29k Genuine Miles: 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst
If you delve into the history of most vehicle manufacturers, you will find at least one hidden treasure. For Chrysler, one of these cars is the 1970 300 Hurst, which received so little fanfare and promotion when it was released that even some dealers didn’t know that the car existed. At least, many didn’t until one rolled off the carrier at their dealership, and that is a true story. This particular 300 Hurst belonged to the one owner from new through until September of 2018, and after sitting since around 1983, it has been revived. It is now ready to move on from its current home in Cleveland, Ohio, and it could quite easily be headed to you. It is listed for sale here on eBay, and while the bidding is currently sitting at $17,100, the reserve hasn’t been met.
The Hurst was a hidden treasure for a number of reasons. The first was that production of the cars ran behind schedule, which delayed the launch date. The second reason was far more fundamental. While the car was built by Chrysler and then modified by Hurst, both companies thought that the other would undertake the marketing. As a result, the Hurst received virtually no marketing at all. That’s a pretty horrible mistake to make when you are talking about a vehicle that was conceived to be Chrysler’s “halo” luxury performance car.
The collaboration between Chrysler and Hurst was an interesting one. Chrysler chose to build a car to a specific specification, and the contribution made by Hurst was purely cosmetic. There were no performance improvements implemented by Hurst, although it could be argued that some of the body modifications may have assisted performance slightly. Chief among these modifications was a fiberglass outer skin for the hood, which did provide a weight reduction. The trunk lid was also ditched in favor of a fiberglass unit, complete with this neatly molded spoiler which was blended into the tops of the quarter panels. Otherwise, the original, factory Spinnaker White was left untouched, but Sauterne Metallic highlights were added by Hurst to give the car a tasteful but distinctive look. This particular car is said to be completely original, and while it isn’t perfect, it also is quite presentable. The biggest fault to jump out at me is the single mismatched wheel. The original wheels feature on three corners and are finished in the correct color. I know that one wheel was replaced at some point, but hopefully, a good original wheel can be located to address this issue. It may even be possible to locate a replacement through the Chrysler 300 Club International, as they seem to be a pretty good source of both information and parts. The paint has a few marks and chips on it, but the car is quite free of significant rust issues. The owner provides a clear photo of the floors, and they are clean enough to eat off.
What is the point of building a luxury performance model if it isn’t luxurious? Chrysler looked at the 300 Hurst and treated it to a good supply of luxury items. If the interior trim looks familiar, that is because the interior comprised a high percentage of Imperial items. All 300 Hursts were trimmed in Saddle Tan leather, and the owner could choose either a floor or column shift for the transmission. In addition to the leather, a Hurst featured air conditioning, power windows, and power operation for both front bucket seats. There were originally plans in place for all cars to be fitted with Hurst shifter, but this never came to fruition. The interior of this 300 Hurst is close to faultless. This really makes perfect sense. During its life, the Hurst was only in active use for a bit under 13-years, and with only a claimed 29,800 miles clocked up by an elderly owner, it appears that it led a pretty pampered life. That means that there really is nothing to do but to sink back into the sumptuous leather and enjoy the luxury.
With an overall length just shy of 19′ and weight of 4,354lbs, the Hurst is no lightweight, so if it is going to be able to claim any performance credentials, it is going to need a special engine. Chrysler delivered on that front, with the engine bay being home to the 440ci “TNT” V8 engine, which delivers a healthy 375hp. That is enough to allow this heavyweight to accelerate from 0-60mph in 7 seconds, cover the ¼ mile in 15.1 seconds, and to haul on to a top speed of 131mph. Hooked to the engine is a strengthened A727 Torqueflite transmission, while the power then finds its way to an 8¾” rear end featuring a 3.23 final drive ratio. The suspension was also improved, with heavier torsion bars at the front, and heavier rear springs. It should be no surprise to learn that the 300 Hurst also came standard with power steering and power brakes. After sitting for 35-years, the Hurst took a bit of coaxing back into life. To avoid the possibility of damage to that precious engine, it was removed and rebuilt. The owner says that this awesome engine now runs sweetly. It also appears that the rest of the car has been gone over from top to bottom, with the water pump, alternator, fan clutch, and brake master cylinder all having been replaced. The list also includes flushing and cleaning all of the normal items such as the brakes and fuel system. The Hurst has also received new mufflers, but the remainder of the exhaust does have a question mark over it.
Just how many 1970 300 Hursts were built is a matter of some conjecture. The lowest estimate is 485, while the top is 502. What is known is that of that total, one convertible was built, and one car was dealer-fitted with a Hemi engine. A check of the Chrysler 300 Register reveals that the survival rate for these has been remarkably good, and it is known that at least 283 cars survive today. While that is a healthy percentage, the actual build totals are still quite low. Nice examples that come onto the market today will sell for sums well in excess of $40,000. This one is solid and original, and if the mileage can be confirmed, it might be the lowest mileage example in existence today. With the owner indicating that he is expecting the car to sell for somewhere in the region of $25,000, that could make it quite a buy.
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Comments
I remember the first time I saw one of these pull into a car show, I was so awed over the sheer magnificence of it! I just now noticed that the rear window has a “peak” in the middle of it! If only……:-)
If those seats are as comfy as they look, I would take a nap in there!
These do not come up often.
Please Santa buy me this one
I’ll say they don’t come up often as I have never even seen one of these models with the whale tail, ever, until now.
Bob
I’ve never seen one of these. What a bad ass car! Those tail lights and integrated spoiler are a sight to see.
I want one of these more than almost any other car and this is a nice example. If I didn’t have two toys this would be my one toy.
I graduated high school in 1970, which I think was the pinnacle for the original muscle cars. I remember these cars well, and always wanted one. Certainly far from the fastest, but that hood and rear spoiler had me hooked the instant I saw one. It wouldn’t take much to make this car pristine. I also noticed some of the original parts in the trunk, got to give that dealer credit. I think $25k for the car is pretty close to a steal, but with the price of paint these days, and the size of the car…ha!
A close inspection would be necessary but I think the seller should have no problem getting $25,000.
There really isn’t a great demand for this model though. I saw 6 at auction last year and only one had bids reach the reserve.
305 years?!?!
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t these supposed to have the script”Hurst” on either side of the rear fenders?
It seems the convertibles came with the H graphic on the rear fender sides but I don’t find any pictures with it on the hardtops.
Nice ride but an inspection is warranted..note the fresh undercoat sprayed everywhere. With only 29K miles, one should wonder why? Also, a full engine rebuild done at those same low miles? If it was frozen or stuck, maybe, but if a simple exhaust system was not completed (so far), what other short cuts might have been taken? These few observations should invite serious questions, a review of receipts for work done, and a full inspection.
It has potential and it is rare.
Sadly I know of one that’s real close to a return to mother nature near me in Sarasota fl. The owner claims he is gonna fix it up but it way to far gone. But I did snap a pic and send it in for a free copy of a great magazine.
I’ve been watching this car for awhile now. It’s a good car and this guy can’t sell it but I don’t think it’s the car.
The car is super cool. But two things puzzle me: Why on Earth wouldn’t the “Hurst” model of a car have a Hurst shifter? And second, how on Earth can you build a 19-foot-long car that has no leg room for the rear passengers?
Rex,
I can assure you there is plenty of leg room for passengers. Looks like the front seat has been moved all the way back on its track for the picture.
My 71 New Yorker may not be a Hurst or 300, but it is also a 2 door hardtop like this one. There is plenty of hip, leg, shoulder, elbow, etc room.
Interesting fact on this car… those wheels are aluminum with chrome rings. Found that out when we bought an open Featherlite trailer with these wheels on them from the factory. It turns out that Featherlite bought a ton of “slightly out of round” wheels from Chrysler for a great price. Did take some doing to get them balanced but without the trim ring and a stainless center they were great looking wheels.
Not quite. Chrysler did produce a very similar looking aluminum rim in 1979, then added a plastic appliqué that changed the look. In 1970, these are plain steel.
I believe that I saw this car about 10 – 12 years ago parked in Highland Square, (Akron Ohio) and I was stunned at the sheer enormity of it — particularly the length of the rear quarters!
It’s a 2-lane street going through Highland Square with angle parking outside some of the shops, bars etc. Even though the front end of the Hurst was properly against the curb, the rear hung out so far into the street that passing cars had to move into the other direction lane just to get around it. I watched this “circus” occurring for a while until the owner came out of the store and then I tried to start a conversation with him. For some reason the owner wasn’t very communicative but I thought I’d do him a favor anyway and so I stepped out into the street and halted the traffic so he could back the monster out. And away he went in a cloud of blue smoke — probably why the engine was rebuilt at some time??
RB
Yes, these are BIG cars, big big big. There IS room in the back, but getting out, you may need help extracting yourself.
I know how impracticble these cars are for the times we live in now but I’m a big fan of the design and power, and if I had the room I would simply buy it, look upon what it needs as deferred maintenance, harden the valves and blow the doors of everything else at the green light. Someone jump on this car and enjoy. You’ll get many happy miles.
Sorry, the word should be unrealistic.
It must be a real PITA to synchronize those headlight doors huh, Real nice car but questionable as to exhaust and motor rebuild ?
I will admit. I know nothing about these cars. What makes it a hurst? Is the automatic on the tree, hurst?
One other thing, why no communication through eBay? Scaring fees?
I remember seeing these in Motor Trend magazine when these came out, a beautiful car. I love these and Mercury Maruader x-100 are my two favorite boats of the era.
Rebuilding the engine before trying to restart the engine after sitting for so many years is the SMART way to handle this situation. Otherwise even with pre oiling the engine can cause pre mature wear on internal parts causing oil consumption before long.
As far as replacing the mufflers they could be plugged or rusted out even just sitting.
There were three of these at the 2018 Kissimmee auction. From a little rough to really nice. I believe the nicest one sold for 33k(ish). I’ve always liked these. I came close to buying a pair of these in the late ’80’s. A president of a bank in Palm Beach county (Fla.) had them and I could’ve bought both for 6500.00.
This looks like a nice example…especially that interior. I had a chance to buy one locally with factory console & floorshift for $4,500 about three years ago but it was rough. It ran fine but had rust, a warped fiberglass deck lid, no brakes, and very little upholstery left (down to the springs). I passed on the car and the guy that did buy it flipped it on Ebay for 10k!
So while not a 2 door Hurst, but a 1970 4 door Newport, my Dad, the most pecunious man then alive, bought it new. I was driving my first car, the ’50 Packard, and even I thought this Newport was too big! lol.
His Newport was a completer stripper, manual seat, door winders. It cornered like a couch on skates. I remember hearing about the Hurst Chrysler and wondering why they would put their name on it..I mean with a slushbox and all.
I must have gotten older…………:) I think the torpedo shape favors the look.
It’s amazing how big and menacing these were. They dwarfed Galaxies and Impalas. I remember a triple black one that would get everyone to stop what they were doing every time it rolled into the A&W drive in. Shackles in the back, fat tires and cherry bomb mufflers…it was amazingly outrageous. Those were the days
I bought the car. It is everything the seller said it was. It does need minor body work and paint but everything is there and all evidence is 29,000 original miles. The interior is almost perfect aside from some fading. Restoraton is underway and it will be a fun ride.
Congrats and good luck! Looks like a nice machine.