White Lightning: 1963 Chrysler 300 Pacesetter

Looking through muscle car ads used to be a lot more fun.  It has gotten to be a little depressing over the past 15 years, though. Anything with 2 doors and a big block seems to have turned to gold and sailed out of the price range of your average Joe. There are still a few bargains to be had, however. Find this 1963 Chrysler 300 for sale in Buffalo, MN for $21,900 via craigslist.

Here is an example of a low-production Chrysler from the early years of muscle.  According to the ad, this is one of only 306 hardtops made in 1963 to commemorate its use in the Indy 500 that year. In the topsy-turvy world of classic cars, low production and special editions do not necessarily equal higher demand.  This example, though rare, seems to have escaped the hyper-inflation visited upon similarly equipped vehicles of the same vintage.  For now, at least.

Apart from the unique package, this car has a few features that give it a lot of character.  The disappearing window pillars behind each door are a great way of keeping this car’s long lines clean and the driver’s headspace less obstructed.  The square wheel is quirky, but somehow it completes the look of the ornate dash and console very nicely.  Finish it all off with the famous push-button transmission selector and you have a driving experience that ought to be unmistakably Chrysler.

If you like long, space-age horizontal lines on your car, this one has them in spades.  No doubt there is a weight premium to pay for this length, so don’t expect this car to be challenging a 413 Max Wedge Dart at a stoplight.  I would, however, expect the 383 to move it along quite nicely.  Given its uniqueness, luxury, power and looks, this car may soon be going up in value. 

See another under-appreciated piece of Americana? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com