1961 Chrysler 300 G
The 1955 Chrysler 300 hardtop was considered by many as the first real muscle car, with its famous 331 cu.in. Hemi V-8. Designer Virgil Exner with Head Engineer Bob Rogers' “Forward Look” hit its stride in 1957, with the Chrysler's egg-crate grille and four headlights body lines led back to huge fins and cathedral window taillights.
The 1961 Chrysler 300G would be the last iconic “big fin” car in the Chrysler "letter-car" series having been inspired by the 1955 Ghia Gilda concept car. A pricey $5800 limited production with the front heavily modified to accept four angled headlights framing an egg-crate grille with body lines heading back to huge fins and cathedral window taillights. Sales climbed to 1,280 300G hardtops and 337 convertibles being produced in 1961.
The futuristic interior styling embodied a pushbutton automatic transmission, Golden Touch tuner radio, factory air conditioning, power windows and antenna, and a center console with an integrated tachometer. The unique 4 bucket seat layout had swivel front seats and rear bucket seats with a center console.
Torsion bar suspension, handled well, much better than other land yachts of the period! Nicknamed "The Banker's Hot Rod" it was a rare combination of power, comfort, and sporty luxury.
This car was an AACA National First Prize in 2002 after an extensive restoration and was acquired for the Audrain Collections in 2021.
Specifications:
Engine: 413 cu in Wedge V-8, Cross-Ram, Carter dual four-barrel carburetors
Transmission: TorqueFlite automatic with pushbutton selector
Power: 400 hp
Torque: 495 ft-lbs (671 NM) @ 3600 RPM
Length: 219.8 in
Width: 79.4 in
Height: 55.6 in
Wheelbase: 126.0 in
Speed: 0-60, 6.8 sec, Quarter-mile 15.2 sec
Top Speed: 101 mph
Fuel Economy: 10.3 mpg
Weight: 4265 lbs