All of Chrysler’s 1960 cars were built with frameless, unibody construction, and the 300F got a complete makeover. The new F rode on a 126 inch wheelbase with an overall length of 219.6 inches. As a hardtop, it stood 55.3 inches; the convertible was .40 inches taller. The 300 had gained 250 pounds since its 1955 introduction, tipping the scales at 4,270 pounds (hardtop) and 4,310 pounds (convertible).

Passengers were treated to an interior with four individual, leather-covered, contoured bucket seats. The front chairs swiveled for easy access. A full-length center console included armrests, storage compartments, power window controls, an ashtray and a large tachometer. The instrument panel featured “AstraDome” three-dimensional styling, in which a 150-mph speedometer was protected by a “Panelescent”-lighted globe, all sitting above an array of futuristic buttons and switches.

Under the 300F’s hood lay a standard 413 cubic inch V-8 hooked to a three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission. This version of the Golden Lion generated 375 horsepower and 495-ft/lbs of torque. Feeding the beast was Chrysler’s all-new Ram Induction system that positioned a pair of Carter four-barrel carbs 30 inches away from their targeted combustion chambers. The “runners” that separated carbs from cylinders used sonic wave frequencies to compress (some might say “supercharge”) the air-fuel mixture for greater power in the engine’s mid-range, where most drivers want some extra oomph for passing or merging with traffic. The most expensive letter cars to date, the F hardtop listed for $5,411, with the convertible going for $5,841.

The 300F debuted in January, 1960 and went on to continue traditions by winning the first six places in “Flying Mile” competitions at Daytona with a top speed of nearly 145-mph. As had been the case since 1955, the 300-Series continued to be based on the New Yorker platform and was again listed as a model within the New Yorker series. Available colors offered by Chrysler were Toreador Red, Alaskan White, Terra Cotta and Formal Black, such as this car is presented. With a tan leather interior, the car is a match to Mr. Rigoli’s outstanding 300F convertible.

This is a two owner car that Mr. Rigoli obtained from the original buyer, Mr. D.G. Willet, who was at that time stationed at a United States Naval base in Connecticut. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he purchased the car from Howard Motors, Inc. in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The original bill of sale from this dealership accompanies the car, as does the original title from Texas. The Texas title is the result of Mr. Willet driving the recently purchased car to that state soon after acquiring it. D.G. Willet drove and enjoyed the car for 80,317 miles before putting it in storage in a single car detached garage at his mother’s home until Mr. Rigoli purchased the car in 1988.

Being a unibody, you cannot say that it has undergone a frame-off restoration, but this car has been “restored from the tires up” and that is well-evidenced by its beautiful appearance. This engineering masterwork has outstanding lines and also features an AM radio, dual mirrors, distinctive trunk detail, factory wheel covers and whitewall tires. This 300C has been driven approximately 3,000 miles since its striking restoration was completed. Mr. Rigoli conveys that he has driven the car from Massachusetts to New York for car shows, about a 350 mile roundtrip, and the Chrysler will cruise at 75- to 95-mph “with ease.” This was originally an Alaskan White car, but wanting a twin to his 300F Convertible, the car experienced a color change. It is reported as a pleasure to drive and gathers a great deal of interest wherever you may travel with it. It is one of only 964 300F Hardtop Coupes that were produced.