The seventh edition of Chrysler’s fabled “Letter Car” series, the 1961 300-G marked the final, pure expression of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” and continued to represent perhaps the ultimate American automotive design and engineering statement of its era. Stylistic revisions for 1961 included canted quad headlamps, following an industry trend, and a revised rear-end treatment. Most importantly, this was still an exceptional performance machine. According to a test by Car Life, the 375-brake horsepower, 413-cubic-inch wedge-head V-8 with its tuned dual crossram intake could propel the 300-G from rest to 60 mph in just over eight seconds—remarkable for a large American car of the period.

“Letter Cars” were always costly and limited in production, hence the frequent nickname of the “banker’s hot rod.” Case in point: Chrysler produced just 337 examples of the 300-G convertible for the 1961 model year.

The example offered here is finished in Mardi Gras Red, one of the most desirable factory colors, and equipped with rare factory air conditioning. In addition, it features a set of genuine Chrysler chrome wire wheels that truly add even further pizzazz to its already dramatic lines. For the purist, the original steel wheels and their covers will accompany the car. Its paintwork is beautiful, as is the tan leather interior with its sporting bucket seats facing the spectacular Astra-dome dashboard. Well-kept in its current ownership by a noted enthusiast, with service records on file, it remains one of the nicest examples of its kind to be found.

Make no mistake, the 300-G is still one of the kings of the American road....and as a convertible in Mardi Gras Red, with factory air conditioning, especially so!