Banker’s Hot Rod: 1962 Chrysler 300H
The Chrysler 300 letter series cars are an unusual concept when you think about it. In the sixties, Chrysler competed with Buick, and the more entry-level Cadillac (to the extent that such a thing ever existed), and I suppose Lincoln too while their Imperial did battle with the absolute top end at GM and FoMoCo. So whether you consider a Chrysler 300 to be a luxury or near-luxury car probably isn’t as significant as the fact that ChryCo built a muscle car version of one of their finer models. You would think quiet and reserved is how they would have wanted to roll but that was hardly the case with a market entry like this 1962 300H, an example that the seller calls a survivor. This Baraboo, Wisconsin resident has been stored for 50 years but it’s now for sale and available, here on craigslist for $29,950. Thanks are due to Pat L. for this tip!
The seller tells us that this 300H is one of 435 hardtops produced and that checks out with my research source (another 123 convertibles also saw the light of day in ’62). Specifically, this car is supposedly number six, and the seller claims, “According to the Chrysler 300 Club this is now the first car built as cars # 1- 5 are no longer around and there are only 124 total cars left in existence!“.
Stored for 50 years in a climate-controlled environment, this Chrysler still shows well with a coating of dust as its only indication of long-term slumber. What can be seen of the Festival Red finish looks good and there’s no sign of rust or body panel damage. The stainless trim is all still in place and the distinctive 300 grille appears to be unkissed. Good to see is the placement of the original wheel covers still holding up all four corners.
The upholstery, which is said to be leather, according to period Chrysler sales material, is in remarkable condition for a 98K mile, 61-year-old automobile. It’s a four-bucket seat arrangement with a center console that extends from the dash to the rear bulkhead. The entire environment, actually, is in fine nick with nothing that appears to be out of place. And of course, it’s dominated by what was probably considered back in ’62, to be a very jet-age-inspired instrument panel, and equipped with ChryCo’s distinctive pushbutton automatic transmission activation arrangement.
What put the H in the 300 designation is a 380 gross HP, 413 CI V8 engine, fed by a pair of Carter four-barrel carburetors. This one’s a non-runner and the seller states, “will need to be trailered and mechanically serviced to make it road safe“. How much mechanical servicing will be required is unknown.
Chrysler did a good job over the last several years by injecting some go into their now, long in the tooth, 300C but those days are coming to a close. A new 300 C may be a cleaner, safer iteration of this venerable nameplate but I don’t believe the current version comes close to offering the visual panache of this big two-door hardtop. And then there’s the matter of price, $29,250. What do you think, priced right or not quite?
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Comments
For that price you would expect it to run, drive and stop.
I agree,I hada62 413 with dual quads. A correct rebuild would be expensive
Stored for 50 years and it has Accel 7mm spark plug wires?
I do not believe that these are Accel spark plug wires. Accel wires are lettered along the full length of the cable. There is no way that all of the lettering would fade off of every single cable. I still have 3 boxes of these wires on my shelf.
I see alot under the hood that isn’t correct, take a closer look. Price too high.
I have been a fan of the 1962 Chrysler for ever, I like all of them. I was only 7 years old in 62 and I was already very framilure with the early 60s Chryslers. My uncle had a 62 300, I don’t know if it was a letter series or not. I do remember it was a very fast car, and it sounded really healthy. My uncle’s car was an interesting color, the exterior was carmal, light brown and the interior was the same color as this one. At 7 years old, I was mesmerized by that beautiful dashboard. Chrysler called it the Astrodome, and the illumination was electroluminescent, Chrysler named it Panelesent. No light bulbs were used, as I understand it there were circuits that would glow the most beautiful aqua blue color, it was intensely vivid, the gauges had bright red needles that would vibrant up against that gorgeous aqua blue background. Chrysler introduced Panelesent lighting in the late 50s for the Imperial instrumentation. 62, was the last year it was used,except for the 66 Dodge Chargers, the parts were expensive and so was servicing it. In any event between the Astrodome, the Panelesent lighting, and the push button drive transmission gear selection, those Chrysler Corporation dashboards were a force to be reckoned with. I love interesting dashboards, I have a few favorites, but those Chryslers are always my number one dash of all time. But I’m not done, the shape and placement of the taillights fascinate me. It’s hard to describe their looks, I’ve been infatuated with them ever since I first saw them. They seem to have an attitude like no other taillights on any car I’ve ever seen. As if the taillights aren’t enough to give the 62 Chryslers a strong presence, those canted headlights take it OTT. If I had the money, I would pay the $29,000. It would give you a car like very few others would have and most likely ever wood. Although red exterior wouldn’t be my first choice, but all cleaned up, along with that carmal colored interior it would be a great combination. I’ve seen that same combination on Mercedes, BMWs, Porches, and Jaguars. I collect 1:18 scale diecast model cars. I have a 62 Chrysler 300 H, it’s dark blue metallic with the carmal interior and it’s beautiful, and classy. This car is a great find, who ever gets it should really feel proud, I would.
I am as big of a fan of these cars as you are Bill. My grandfather had a non-letter 62 300 when I was growing up. 413 4 barrel car, it was my first taste of real power in a vehicle. He would get this wonderful grin on his face and look at me before he would punch the throttle wide-open in a situation that made it necessary.
Like you, I love the styling of these cars just as much as the finned ‘61.
Unfortunately, ‘62s are very soft in the marketplace compared to the 55/61 hemi/fin cars. That’s good for people like you and me because these actually are pretty affordable for how exclusive and rare they are.
In my opinion, this guy is asking top of market for this car(and nothing wrong with that). But honestly, I doubt it’s going to sell for that, not as a tow away. If the car checked out solid in person. (a solid, rust, free body and floors, nice chrome, nice stainless, solid, serviceable, drivetrain, serviceable, paint, solid interior, needing only little things.Etc.) I would be in at 20 K. If it basically hasn’t been driven for 50 years, you’re going to spend 5K minimum to bring this back to turnkey drivable. And that’s if something doesn’t go sideways that’s really expensive and these cars do indeed get expensive. In a hurry, this ain’t no Chevy. I just purchased a 62 recently. I certainly would be chasing this one. Hope it goes to a good home.
I had a ‘62 300 coupe- not lettered- black on black with blue pinstriping. Someone had put a 440 in it with the push button automatic. That instrument panel was dangerous for night driving. It was hard not to take your eyes off it and watch the road!
WORTH EVERY PENNY IMO. Man that is sweet. Would want to rebuild the entire drive train just to get all the power out of it you can unless it was already done which at that price I would hope it was but with the rarity of the car wouldn’t expect it to be done. Love everything. Especially the 4 bucket seat interior. I would find some 17″/18″ wheels and tires for when I’m feeling frisky. A hidden aftermarket radio wouldn’t hurt but doesn’t need anything else except to live in my driveway. To bad I don’t have that kind of cash right now. Good luck to the new owner.
Based on the looks and apparent condition, it may just need a total cleanup and minor mechanics. But then again, for that kind of money, I’d do a personal as well as a professional assessment just to be sure. I personally don’t care much for that style but would consider it if was closer to half the asking price.
I think at that price it is probably already sold.It was stored correctly and in excellent shape.For a few thousand it could probably be made roadworthy again.I like the push button auto,my 64′ Plymouth Valiant had it.
If you were willing to accept a non-letter ’62 300 hardtop with a 383 4bbl, Hagerty says you could have a concours example for about 18K. I’d do that.
Dont know a lot about values but this is a great looking fast big chrysler and i sure believe it deserves done right.
For 29 large I expect A/C with my luxury not to mention its not the best looking car to start with & I love mopars just not this one!
Worked in a lot of 413s especially the cross rams had a 64 c 300 wish I still had It
I think it’s worth the price. BTW, being stored in a climate controlled building for 50 years doesn’t mean it wasn’t driven in all that time; it’s just where it was parked. The interior is likely a reproduction that I don’t think existed until the late 70’s and the carpet dash topper wasn’t a thing in ‘73. The inline carbs make for an easier driver than the cross rams. All in all a complete H in that condition is worth the ask.
Well,I think that’s a big MAYBE as to whether or not it is worth the price…
I like those cars…fine. Rare…also fine.
If you had something like this and was looking to sell, why wouldn’t you get it running good and detailed out?
Do that.
Then take it to Mecum or Barret Jackson?
I am skeptical of this price and that it actually is what the owner claims….
A full in person inspection would be in order….
Perhaps a provisional offer at that price IF and only IF it checks out…
Selling because he’s old and must downsize due to upcoming move. I can identify with that as I’m in the same boat. I’m getting rid of toys that I never wanted to get rid of. This is a nice car that is very rare, and looks to be rust free. I would love to have driven this car when it was new. I was in a Chrysler showroom in 1962 but not looking for a Chrysler. Instead, I drove away with a new red Fury convertible for about half of the price of this car. I hope it goes to a good home.
I get that. However, if true, WHY wouldn’t you spend a little bit to get it running and detailed so it brings a lot more?
That’s the thing. This car IS a sound investment. This is not a driver’s car. IMO going anywhere other than a climate controlled environment would degrade this unit. These do trade for much higher than the asking price.
Love this car. Had a white one. So sorry I sold it. H series very rare.
Purple Defender, GM must have been idiots too when this car was new as you could buy a new Chevy with two four barrel carbs on a 283 engine.
Multiple carburetors were not something new in 62, are they something new to you? And you didn’t just “adjust” them, you synchronized them. This ain’t no Subaru lol
Not a letter car.
Absolutely a letter car, right down to the first two digits in the VIN – 84.
What it isn’t: this is NOT a Max Wedge 413. It is a healthy in-line 2 4 barrel with nice little solid lifter 413. Nothing on this engine is Max Wedge but the cubes……….