AutoHunter Spotlight: 1963 Chrysler 300-J

Featured Car Hunter Networkan online auction platform operated by ClassicCars.com, is this 1963 Chrysler 300-J.

The Chrysler 300 series sedans in many ways created the muscle car market, although the 300 series was very different from them. Unlike mid-range spec models, they were top-of-the-line models with many standard features that weren’t even optional on later muscle cars.

Of all the 300 “letter” cars, the 300-J is extremely rare, with only 400 built during the 1963 production run. The J cars also stood out because they featured Chrysler’s top-spec twin-quad 413ci Firepower V8 engines that produced 390 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 485 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This gave the car incredible performance for the time, with a tested top speed of 142 mph, a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, and the ability to run the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds.

This 1963 300-J is described as being powered by the original “FirePower 390” 413ci V8 engine, mated to a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Finished in black formal paint with a crimson leather interior, the car was offered by the dealer with clear proof of ownership.

The formal black exterior features chrome trim and dual side mirrors. The car rides on original 15-inch wheels with Chrysler 300 wheel covers and 225/75 white-rimmed radial tires.

The interior features a dark red leather interior (code 245), power seats, Constant-Control power steering, a push-button Golden Touch Tuner AM radio, a power antenna, power windows, and factory air conditioning. The instrument panel has a 150-mph speedometer, an AutoMeter 8,000-rpm tachometer mounted on the center console, and auxiliary gauges for temperature, alternator, and fuel level. As I said before, these cars are really well equipped.

Under the hood is an amazing 9.6:1 compression “FirePower 390” 413ci V8 with a high-performance camshaft, long-barrel aluminum intake manifold, short-barrel ram intake manifold, and two four-chamber downdraft carburetors with a standard competition air cleaner.

This 1963 Chrysler 300-J is the kind of car you can take to just about any car show and never see another. It offers performance, style, and exclusivity that are hard to beat. With only 400 built, it’s even rarer than the first-year 1965 Shelby GT350 and offers even more comfort and performance.

The auction for this 1963 Chrysler 300-J will end on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11:45 AM (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery