It’s a mystery whey full-sized Chrysler C-bodies aren’t as popular as their counterparts at GM and Ford. Featuring fresh “fuselage” styling and powered by legendary Mopar engines, these big, handsome cars arguably do everything better than the competition. The 300 was Chrysler’s signature luxury/performance model, offering equal doses of both with a wide variety of options that permitted a buyer to fine-tune each car to his particular tastes. In 1969, the 300 was redesigned, yet only 1933 of these beautiful 300 convertibles were built that year and they were discontinued after an abbreviated run in 1970, ending the full-sized Chrysler convertible line forever.

Heavily optioned, this big ragtop offers just the right balance of luxury and performance, from the torquey 440 cubic inch V8 to the sporting bucket seat interior, to a long list of comfort and convenience items. And just to be sure, here’s a breakdown of the fender tag:

CM27: Chrysler Medium Convertible
K9C: Unknown
1969
Jefferson Avenue, MI, USA
119741: Sequence number

E85: 440 cubic inch 4-barrel V8, 350 horsepower
D32: Heavy-duty automatic transmission
R6: Crimson exterior color
M6W: Trim, Optional Decor Group, vinyl bucket seats, white/black
R6: Crimson interior door frames
907: Build date: September 07
098527: Order number

H51: Air-conditioning with heater
R22: AM radio with 8-Track (10 Watts)
R31: Rear seat speaker(s)
P31: Power windows
C16: Console with woodgrain panel
P25: Power left front seat
B41: Front disc brakes with standard 10-inch rear drums
G11: Tinted glass (all)
V7W: Accent stripes, white
L31: Hood/fender mounted turn signals

This lovely 300 convertible hails from warm, dry, sunny Texas and it shows. The arrow-straight bodywork was refinished just a few years ago and required little more than straightening some parking lot dings in its flanks and one small patch at the rear of the passenger’s side quarter panel. Otherwise, it’s 100% original sheetmetal and thanks to the ministrations of some careful body men, all 19 feet of it looks pretty darned impressive. The color is actually Viper Red, perhaps a few shades brighter than the factory Crimson, but once you see this car in person, I don’t think anyone will complain. The white accent stripes that gracefully trace the arc of the fuselage styling along the sides were actually painted on, then buried under the clear, so they’ll look crisp virtually forever. The doors fit extremely well, particularly for a uni-body convertible, and they close with a reassuring solidity that is extremely rare in any full-sized convertible of the era, let alone a Mopar. You’ll note in the restoration photos that the car was almost completely disassembled for paint, including the engine bay, so there’s virtually no trace of the original finish anywhere on the car, giving it a very high-quality and authentic look.

The chrome and trim is where this car’s southern heritage really shows, as almost all the brightwork is original and untouched save for a quick polish. Only the front and rear bumpers were refinished, treated to show chrome at a cost of over $1300, and to be honest, the rest of the trim looks just as nice. Everything from the side mirrors to the stainless trim around the top opening, to the wonderfully intricate taillight assemblies are in excellent condition. The folding headlights are fully functional, too, which is always a relief on these cars.

The white interior was restored in the early 2000s and duplicates the original patterns save for tan piping on the seats that provides some welcome contrast. Perhaps it was to emulate the rare Hurst model that was built that same year, but regardless of the intent, it looks fantastic. Showing only very minor signs of use, the front buckets and rear bench provide all-day comfort for five without anyone feeling like they’ve been short-changed. New black carpets were likely installed at the same time, but there’s a brand-new set of carpets in the trunk should they ever need to be replaced. The console and dashboard are still original and in good condition, particularly the dash pad, which hasn’t been cooked by the sun. Chrysler experts will quickly spot that ultra-rare and virtually irreplaceable steering wheel, which was available only with the tilt/telescope steering column and which gives the interior a notably different look. A familiar Chrysler shifter manages the TorqueFlite underneath and the original gauges are fully operational. There’s also an aftermarket oil pressure gauge mounted down low where it won’t be noticed, and it registers a nice, healthy 30 PSI of oil pressure at idle.

This car was originally equipped with an AM/8-track radio, but somewhere along the line was retrofitted with an AM/FM unit that still works properly. However, the dash was obviously designed for the 8-track system and there’s an opening where the tape drive should fit. As a result, the owner has located a correct AM/FM/8-track head unit that can be installed for a cleaner look and is perfect if you have some ABBA tapes you’d like to get out of storage. Options like the power driver’s seat, power windows, and power top are fully functional and the factory A/C system is complete but not currently working but a fix should be relatively easy. The top folds quickly and easily and stows under a matching white boot, and the car’s smooth, unbroken profile is striking with the top down. As you’d imagine, the trunk is monstrous and carries a correct reproduction mat.

Chrysler’s biggest V8, a 440 cubic inch mill, was standard equipment in the massive 300, and it makes the big ragtop feel much lighter on its feet than you’d expect. This is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine and was freshened during the recent repaint. An inspection of the clearances showed that a full rebuild was unnecessary, but it did receive a Mopar Performance Parts “purple” camshaft, a new timing set, and fresh seals and gaskets throughout before being buttoned back up. A coat of Chrysler Turquoise engine enamel makes it look fresh and clean and it was fitted with both the exhaust manifolds and air cleaner assembly from the upgraded TNT model (although this is not a TNT engine). It starts easily and after some grumpiness when it’s cold, drives superbly. A brand new dual exhaust system gives it a rumbling idle that’s surely very appropriate for a big piece of luxury muscle like this and you can hear the upgraded cam in every power pulse.

While the powertrain was out, the 727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission was fully rebuilt and shifts with a firm feeling that is somehow reassuring. Out back, it has 3.23 gears and a Sure Grip limited slip differential, so this big car is surprisingly swift and light on its feet, and that desirable gear set is probably worth a few thousand bucks all by itself. The floors and chassis are in very good original condition, having been undercoated from new and spending four decades in Texas, and while it’s not detailed for show, there’s absolutely nothing underneath that should cause a new owner any concerns. The brakes and suspension give the car reasonably nimble feel and big 235/75/15 whitewall radials on factory Rallye wheels provide a luxury car ride.

This car comes with a lot of extras, including the aforementioned carpet set and AM/FM/8-track radio, plus the stock air cleaner, and a set of original 300 hubcaps should you wish to go back to plain-Jane wheels. There’s also a custom-made T-shirt with this car airbrushed on its front, restoration photos, and some receipts for the recent work.

Big, comfortable, fast, and unusual, this handsome Chrysler hasn’t caught on with collectors…yet. Why not get ahead of the curve and own the last of the Chrysler land yachts while it’s still very affordable?