1968 Chrysler 300 Convertible

Description

Chrysler's 300-series cars were always an inviting blend of sporty and luxurious, and by 1968, the 300 had grown into a genuine contender for the top for the luxury/muscle food chain. This awesome convertible looks dynamite in Antique Ivory over black and is powered by Chrysler's finest horsepower factory, a 440 cubic inch V8. To truly stand out, this giant convertible makes it easy.

The styling of Mopars evolved right along with the rest of the industry, and the unique styling on this 300 ragtop borrows a lot from the Imperial lineup. A little bit gothic in the front end with its hidden headlights, it continues the 300's tradition of impeccable taste and it was still an iron fist in a silk glove. The gorgeous Antique Ivory paint is a color change and in good driver-grade condition, making the car look big and imposing on the road and highlighting some straight sheetmetal underneath when it's parked. The pointed hood begins a theme that can be seen throughout the car, and while there are heavy chrome bumpers at both ends, the Chrysler stylists took it easy on the bright stuff for a change. Only 2161 of these full-sized convertibles were built in 1968, so it's doubly-important to get one with all its trim intact like this one. Hidden headlights were all the rage for luxury cars in 1968, so this car wears them, and the tastefully understated rear end shows off the series with big emblems that were undoubtedly placed there for the benefit of the guy you just passed. Drop the top and get ready to turn some heads in this one.

There's definitely a sporty attitude inside, where a black vinyl split-bench looks just like a pair of bucket seats that flank a center console, almost as if there was some Mopar performance DNA running through the 300's veins. The handsome seats wear correct seat covers, there are nice black carpets on the floor, and the door panels are so nice they make us think they may be reproductions that were recently installed. Looking past the console, you'll also find luxury features like air-conditioning (needs to be serviced), machined metal and other bright trim accents, and a big, wide dashboard that's pure 1960s slick. The back seat may very well be original and remains in great condition and also has a kind of bucket seat look of its own thanks to the rear speaker for the original AM/FM stereo system. And speaking of the stereo, the original unit is still in the dash, but it has been supplanted by a modern AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit that was installed under the dash, just ahead of the cup holders in the middle console. There's also power windows and a power top, and the black convertible top is brand new, fits well, and offers a glass rear window and matching black boot for a neat presentation when it's stowed away. Out back, there's a gigantic truck that's lined with a period-correct plaid mat and houses an original jack kit.

Chrysler's 440 cubic inch V8 really needs no introduction, and in the big 300, it remains an effortless cruising partner. With endless reserves of torque and a willingness to run hard, the big block shrinks the size of the car for the guy behind the wheel, making this luxury ragtop feel downright agile. Some of that credit is undoubtedly due to Chrysler's innovative torsion bar front suspension, which was actually a better idea that worked rather well. The 3-speed TorqueFlight automatic is still a reliable link in the powertrain and it feeds the original rear end with highway-friendly gears inside. From the air cleaner to the valve covers, the engine is stock, but then again, when something runs this well, most folks leave well enough alone. The steel wheels and turbine-style hubcaps offer a classic look, and they're wrapped in 215/75/14 blackwall radials.

Fast, comfortable, and rare, this big convertible offers a more grown-up Mopar experience and you'll probably find that not many luxury cars of the era could quite match its performance. Call today!