The “Forward Look” design language in 1950s and 1960s Chrysler automobiles extended to more than just the exterior aerodynamics: Chrysler’s Vice President of Design at the time, Virgil Exner, also worked his magic on the dashboards, seating arrangements, and other interior features. This car is a perfect example of “peak” Forward Look from the mid-century timeframe:
The Pick of the Day is a 1960 Chrysler 300F two-door hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Litchfield Park, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)
The car was restored in its original shade of Toreador Red Metallic (paint code PP1). Some of the brightwork was rechromed, including the mirrors and trim. The OEM 14-inch hubcaps and wide whitewall tires give the car a clean, original look that would be right at home in a dealership showroom 64 years ago.
I recently raved about the gauge cluster of the C4 Corvette which seemed futuristic for its time. Another instrument arrangement that definitely sits in my top five is the “AstraDome,” which was used on Chrysler cars for three model years between 1960 and 1962. The arrangement was space-age and three-dimensional; it used a glass globe set over a tiered gauge arrangement. Some people called it the “gumball” because it had a sort of resemblance to a gumball machine. Because of the way the cluster was laid out, the controls for the automatic transmission were arranged in push-button format to the left of the gauges, and there was a sliding lever used for the turn signals.
Power under the hood of today’s car comes from a 413cid “Golden Lion” V8 mated to a TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic transmission. The list of mechanical improvements is lengthy to say the least. The seller doesn’t specify the timeframe when all of the service was completed, but the items included replacement of the fuel tank, fuel pump, exhaust, radiator, water pump, power steering box, ball joints, sway bar bushings, shock absorbers, driveshaft, U-joints, and brakes.
Aside from the instrument cluster, there is another aspect of the cabin that make this car special: a four-bucket seating arrangement with a full-length center console. The car also has its original AM radio, a new rear package tray, new door panels, reupholstered seating, rebuilt window moldings, and new weather-stripping. The cabin has been insulated with sound-deadening material throughout.
This is a turn-key, show-ready cruiser with one of the coolest interiors in automotive history. The asking price is $77,000.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, click on over to Pick of the Day.
Our 61 Chrysler had the same instrument cluster. The little indicator needles for oil pressure, coolant temperature, etc. failed over time My instrument engineer Dad said they were made of a material that glows with current passing through and the wire fatigue failed where it entered the needle. Not individually replaceable. Did I mention we worked on absolutely everything that failed in our family? Looks like a couple of these are out but could be the lighting.
Absolute coolest instrument cluster I’ve ever seen.. and those intake runners…drool. Rear decklid polarizing, but could learn to live with it. Poss zenith years of American cars right here. Thanks for sharing. Just unbelievable
Our family had a new 1962 Chrysler Newport with same instrument panel. After 170k miles or so and later on my brother and I using it the car still ran perfectly and never gave any problems with the instruments or push buttons. Dad had the valves ground at 75k miles if memory serves but no other issues. Cool car !
Our family had a new 1962 Chrysler Newport with same instrument panel. After 170k miles or so and later on my brother and I using it the car still ran perfectly and never gave any problems with the instruments or push buttons. Dad had the valves ground at 75k miles if memory serves but no other issues. Cool car !
nice description of this fine
” executive hot rod”. My only criticism is the A727 aluminum caseT-flite wasn’t in production till the 62′ model year. This Letter car has the early,cast iron case A488 T-flite. The later 727 was a full aluminum unit whose strength and reliability are Legend!
WHAT SERVICES HAVE BEEN DONE?
You have to ask the seller. Click on the pictures to get to the ad.
I always loved the look of the 413 cross ram engines be it Plymouth, Dodge or Chrysler. Even in the age of the Jetsons the styling of these cars were pretty far out there.. Well to me anyway. I must admit that in someway they do look better to me now than they did then. Sounds like this car has been given a lot of recent work and TLC. I wonder what shape it was in before. I hope someone buys then drives this car and really enjoys it. As long as no one turns it into a Lowrider or off-road vehicle.