Pick of the Day: 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible

It seems to be C-body month at the ClassicCars.com Journal. We’ve seen a lot of love with Dodge’s final full-size convertible and a Fury II sedan that’s not often seen anymore, so why not pony up for Chrysler’s version of the platform? To boot, not only is the Pick of the Day Chrysler’s final full-size convertible, but it’s the final Chrysler convertible period until the advent of the 1982 LeBaron: the 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lithia Springs, Georgia. (Click the link to view the listing)

The 300 series was created in 1962 to replace the Windsor, Chrysler’s mid-level series. Part of a grand tradition in Detroit of cannibalizing a strong model name by association, the new 300 series borrowed the equity of the performance-oriented 300 letter-series. Sometimes called the 300 Sport series, the 300 shared the same grille, badging, and side trim with its high-performance cousin. “Puts race-bred performance well within your reach!” claimed Chrysler, though looking like a 300-H and offering 305 horsepower standard doesn’t seem enough to make that true. That being said, the 380-horsepower 413 was available, just like the letter-series, but they were still two distinct models. Three body styles were available: two-door hardtop and convertible, and four-door hardtop. Interestingly, after starting out as a fancy personal luxury coupe in 1962, the Buick Wildcat was mainstreamed as a sporty mid-line series for 1963, very much in a vein like the 300 Sport.

Starting in 1968, the 300 series acquired hidden headlights, something that would be a trademark through 1971 when it was discontinued. Nineteen sixty-nine would bring a redesign, ushering the “Fuselage” design philosophy, with the 300 continuing to offer hidden headlights and now displaying full-width taillights that were distinct from those of the Newport and New Yorker.

A 350-horsepower 440 four-barrel was standard, with a 375-horse 440 TNT with dual exhausts as an option. All-vinyl bucket seats were standard and featured a “buddy seat” with armrest, which could be substituted with a console. Other seating choices for hardtop models included beige cloth-and-vinyl buckets for hardtop models, or contoured bench seat with arm rest in vinyl or cloth-and-vinyl.

Along with the lesser 1970 Newport Convertible, this 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible is the last of the Chrysler ragtops, one of 1,077 built. Painted “ER6” Crimson with a white convertible top and matching vinyl bucket seats with buddy seat, this Chrysler looks as big as a whale and rides on 15-inch Styled Steel Road Wheels. Braking is handled by power discs up front. Under the hood lies the standard 440 paired to a TorqueFlite automatic with modern shift kit.

The seller claims the “ample body rides proudly on an A-arm front/leaf spring/air shock rear suspension” Other features include power windows, air conditioning, AM radio, hood-mounted turn signal indicators, power trunk lid, and black longitudinal protective molding. It appears a dual exhaust system was added along the way, which is something that is always welcome. Considering this vehicle is a veteran of the Hot Rod Power Tour, this is one 300 rag that was built to cruise AND bruise. For $43,995, it appears you can have your cake and eat it too.