1961 Chrysler 300G Manual Transmission extremely rare Mopar survivor

Price: - Item location: Houston, Texas, United States
Description:

1961 Chrysler 300 Series

This extremely rare 1961 Chrysler 300G is one of fewer than 50 examples optioned with a factory code 281 three-speed manual transmission. Reportedly 2 of them were made in this color! It is possible there are only 5 manual cars left! The car has what looks like mostly original faded Cinnamon paint over torn original tan leather upholstery, and power comes from the original 413ci Golden Lion V8 equipped with a cross-ram intake manifold. 15” wheels, rear tailfins, power-assisted steering and brakes, power-adjustable front swivel seats, an “AstraDome” instrument cluster, Areas of bare metal can be seen on the body, and the interior is partially disassembled. This 300G project was purchased out of Colorado in 2013, and it has a clean Texas title.


The code 281 cars are commonly referred to as the "Flying Mile" cars, as the specifications for production cars and beach racing cars were largely the same. a Chrysler 300, this time a 300G, would post the highest speed (143 MPH) in the Daytona Flying Mile, and at the conclusion of the 1961 event, speed trials were moved off the beach at Daytona.


Removed trim is included in the sale and can be seen in the gallery along with a set of replacement taillight lenses.


The 15″ steel wheels are mounted with at the time of purchase new 235/75 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires. A matching spare wheel with an older whitewall tire is included in the sale along with a set of disassembled 300-branded hubcaps. The car is equipped from the factory with power steering and four-wheel power-assisted drum brakes, serviced since purchased.


The cabin features power-adjustable front swivel seats and fixed rear buckets that wear sections of torn tan leather upholstery. Equipment includes a padded dashboard, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, a Golden Tone AM radio, an analog clock, a locking glove compartment, and a full-length center console. Removed switchgear, side panels, and trim can be seen in the gallery.


The two-spoke steering wheel is missing a section of transparent trim, and it frames an “AstraDome” instrument cluster that houses a 150-mph speedometer along with auxiliary readouts for amperage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The removed center console-mounted tachometer and steering wheel hub trim can be seen in the gallery. The five-digit odometer shows 62k miles.


The 413ci “Golden Lion” wedge-head V8 was factory rated at 375 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque and features a cross-ram intake manifold topped with dual four-barrel carburetors. The engine is said to have been overhauled under previous ownership, while the carburetors were rebuilt in the last few years..


Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The rear axle has been rebuilt.


The inner fender-mounted data tag partially decodes as follows:

  • SO 1201 – December 1 scheduled build date

  • Number 8501 – Body number

  • BDY 842 – Chrysler 300G two-door hardtop

  • TRM 833 – Tan leather upholstery

PNT RR1 – Cinnamon paint