Chrysler introduced the 300E model, the fifth edition in the 300 letter series, in 1959, and despite its prominent design features and powerful Golden Lion wedge-head V8, sales were less than satisfactory.
The automaker sold just 550 300E coupes and 140 convertibles, making the Pick of the Day, a numbers-matching 1959 Chrysler 300E, a rare find.
The 300E model’s wedgelike design didn’t look much different from the previous 300D line with the exaggerated tailfins, large horizontal grille with red accents and deep-set dual headlights – a result of automotive designer Virgil Exner’s “forward look” style.
“Walking around the car, you instantly notice the bright-white gloss paint, chrome wire wheels with whitewall tires and chrome accent trim,” says the Tampa, Florida, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
According to the dealer, this 300E underwent a frame-off restoration between 12 and 15 years ago in which it received new paint, a new front suspension and new interior.
The interior is upholstered in tan vinyl and cloth, and features power steering, brakes and windows, an AM radio and Vintage Air A/C.
For 1959, the 300E replaced the Hemi engine with Chryslers’ new Gold Lion wedge-head 413cid V8, nicknamed “lion-hearted,” with 380 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. Â
“This numbers-matching engine is mated to the original 3-speed automatic transmission that is actually push-button operated and puts the power to the ground through a posi-traction rear end,” the dealer adds.
The odometer shows 80,043 miles, which the dealer believes to be the total miles on the chassis, including pre-restoration driving.
This 1959 Chrysler 300E is being offered for $67,000.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.