Fresh 383: 1962 Chrysler 300
It can be so easy to over-capitalize on a classic project, and the pain starts when you decide to place the car on the market. That is the story with this 1962 Chrysler 300 because the vehicle now appears to be mechanically perfect, but the owner has decided to part with it. His loss will be a significant gain for someone because they won’t need to lay a spanner on this classic. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Chrysler has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You can park this slice of motoring magnificence in your driveway by handing the owner $9,000. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H for referring this classic Chrysler to us. 
The Chrysler is finished in Oyster White, and while it generally looks tidy, there is no denying that it would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. There are a couple of small rust spots in both front fenders, but the remaining lower body extremities and the area around the back window look to have avoided the dreaded tin worm. The owner makes no mention of any rust below decks, so we probably need to cross our fingers and hope for the best on that front. The panels are in excellent condition, with no evidence of significant dings or dents. If the rust that I have mentioned is the extent of the issues, getting the panels and paint back in order could be an easy and affordable undertaking. The brightwork is in good order, although the bumpers would benefit from a trip to the platers, and the original hubcaps are missing. It would be worth sourcing a replacement set because the seller has gone to the trouble and expense of having the wheels stripped and freshly powder-coated. The 300 features tinted glass all around, and this appears to be free from flaws or defects. 
The Chrysler’s interior is serviceable, and the overwhelming feeling that I get is that it needs someone to clean and detail it before any money is spent on replacement parts. The headliner has a few holes, and while none of them are huge, they are bad enough to justify replacement. The same is true of the upholstery on the front seat, but the rear seat and remaining trim are quite acceptable for a survivor. The dash looks good, and there have been no aftermarket additions. A new carpet set that is still in the box is included in the sale. The only luxury item that isn’t functional is the air conditioning. The compressor isn’t seized, so the owner is unsure what the problem is. Otherwise, the power windows, power seat, and the original AM radio work as they should. 
It is so frustrating that the owner includes no engine photos because this is where most of the money has been spent. The engine bay still houses the numbers-matching 383ci V8. This motor has been treated to a rebuild, so it should be once again pumping out the 305hp that it possessed when it drove off the showroom floor. The 383 is backed by a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, while life feels even more luxurious thanks to the addition of power steering and power brakes. At 4,010lbs, the 300 is a touch on the heavy side. That makes the ability to demolish the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds seem pretty respectable. I mentioned the engine rebuild, but that’s the tip of the iceberg. The original radiator has been re-cored, the fuel tank and all of the lines were replaced, and the original carburetor was rebuilt. The refurbishment work has extended to the power steering system, the brake booster, and the starter. The torque converter has been replaced, as have the brake lines, wheel cylinders, shocks, and numerous other components. The list is enormous and should mean that the buyer won’t have to spend a cent on this classic’s mechanical side. 
Chrysler has had an uncanny knack for producing cars that successfully combine lashings of luxury with impressive performance. The 1962 300 is an excellent example of this ability because it offers all of the creature comforts that most people would desire. However, it can still embarrass some cars with more significant performance credentials if given a poke with a sharp stick. This one would benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but when you consider how solid it appears to be and the scope of the mechanical work that has been performed, it looks like it would make a great project car for the right person. The big question is whether that person is you.
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now2 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now2 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now2 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now4 days$10,500
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now6 days$460
Comments
Brother has a “62” 300 “H” 413 dual quad frame off rebuild. 4 bucket seats, push button shifter. all original matching #’s. Dad was original owner. One of just over 500 built. A “hold my beer” type of ride.
Sounds like a great road trip back to Oregon
Love the clean look of the 1962 Chrysler. Great front end from the 61 without the fins.
Love the clean look of the 1962 Chrysler. Great front end from the 61 without the fins.
Actually I was thinking it looked a little dated for ’62. Fins are subdued, but still poking out. Windshield same as late 50’s Chrysler. Same for headlights.
I had a ’62 300 but is was a 4 door.
Of all the pictures on the ad, I need to see either the dash or the engine to see if it has A/C.
Those are missing.
If you read the listing, you see that the guy seems anxious to sell and he did have it listed before at $1500 higher. Someone will probably snag this at a good price.
It’s a good buy, not my favorite design year, but a great driver or certainly a weekend car.
It is a very nice car. Unless you have been around these cars you will never know the true size of them. Most modern day garages it may not fit in (you may need to work on it). Clean it up really well, drive it everyday, it should always be worth what you paid, 6-7000.00 max.
Not one picture under the hood, BUT a lot of work has been done. Sounds Like BS to me.
I think some folks aren’t really “gear heads” and so don’t realize how important it is to show the engine compartment. May have just had the work done as recommended by a mechanic they trusted and feel “what’s to see”? But certainly, a look-see would make sense before putting money down.
I’ve seen plenty of more modern vehicles listed for sale without important information or photos and I wonder “how the f do they expect to sell their car”?
Some people have no idea what they are doing.
This car is likely going to be difficult to sell, and the reason is the lack of a single letter next to the 300 emblem.
It’s a Crysler [it’s missing the letter H].
It’s 2 good assets are the rebuilt engine and the factory A/C.
Ditto all above. Being a Cleveland car, the rust needs an in person poking with an ice pick. But if its not too bad as in new rockers needed etc, looks to be a fun cruiser
Sounds to me like he put the usual buttload of money into it……….and as said its not an H……someone in Cleveland might end up with a decent deal all things being equal
I’m within 45 minutes of this car,and it’s been for sale quite a while, it intrigues me,but we will see if its available in spring, then I’d be willing to give it a close looking over.
I’m pretty sure 300s did not come with a 383. Should be the 413.
Dave, this car is a regular 300. They were equipped with the 383, but the 413 was an option, and many were so equipped. The 300 letter series cars base engine was the 413.
I’ve owned both a 1962 and a 1963 base 300 convertibles, the ’62 had the 383, the ’63 had the 413.
It’s a 300 Sport coupe. It was available with either the 383 or 413. The letter series ” H” had the dual quad 413.
Yes they did come with the 383 and possibly other sizes of engines,your probably thinking of the more rare 300H with the 413 dual quad engine.
actually I’m probably thinking of the ’68-’71 300s. That’s what my Uncle collected.
I went and checked out the 300 yesterday.The owner was very honest and all the work that the ad stated had been done,was true.Mechanically,it’s a honey.And not an original Cleveland car,originally a Virginia car,that was then stored in the UP of Michigan.The frame rails,floor pans,trunk pan and rockers are solid as a rock.Just minor rust on the bottom of the front fenders,and in front of the rear wheels.It needs cleaned and detailed,but it’s a very solid driver.And yes,it does have factory air,just needs an evaporator. All in all a great car for the price.Oh ya,and i bought it :)
sweet! Let’s see more pics!
I will get pics when i pick up the car in a few weeks.I don’t trailer in the snow,and we are working 12 hour shifts. It really is a great old Chrysler.
Don’t blame you. We’re having a bad winter here in Ohio, and it gets especially bad near the lake. And 12 hour shifts suck!
Hope you enjoy the 300 Dodge, I would of bought it by spring if it didn’t sell,dial that body in,and re-spray it in a nice pearl white,and tidy it up,and be the only one with one at the car shows…if they re-open this year!
I plan on cleaning it,buffing it,and driving it.It’s only original once,and when i’m gone my son can restore it.
I agree with MountainWoodie. The car lives in Ohio. I’d look closely for rust & rot. the use salt on their winter roads