Let’s check in at Chrysler’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in 1962, where the test engineers are beating the daylights out of the new Chrysler 300. Good times.
For 1962, Chrysler product planners gave the division’s familiar 300 performance series a twist. The vaunted 300 letter-series cars were continued—now up to the letter H in the alphabet—but a new 300 Sport series was added to the lineup, replacing the Windsor line. Externally, the 300 Sport was nearly identical to the 300H, save for wheel covers and badging, but with additional body styles available, including a four-door hardtop and sedan. A 383 cubic-inch, 305 hp V8 was the base engine in the 300 Sport, but the mighty 413 cubic-inch V8 from the 300H, sporting 380 hp, was available as an extra-cost ($486) option. By checking the right boxes on the order form, buyers could obtain something close to letter-series performance at a bargain price.
In this original 1962 factory training film, the new 300 Sport series is put to the test at the company’s Chelsea, Michigan Proving Grounds. And just for fun, the leading competitors—Buick Invicta, Pontiac Bonneville, and Oldsmobile Super 88—are included for some comparison testing in acceleration, braking, and handling. And wouldn’t you know it, somehow the Chrysler 300 always comes out on top. Hmm, might we detect some bias? We don’t wish to sound cynical, but we suspect that if Buick, Pontiac, or Olds were conducting the testing, they each could produce a win for the home team. At any rate, it’s still a lot of fun to watch. Video below.
For 1962, Chrysler product planners gave the division’s familiar 300 performance series a twist. The vaunted 300 letter-series cars were continued—now up to the letter H in the alphabet—but a new 300 Sport series was added to the lineup, replacing the Windsor line. Externally, the 300 Sport was nearly identical to the 300H, save for wheel covers and badging, but with additional body styles available, including a four-door hardtop and sedan. A 383 cubic-inch, 305 hp V8 was the base engine in the 300 Sport, but the mighty 413 cubic-inch V8 from the 300H, sporting 380 hp, was available as an extra-cost ($486) option. By checking the right boxes on the order form, buyers could obtain something close to letter-series performance at a bargain price.
In this original 1962 factory training film, the new 300 Sport series is put to the test at the company’s Chelsea, Michigan Proving Grounds. And just for fun, the leading competitors—Buick Invicta, Pontiac Bonneville, and Oldsmobile Super 88—are included for some comparison testing in acceleration, braking, and handling. And wouldn’t you know it, somehow the Chrysler 300 always comes out on top. Hmm, might we detect some bias? We don’t wish to sound cynical, but we suspect that if Buick, Pontiac, or Olds were conducting the testing, they each could produce a win for the home team. At any rate, it’s still a lot of fun to watch. Video below.
Article courtesy of Mac's Motor City Garage.