Original 383: 1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible
It gives me a warm feeling when I spot a car like this 1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible. That heavy layer of dust indicates that this is a true barn find that has been parked for many years. Now that it has emerged from hiding, the Chrysler needs to find itself a new home. With that thought in mind, the owner has listed it for sale here on Facebook. It is located in St Louis, Missouri, and the price has been set at $4,200.
Now, doesn’t that look a bit better? When I first saw the Convertible, I thought that it was finished in Black. However, it actually wears Sequoia Green paint. I can’t see any evidence of rust, although the photos are a bit inconclusive. What they do show is a vehicle that is essentially complete. The only missing item that the owner identifies is a hubcap. However, a quick search allowed me to locate several nice replacements for around $50 each. The panels are fairly straight, although the vehicle has taken a hit in the left rear corner. This has lightly damaged the quarter panel, along with the rear bumper and the tail-light surround. Fixing the damage should be a straightforward proposition, and while the surround will require replacement, I think that the bumper could be repaired. The rest of the trim is either in good condition or is fit to be restored. The convertible top is looking tired, and while the frame should be okay, the top itself will need to be replaced.
Opening the doors reveals an interior that is far nicer than I anticipated. It isn’t perfect, and I believe that the owner has merely performed some very basic cleaning. A few items will need to be repaired or replaced, but the rest of the trim might provide a pleasant surprise if it is cleaned thoroughly. Both the carpet on the floors and the lower door trims are showing some wear. Replacing these items would lift the interior. The rest of the upholstery is free from rips, while the unmodified dash and the console are also in good order. The owner supplies no engine photos, but we know that the car is fitted with a 383ci V8, a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering. At 4,266lbs, the 300 is a heavy car. However, with 325hp at its disposal, it would have been capable of storming the ¼ mile in 15.9 seconds. It isn’t clear how many years the Chrysler has been sitting, but I suspect it has been quite a few. It is no surprise that the engine doesn’t currently run. However, the owner has checked, and the V8 does turn freely. You never know, but getting it running again might not be that hard.
If this 1966 Chrysler 300 Convertible is a structurally sound and rust-free vehicle, then it has the potential to be a rewarding and financially viable project car. If the buyer isn’t facing major cutting and welding, returning it to its former glory could be a straightforward proposition. If the drivetrain doesn’t need major work, then that would be the icing on the cake. You will struggle to find a nice 1966 Convertible for under $20,000, while pristine examples will easily command prices north of $30,000. That might make this a classic that is worth closer inspection.
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Comments
Maybe it is just me, but I don’t see the appeal in this car. Guess seeing it up close may be necessary to see it’s beauty.
Here’s Some Trivia For You Guys.
Brett Reid AKA The Green Hornet Had One!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7AWAJdgobU&fmt=18
I LOVE the ‘Black Beauty’ Imperial. I wonder if it is still around.
Not sure if the people here are all real or photoshopped or are cutouts.
I believe both cars may have appeared together in 1 or 2 episodes.
I’m surprised they went with a 4 door instead of a 2 door …
http://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/batman60stv/images/0/01/Cars.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20161202010341
Am I seeing double ? Wasn’t this car offered here a few months back as an undercover “Dredged from the Drink” car?
Looks like it’s flooded with memories.
Yes Phil, another deja vu car on the website. This one was posted last Oct.:
https://barnfinds.com/non-letter-find-1966-chrysler-300-convertible/
Seems Russ scooped Adam on this car, but Adam got Russ on the ’69 Dodge:
https://barnfinds.com/worth-saving-1969-dodge-charger-r-t/
https://barnfinds.com/worth-fixing-1969-dodge-charger-rt-se-440/
How about a trifecta posting from 3 different contributors? Can it be done?
My 15 Challenger was heavier than this.
Looks like they pulled it from a swamp…until you see the interior. Some mid-level mobster got taken for a ride for raiding the pension fund to buy this sled. Gorgeous MOPAR sled worthy of a restmod…btw.
Too many classics being restomoded for a quick buck and tv shows, what happens when all the original classics are gone, I believe in preserving a piece of history were possible and not do something’stupid like put 24 inch rims on a car.
I’m lovin’ the interior. Those buckets look like office chairs. Neat car!
Enlisted soldier at Fort ?
Plates are too nice for St Louis.
Maybe from a surrounding state?
4,200? My 1961 LeBaron is 5,500 pounds with couple gallons gas and no spare in trunk.
Not an investment vehicle.
Just do it with your son/daughter and your reward will be greater than the $.
Or, a young kid who just likes it and is a neighbor.
Get the young off the streets and make good with their life.
Give them little jobs as it goes. Don’t overwhelm them with a long project.
Teach patience and to enjoy the journey.
I have an amazing trade story as a 14 year old with a 90 year old black man, Mr. Baker. I wanted his 1941 Ford Woodie wagon. I traded my Smith Corona typewriter for the car. I sure miss that typewriter
yea looks like a swamp car until you see the inside,,could be nice with a few coins,wonder if she runs and moves
Phil is absolutely correct. The car was here on Oct. 4th!
https://barnfinds.com/non-letter-find-1966-chrysler-300-convertible/
Yes! Has no brakes when they rolled it off trailer it wouldn’t stop & hit something!
Love this Mopar bit sure its already gone. If it on trailer already is any indication. Very fair price too.
Who when it had no brakes the new buyers or the original seller? Not surprising bout brakes could have at least added fluid to have something or e brakes even
I am guessing The reason that they don’t show the engine is because that is where all of the rodents are still residing. I agree with DanaPointJohn complete lack of appeal.
Ted-M….
Now I remember this car. A**hole broke the taillight and crunched the rear quarter hitting a tree.
I don’t get some people…….. you opt for the convertible, probably has a power top. You opt for buckets and a console with floor shift. But, you don’t get power windows. What’s up with that?
Ok I nominate the big MOPAR, as the dirtiest car in pictures! But let me tell you about my wild uncle Larry’s big 68 Chrysler 300 Convertible. That he ordered at the same time my Dad ordered a 68 Chrysler New Yorker Town&Country for the family car. The beach wagon was cool, but nothing like uncle Larry’s beautiful Silver/Chrome/ Red Leather, with special silver convertible roof! The best part was the 440/4brl Commando Engine, same as the beach wagon, but his was ordered with a 4 speed!! The only full sized car I’ve ever seen with one! Now the beach wagon was also bought to tow the family travel trailer and boat, so that explains the 3:55 posi rear, but uncle Larry wanted the same for quickness! Of which he got! I’d love to have that beauty! But sadly once my crazy cousins got ahold of it, that was the end. But I feel that 68 was the best year for the big MOPAR !
Wow! Your uncle had good taste. A big block Mopar with a 4 speed was something I bet!
OMG you should have seen it! He would buy the biggest tires he could for all around, hat helped with the ride and handling, me and the trucking companies mechanic that worked for him an my Dad that owned a small mim&Sons trucking company, had talked him into having Koni shocks added, so he bought an upgrade adjustable Koni, that really helped control all that weight plus gave a great ride. But with all that torque, no matter how big the rear tires were, with all the weight, it was easy to light them up! Later on after he was done an his son’s started to drive it just before leaving with it for college, we would get together and buy cheep big tires so I could mount them on a pair of wheels we used to just roast tires! But even with the weight that car would leap off the line if you did it just right!
Almost any convertible with the top down is beautiful. Especially a huge American land yacht.
Show Me a contact number