Bridging Luxury and Power - The 1960 Chrysler 300F
Based in New Jersey, John N. Kastanis has a background in health care, and served as the president of University Hospital. With a longstanding passion for classic automobiles, John N. Kastanis maintains a small collection of restored American cars.
One of the defining vehicles of the late 1950s was the Chrysler 300 series, a “letter” model that launched in 1955. The 1960 Chrysler 300F is particularly sought after, as it replaced body-on-frame design with innovative unibody manufacturing that decreased weight and improved rigidity, while expanding interior space.
With a uniquely sleek and angular look for the era, the 300F was also a pioneer for its “Golden Lion” 413-cubic-inch engine, which was powered by 495 pound-feet torque, dual four-barrel Carter carburetors, and 375 horsepower. In many ways it was a harbinger of the iconic muscle cars of the mid-to-late-1960s.
With specifications approaching those required on the racing circuit, the 300F also provided a sense of luxury that augmented its under-the-hood power. Its futuristic interior included bucket seats and an electroluminescent AstraDome floating instrument cluster. Glowing at nighttime, the instruments appeared to float in the dash. With just over 1,250 hardtops and convertibles produced, the 300F is a rarity sought after by car enthusiasts to this day.
One of the defining vehicles of the late 1950s was the Chrysler 300 series, a “letter” model that launched in 1955. The 1960 Chrysler 300F is particularly sought after, as it replaced body-on-frame design with innovative unibody manufacturing that decreased weight and improved rigidity, while expanding interior space.
With a uniquely sleek and angular look for the era, the 300F was also a pioneer for its “Golden Lion” 413-cubic-inch engine, which was powered by 495 pound-feet torque, dual four-barrel Carter carburetors, and 375 horsepower. In many ways it was a harbinger of the iconic muscle cars of the mid-to-late-1960s.
With specifications approaching those required on the racing circuit, the 300F also provided a sense of luxury that augmented its under-the-hood power. Its futuristic interior included bucket seats and an electroluminescent AstraDome floating instrument cluster. Glowing at nighttime, the instruments appeared to float in the dash. With just over 1,250 hardtops and convertibles produced, the 300F is a rarity sought after by car enthusiasts to this day.
