The original Chrysler C-300 of 1955, and the legendary “letter cars” that followed it, firmly established Chrysler as a performance leader. These cars were correctly advertised as the “Beautiful Brutes,” and 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 that mounted a pair of four-barrel carburetors on a unique intake manifold that had 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, and 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 bodylines 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 that were 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 that had been developed in collaboration with Sylvania, which was an industry first.

The Convertible offered here, one of 248 built, is accompanied by a Factory Build Code Interpretation from the Chrysler 300 Club International, which attests to its correct Alaskan White paint and beige leather interior. Interestingly, the car was shipped from the factory on April 14, 1960, and was listed as an export model, but its destination was not specified.

Some years ago the car was fully restored, both bodily and mechanically. The paint finish is excellent and shows no dings, dents, dust, or blemishes. The brightwork is all excellent, and the engine compartment is clean and properly detailed. Underneath, the car is also quite clean and undercoated in black. The interior is in very good condition, with only the driver’s seat exhibiting some wrinkles from enjoyment.

Equipment on the car, in addition to the cross-ram powerplant, includes the robust Torqueflite pushbutton automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power top, power swivel front bucket seats, air conditioning, a clock, and an AM radio with a power antenna. The car rides on B.F. Goodrich Silvertown whitewall tires, which are mounted to steel wheels with full wheel covers.

Since the completion of its restoration, the car has earned a host of awards, at both Chrysler meets and multi-marque concours. In 2004 it was further refined to correct specifications, per the build sheet, which included adding a new date-coded engine, a fresh vinyl top, and genuine leather interior, installed by the legendary Gary Goers.

Just 248 convertibles were built in the 300F line, and this surely must be one of the best.