Why do manufacturers always squander the equity of the cars they produce? The Mercury Cougar is a fine example—yes, the little pony car logically segued into a personal luxury coupe, only to grow into a mid-size personal luxury car and then a sedan. Our Pick of the Day, a 1965 Chrysler 300-L, is one of the first performance models from Detroit that shares a similar yet different sob story. This convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Phoenix.
Within subcultures, there are years in which many things converge—look at popular music in 1955 as a fine example. The same year, the American auto industry’s “Horsepower Race” kicked into high gear. The king of horsepower in Detroit up to that point was generally was reserved for upscale brands. Chrysler rose to the occasion with the C-300, a luxurious performance coupe that offered the most horsepower out of any V8 being offered. The closest competitor lagged by 25 horsepower, which was far from inconsequential. Two years later, the 300-C (as it was subsequently known) was available with up to 390 horsepower, then achieved up to 400 horsepower in 1960 with the 413 “wedge” that was introduced the year before. For 1962, an optional ram-induction intake upped power to 405. Combined with a smaller wheelbase, that made the 300-H the fastest ever.
But, starting in 1964, Chrysler began to water down the 300 Letter Series. While the 1963 300-J offered 390 horsepower with short-tube ram-induction and dual-quads, plus a loaded options list that included the likes of power windows, the 1964 300-K made do with 360 horses from a single four-barrel (with ram-induction as an option). Worse, the 300-K was decontented by over $1,000, so while still somewhat fancy, this special series seemed a bit less special. Between the J and K, sales rebounded ninefold, setting a record for the series, but the model had lost its status.
The convergence of culture happened again during this time. Nineteen sixty-four was the year of the Beatles, the introduction of the Pontiac GTO, and the mid-year debut of the Mustang. There was a stronger cultural shift to youths, and the Detroit performance car world was evolving into mid-size and pony models. The 300 Letter Series no longer seemed to be relevant, but the truth is that Chrysler ruined the equity of the series with the introduction of the “regular” 300 for 1962. Intended to replace the mid-level Windsor (which had been moved up a notch to replace the Saratoga, though not in Canada), the new 300 series included a four-door sedan, two- and four-door door hardtop, and convertible. At first glance, it was nearly indistinguishable from the Letter Series car, from the grille to the side trim. The interior and other standard equipment was lacking in comparison, but the damage was now in motion, tarnishing a once-proud name.
Nonetheless, this French Ivory 1965 Chrysler 300-L convertible still presents itself as the “beautiful brute” it always was. Chrysler sold 2,805 300-Ls, but the convertibles have always had rarity on their side, “It is a true three-owner [car] that is one of just 440 produced,” says the seller. “It has been restored only as needed and today drives as great as it looks.” The current owner has owned it since 2020 and, since acquiring the car, has performed a paint correction and detailing to fix the 1984 repaint. “The door panels, dashboard and carpet are original and in gorgeous condition today,” he adds.
If big, strong American convertibles are your bag, then this Mopar checks all the boxes. And don’t let anyone tell you the ’65 is a lesser 300 Letter Car because it exhibits all the style and power of those from the Exner era. As the ad says “Contact Seller,” it would behoove you to do just that to see if the asking price matches your wallet.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
