1965 Chrysler 300

This 1965 Chrysler 300 Convertible is finished in Spanish Red Polyn over a white interior and is powered by its factory correct 383ci 4barrel V8 paired with a TorqueFlite automatic and the desirable floorshift console. Built on February 29, 1965, this rare leapday example was assembled at the Jefferson Assembly Plant and retains its original C15 configuration.

Only 1,418 Chrysler 300 convertibles were produced for 1965, and survival estimates suggest that just 15–25% remain, placing the number of surviving examples at roughly 200–350 cars. This makes the model — and especially a restored, factory correct example — very rare among surviving fullsize Mopars.

A comprehensive restoration was begun approximately three years ago and completed in September 2025, returning the car to a high quality, factory correct presentation. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original color, while the drivetrain, suspension, braking, and electrical systems were rebuilt or renewed. Although the original restoration documents were unfortunately destroyed, the quality of the work is evident in the car’s current condition, the refinished structural components, and the detailed mechanical refurbishment described below.

As a fullsize Chrysler unibody convertible, the car features a reinforced substructure with a Heavy gauge front crossmember assembly supporting the suspension, steering gear, and engine mounts. During the restoration, this entire front crossmember assembly was removed, disassembled, sandblasted, and powder coated in gloss black, along with several smaller components. The rear unibody section remained attached to the body shell and was cosmetically restored to match the overall finish.

The engine was removed, disassembled, and completely rebuilt, including:

· Cylinder heads cleaned, inspected, resurfaced  

· Valves ground, seats recut, guides checked  

· New valve seals installed  

· New camshaft and hydraulic lifters  

· Timing chain and gears renewed  

· Proper camshaft break-in performed  

· Crankshaft inspected, polished, and fitted with new main and rod bearings  

· Clearances verified with Plastigage  

 · Reassembled with correct torque specifications  

Equipment includes bucket seats, console shift, a 3.23 SureGrip axle, and the Convertible Top Equipment Group. The car presents cleanly throughout, reflecting the thoroughness and quality of its recent restoration.

VIN Decoding – C253282806

·C – Chrysler car line  

·2 – Series 300  

·5 – 1965 model year  

·3 – Jefferson Assembly, Detroit, MI  

·282806 – Sequential production number  

Fender Tag Highlights

·Model: C15 – 300 Convertible  

·Build Date: February 29, 1965  

·Paint:  Spanish Red Poly (TT1)  

·Interior: Originally Tan/Saddle Leather; now White  

·Engine: 383ci V8, 4barrel (~315 hp)  

·Transmission: TorqueFlite Automatic, Floor Console Shift  

·Axle: 3.23 SureGrip  

·Convertible Top Equipment Group  

·Order Number: 61112236  

Engine & Drivetrain

The engine stamping 602551 falls within Chrysler’s 600000–699999 range for 1965, identifying the correct 383ci 4barrel V8 originally installed in this model. Following its full rebuild, the engine retains its factory configuration and delivers strong, smooth performance. Power is delivered through a TorqueFlite automatic with the premium console shifter, and the car is equipped with a 3.23 SureGrip rear axle.

Restoration Summary (Completed September 2025)

·Body stripped to bare metal and refinished in factory Regal Red  

·Front unibody crossmember assembly removed, sandblasted, and powder coated gloss

black  

·Rear unibody section cosmetically restored in place  

·Engine fully rebuilt (heads, cam, lifters, bearings, timing set, seals)  

·Transmission, suspension, and braking systems renewed  

·Electrical system refreshed  

·Interior restored and reupholstered in white  

·Clean, high quality fit and finish throughout  

Why This Car Stands Out:

·Very rare — only ~200–350 believed to survive  

·Leapday build (February 29, 1965)  

·Factory bucket seats and console automatic  

·Correct 383ci 4-barrel V8  

·High quality restoration completed in 2025  

·Authentic factory colors and options  

This Chrysler 300 Convertible offers a compelling combination of rarity, originality, and a fresh, high quality restoration — making it an especially desirable example of Chrysler’s mid1960s luxury performance engineering.

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