Featured on AutoHunter.com, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1963 Chrysler 300-J.
The Chrysler 300 letter-series cars in many ways launched the muscle car segment, although the 300s were very different from them. As opposed to being mid-specification models, they were range-toppers with lots of standard features that were not even available as options on later muscle cars.
Of all the 300 “letter” cars, the 300-J is extremely rare, with a total of only 400 cars built during their 1963 production run. The Js also stand out because they featured Chrysler’s top specification of the time, the dual-quad 413ci Firepower V8 with 390 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 485 lb-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. This gave the car incredible performance for the time with a tested top speed of 142 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, and the ability to cover the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds.
This 1963 300-J is described as powered by its original “FirePower 390” 413ci V8 mated to a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The car is finished in Formal Black paint over a Claret leather interior and is being offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.
The Formal Black exterior features chrome trim and dual side mirrors. The car rides on original 15-inch stock wheels with Chrysler 300 wheel covers and 225/75 whitewall radial tires.
The interior has Claret leather upholstery (code 245), power seats, Constant-Control power steering, a push-button Golden Touch Tuner AM radio, a power antenna, power windows, and factory A/C. The gauge cluster hosts a 150-mph speedometer, a center console-mounted AutoMeter 8,000-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for the temperature, alternator, and fuel level. As I said before, these cars were indeed loaded.
Under the hood is the amazing 9.6:1-compression “FirePower 390” 413ci V8 with a high-performance camshaft, long-tube aluminum intake manifolds, short-tube ram-induction intake manifolds, and two four-barrel down-draft carburetors that feature stock competition-style air cleaners.
This 1963 Chrysler 300-J is the kind of car that you can take to almost any car show and not see another one. It offers a level of performance, style, and exclusivity that is hard to match. With a total of only 400 cars built, it is even more rare than a first-year 1965 Shelby GT350 and offers more comfort and performance.
The auction for this 1963 Chrysler 300-J ends on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
