plated chrome / Correct Solex glass
Black and Tan leather interior / Swiveling seats
Sale includes: A copy of the car's original IBM card / Restoration photos
Signal-seeking radio / Factory power windows
Correct 8.75-inch rear axle / Sure Grip posi-traction differential / 3.31 gears
Factory Constant-Control power steering / Factory Center-Plane drum brakes
Believed to be 1 of only 118 300E coupes left in existence

Wrapping a historic Golden Lion drivetrain in a tailored interior and 18 feet of stylish sheetmetal, this incredible Chrysler, believed to be 1 of only 118 1959 300E coupes left in existence, HAS to be one of the coolest classics on the planet! In fact, featuring an optimal mix of lethal performance and opulent luxury, the Chrysler 'letter cars' have been long regarded as some of the most revered metal Detroit has ever produced. If you're a discerning collector who's itching for a classic, big-fin MoPar that'll be the star of every show it attends, here's your ticket to greatness!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Lovingly dubbed 'bankers' hot rods', the storied 300 series confidently owned the intersection of luxury and high performance. The line's futuristic design helped mark the debut of Jet Age Detroit styling trends that would continue for several years. And, although Chrysler's aerodynamic ingenuity came in handy at Daytona Beach, where a fire breathing, 390 horsepower Hemi propelled the nearly identical 300C to a record 134 MPH, it was the firm's style quotient that sent the market in to a frenzy. Before settling in to a life of charging down multi-lane LA freeways, this decorous E was delivered to its first owner via Harger-Haldeman Chrysler in November of 1958. More recently, the car benefitted from a body-off, rotisserie restoration that was completed in late 2014. During that reboot, rust-free sheetmetal was sandblasted clean, sprayed in multiple coats of primer and dressed in wet-looking Formal Black 2-stage. That wet-sanded pigment perfectly complements triple-plated chrome, professionally refinished stainless, correct Solex glass and vivid red-bar grilles. And today, roughly 100 miles out of the shop, the car rolls as one exceptionally striking and decidedly handsome classic!

ENGINE

For 1959, the 300 swapped its heavy and expensive Hemi for a new, 413 cubic inch 'wedge' that was marketed as the Golden Lion V8. No slouch in the performance department, that fresh mill twisted 380 horsepower into 450 lb./ft. of sand-churning torque straight from the factory. Toss the sculpted hood and you'll find correct RB power that, in addition to being re-machined, rebuilt and restored to better-than-new condition, is authenticated by an "MR413" assembly stamp and a 1851629 casting number. Induction is handled by snazzy gold air cleaners, which are piped directly in to two Carter AFB 4-barrels. Fire is provided by a high performance points distributor, which sequences spark between a tagged Autolite generator and eight MoPar M.E.S.C. plug wires. Spent gases exit through restored, low-restriction exhaust manifolds. Cooling comes courtesy of a beefy radiator that's cinched to pliable hoses via old school squeeze clamps. Aesthetically, the engine's glossy black paint rides well between glossy, color-keyed fenders, cool "300 E" valve covers and an array of correct decals and markings. And details like Autolite horns a tagged MoPar battery and a cool Jiffy Jet washer bag provide tons of exciting eyeball appeal.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Not only was the 300E known for its big power, it was universally admired for its excellent handling. That on-track prowess was a direct result of the car's lower engine placement and precise spring location. The low-slung powerplant communicates through a correct A488 TorqueFlite, which is hooked to an 8.75-inch Chrysler axle that's fitted with Sure Grip posi and 3.31 gears. That proven drivetrain rides a familiar torsion bar/leaf spring suspension, which makes good use of correct Constant-Control power steering. At the corners of that suspension, correct Center-Plane drums ensure solid, fade-free stops. In the middle of the car's spotless, Formal Black floors, a traditional dual exhaust system employs throaty Dynomax mufflers. And all that road-worthy hardware rolls on painted steel wheels, which twist 9.00-14 BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls around patriotic 300 hub caps.

INTERIOR

Take a look inside this coupe and you'll find an elegant Black and Tan interior that sports enough room to haul the whole family in comfort! High quality Gary Goers seating features correct swivel, a fold down armrest and 6-way power adjustment for the car's driver. In front of those leather thrones, a color-keyed dash hangs a new pad over pushbutton transmission controls and a signal-seeking radio that bridges the gap between a power antenna and two rear speakers. At the sides of that dash, original door panels frame factory power windows. Beneath those panels, rich carpet balances thick floor mats over modern Dynamat insulation. Opposite that rug, chrome roof bows span a new headliner. In front of the driver, a 2-tone steering wheel laps a chrome horn ring. And behind the passengers, a factory defogger fronts a fully restored trunk.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Vintage marketing literature
A copy of the car's original IBM card
1957-'59 Chrysler Shop Manuals (Volumes I, II and III)
A 1959 Chrysler/Imperial Service Manual Supplement
A 1959 Chrysler Handbook
A 1959 MoPar Accessories booklet
1959 parts and service literature
A vintage MoPar parts list
Vintage service literature
A vintage Bendix Radio Service Manual
A few 1961 Car & Driver Magazines
Restoration literature
Handwritten historical notes
Restoration photos
Paperwork for the car's engine rebuild
Paperwork for the Chrysler 300 Club International
A large box of Chrysler 300 Club International periodicals
A 1959 Chrysler match box
An extra rearview mirror glass
Extra hood letters
A 300-themed California tag
A 300-themed tag bracket
A small diecast model

Looking back, the 300 represents a huge milestone in the development of the Chrysler Corporation as a powerhouse manufacturer. After tearing up the beaches in Daytona and shattering speed records at the firm's own Chelsea Proving Grounds, it single-handedly spawned the world-class performance image Chrysler's eponymous brand enjoyed well in to the '70s. If you're a discerning gearhead who likes top-notch classics that draw crowds wherever they go, this all-American cruiser will be a significant addition to your collection!