The original Chrysler C-300 of 1955 and the legendary “Letter Cars” that followed it firmly established Chrysler as a performance leader. Correctly advertised as “the Beautiful Brutes,” they exemplify the American high performance grand touring concept today. While various “Hemi” engines powered the series through 1958, the lighter 413 “Wedge” debuted with the 300E of 1959 and provided the same, if not even more, brute force.

For 1960, the 413 now featured a tuned cross-ram induction system mounting a pair of four-barrel carburetors on a unique intake manifold with impressive 30-inch runners. In combination with a hotter camshaft, a low-restriction exhaust system and all-new lighter unit-body construction for 1960, the refined 300F continued to provide the blistering performance that 300 buyers had come to expect. In sanctioned competition at Daytona, a 300F beat the Flying Mile record set by the 300B in 1956 with a speed of 144.92-mph, while famed racer Andy Granatelli reached 189.99-mph at Bonneville with a supercharged 300F, earning a Hot Rod magazine cover story.

Style was always an important part of Chrysler’s strategy, and the clean, jet aircraft-inspired body lines of the 300F did not disappoint. All standard New Yorker amenities were included, plus swiveling front seats and nylon tires with white sidewalls. The luxurious aircraft cockpit-style interior featured four individual leather seats divided by a console running the length of the passenger cabin, and the extraordinary dash design mounted a three-dimensional “Astra-Dome” instrument cluster with electroluminescent lighting developed in collaboration with Sylvania – an industry first.

This 1960 Chrysler 300F Convertible is a thrilling example showcasing its undeniable appeal. Mr. Rigoli acquired this car in 1989 from the Brookline, Massachusetts area, and it has received a full restoration. The legendary cross-ram engine “moves the vehicle along very well,” and the engine compartment is detailed in a manner of original specifications.

The 300F is beautifully finished in Formal Black over beige leather with black carpet; it has a full range of equipment that includes a tachometer, factory wheel covers, whitewall tires, power windows, dual mirrors, distinctive raised-wheel profile trunk lid and TorqueFlite pushbutton automatic transmission. This is described as a great car to drive and show and is one of Mr. Rigoli’s favorites.

It readily draws attention and is considered the most sought-after Letter Car. Only 248 Chrysler 300F convertibles were built for 1960, and according to the Chrysler 300 Club International, only 78 are known to survive today.