Chrysler 300F
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Automobilhersteller : |
Chrysler |
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Modell: |
300F |
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Jahr: |
1960 |
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Art: |
Cabriolet |
The 1960 300F introduced a new 413 cu in (6.8 L) Wedge engine delivering 375 hp (280 kW) in standard form. To boost power at lower and mid rpms, a special "cross-ram" intake manifold was derived. Instead of the normal V8 engine central intake manifold with carburetor(s) on top, the cross-ram consisted of two pairs of 30 in (760 mm) long tuned pipes that criss-crossed so that each set fed the opposite side of the engine. The carburetors and air cleaners hung off the sides of the engine over the fender wells. These long tubes were tuned so that resonances in the column of air helped force air into the cylinders at those engine speeds. Also new were four individual, leather bucket seats with a full length console from dash to rear seatback. Swivelling front seats were fitted as standard equipment.
A special 400 hp (300 kW) "short ram" version was produced for competition; in this, the tuned portion of the stacks was only 15 in (380 mm) long (though the overall tube length remained at 30"), so that the resonant effect was produced at higher engine speeds. Only 15 "short ram" cars were produced; these were also fitted with the exotic but often troublesome French Pont-a-Mousson 4-speed manual transmissions developed for the Chrysler-powered Facel Vega. Approximately 4 of these "Special GTs" are known to exist, including one convertible and one with air conditioning; it is believed that 15 were originally produced.
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.
The bodywork was also redone for 1960, using Chrysler's new lightweight unibody construction and given sharper-edged styling with outward-tilting fins that were visually separated from sides. The "toilet seat" trunk lid contributed to a demeaning opinion of the 300F and was done away with after this one year of production.
Sales increased to 969 coupes and 248 convertibles
