1961 Chrysler 300G Tribute Hardtop Station Wagon

This particular 300 is a tribute based on a New Yorker, though it can be fairly argued that 300 Letter Series cars always were based on upmarket New Yorkers. Regardless, they were only offered as two-door coupes and convertibles, making this B pillar-less hardtop station wagon with various performance and 300 styling touches a fascinating “what-if?”

1961 Chryslers are a riot of intersecting lines, elaborate brightwork, and complex forms in glass, sheet steel, and polished chrome, and this car’s color, borrowed from the Viper’s option lists, complements its dynamic, expressive styling while simultaneously downplaying its excesses.

Born as a New Yorker Hardtop Station Wagon, the auction car shares many styling cues with the contemporary 300G, including its nose treatment. Round, red white and blue 300 badges on the nose and alongside the rear flanks look right at home, aided by the modern color and early 1980’s 15” Mopar alloy snowflake wheels that add just the right amount of muted aggression.

Inside, the signature AstraDome instrument panel fitted as standard to 1961 New Yorkers is also correct to the 300G. Note the three-dimensional instrumentation, which used electroluminescent illumination for its green markings and red needles - a very advanced touch for the time. The large dome-like gauge pod eats up real estate normally reserved for a column mounted gear selector, so this car utilizes push-button controls to the left of the steering wheel instead.

Seats are modern GM items, including, apparently, the foldaway rear-facing third row bench. The center console is home to an OEM style tachometer, and the steering wheel has the correct 300 horn button.

Did you notice the Golden Lion logos on the exterior? These indicate fitment of Chrysler’s big gun 413ci wedge V8, fitted here with an exotic cross-ram, dual four barrel carb factory intake that helped deliver 350 hp and close to 500 lb-ft of torque, figures within 6% of the 300G and its cross-ram 413.

Power steering, power brakes, and a/c should make this car very comfortable for high speed, long distance cruising - exactly what it’s meant to do.

This car is offered without known history.

Nicely executed fantasy tribute builds are always fun, providing enthusiasts a taste of factory specials that for one reason or another were never actually built, and cross-ram big block Mopar station wagons are inherently cool regardless of context. Estimated $25,000 - $35,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.