1962 Chrysler 300-H really cool underappreciated car 

Happy Sunday everybody, as far as detail goes I think this one is the best episode yet. You will see this car for the very first time… but with that said I apologize I was missing some footage of the dash which is a total missed opportunity and travesty frankly because this instrument panel is one of the best dashboards from 1962..
Anyway today on what it’s like 1962 Chrysler 300 H.. pretty rare car with only 558 some source say 570 ever made.. of the H it’s important to note their Chrysler separated the 300 letter series from just the regular 300 and offered the 300 in more body styles.. such as convertible hard top and four door ht.. where as the 300 H came in two-door hardtop and two-door convertible with bucket seats, both front and rear. I hope you enjoy this episode.
This absolutely stunning 1962 Chrysler 300 H is currently for sale at Classic auto Mall Morgantown, Pennsylvania, where they have this car for sale, as well as 930 other cars currently for sale during recording this episode . Anyone can go check out their inventory in person or online for more information and pictures as well as pricing pertaining to this very car. Be sure to click the link below after the show.
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[@melvinjacobs2328]

This is when Chrysler made real cars.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree

[@johndonlon1611]

Still a beautiful classy car 60+ years later. Thanks for sharing.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree thank you so much for watching the footage was like seeing this car for the very first time even if you saw it already I don’t know I just wish that I could make all the cars. Look that spectacular. With detail there was just so much to explore

[@marcelgaud]

Hey Jay, back in 1980, I had a friend, Who's mother bought him a '62 Chrysler 300, He took me for a ride in it. He explained to me some of the HISTORY of it..... (I honestly thought it was B/S) some damned old assed DODGE.......Wow, now years later I see this car, > WOW: Some HISTORY! Some POWER, for the age. Understanding NOW, how back in '80, the V-8's were only putting out some 140HP,,,,, and this "BIG/HUGE", car having all of that power........wow!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much Jay, My friend is Frank Orra,,,,, he's Still alive!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that story what a cool memory does frank still have the car?

[@marcelgaud]

@@What.its.like. You know, I don't know, but I've got on FACEBOOK", and I'll shoot him a Q about it? I'm sure he doesn't

[@josephgaviota]

20:50 Getting into the back seat ... really _space-age._ When I was a kid I LOVED this kind of interior. It's probably hard for modern people to imagine how MUCH influence everything "space age" had to us in the early '60s.

[@What.its.like.]

I was born too late, but I could see that it was a big deal. Going to the moon was a big deal.

[@ernielaw]

@@PS-js9oh I recall the "Rambling Man" being born in the back seat of a Rambler...rollin down Hiway 41.

[@djsonfire0001]

Love those old Chryslers

[@joen7795]

I have always liked this automobile. One of Exner's best.

[@bobdillaber1195]

I always loved the bold, yet unpretentious, styling of that car but never realized what a jewel it was! A gorgeous work of art, inside and out. I bet the workers who crafted the interiors took real pride in their work. Went home from the factory each night, tired but feeling good about what they did. That's a good thing for all of us to aim for.

[@alanblanes2876]

Splendid review, Jay... I'd go for the Studebakers in each scenario.

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

One of the most beautiful interiors of all time, and the exterior styling for '62 was a huge improvement, IMHO. Ditching the fins and the other, subtler changes made for a more elegant appearance to my mind. I love everything about this car.

[@What.its.like.]

I totally agree. This is my favorite second generation Chrysler 300 with the 61 close second I’m not a huge fan of the 60… that interior tho the crazy thing is these are rare and affordable

[@genefortney9133]

Beautiful cars!!

[@marcrodriquez5153]

A jewel of a engine.

[@What.its.like.]

A jewel of a car overall

[@oldionus]

All 8 are absolute classics. Guess I'm dating myself.

[@What.its.like.]

I was born way too late. I would gladly drive one of those eight any day. If the 300 were mine, I would also switch the rear end out to try to get a little bit better gas mileage the 413 is an incredible powerplant, but I would be as happy with the 383

[@josephgaviota]

@@What.its.like. Those '60s Chryslers had a _very_ smooth, very powerful engine. Very "tourquey" (if that's a word).

[@tedecker3792]

Why do cars get to be called classics, when we just get to be called old? lol

[@billolsen4360]

I date myself sometimes. Never a problem of where "we" are going to eat or the best wine. 😁

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

GREAT, GREAT JOB on the presentariin. Simply a stellar automobile. Love the instrument panel. WYR (1) AND (2): Chrysler 300 H

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices =) Thank you so much. I’m happy you dig this episode. They’re getting better. There was so much to explore with this car from far away. It doesn’t look like much but when you get up close there is so much to see

[@josephgaviota]

I dated a girl (in like 1976) who used to RAVE about her dad's Chrysler 300 ... I'm still good friends with her sister(!), and I'm recommending this vid to her.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =)

[@josephgaviota]

I don't know if you can appreciate how these older car vids take us back in so many ways ... relationships and all, high school dates ... like 50 YEARS back. It's kind of hard to imagine.

[@What.its.like.]

I had that happen to me with a Chrysler Cordoba a couple episodes back, cars and music have a really powerful connection.. it’s weird how things like that can just just take you back to totally different time, personally I love it I love that you guys tell stories and share your experiences and memories. It’s one of my favorite aspects of this channel.

[@thetman0068]

Virgil Exner had his misses, but when the man hit, the man HIT IT, with the styling. I mean, my lord! For the equivalent of less than $60k?! Unbelievable luxury!

[@chrisbrown3925]

I remember as a kid seeing the dashboard on one of these cars, totally different frome all the other cars id seen..BTW, your videos just get better, and you are doing the car community a great service!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much it means the world to me it really does, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do is talk about cars that don’t ever get the time of day. I just wish I would’ve started sooner…

[@josephgaviota]

Agree, I hope Jay can keep it up.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m not going anywhere =) here for the long haul

[@StevenJeNova]

Clearly a dream car. Lowered, black rims, and the Dark Side plays Metal.

[@HelpingHand-ic4wt]

So with some companies, when you'd order the dual carb option, you might not be able to get other convenience accessories you'd ordinarily be able to order. But with Chrysler, you can order up your dual quad 413 setup AND order your pace-setting Auto-Pilot AND Chrysler's exceptional Airtemp air conditioning with not just a front unit BUT with a secondary trunk mounted unit for rear seat passenger comfort. With Chrysler, it's more of everything!

[@What.its.like.]

People forget Chrysler was an engineering company. They were an awesome company, and now they are just a shell of their former shelf to the point that the company is on distinguishable from the original company.. they don’t make quality products anymore. I mean they’ve always had quality control issues. If we’re honest, they charge 100 grand for something that isn’t reliable.

[@HelpingHand-ic4wt]

the 1962 "300 Series", the cheap knock-off mid-line replacement of the Windsor nameplate was genius. It was a hit, outselling the previous year's Windsor by far. The previous 300s had made a name for themselves so the Chrysler salesman had an easy in. $3300 gets you a 4 door with a $5000 dashboard and 300 badges on the side.

[@ernielaw]

The Windsor was sold on the Canadian market until 1966. The 300 letter series were never sold on the Canadian market but I did read about them. I'm not sure when the 300's were first sold in Canada. Another model which was sold here was the Chrysler Saratoga, made from 1957 to 1964. Just curious as to whether it was also sold in USA.

[@HelpingHand-ic4wt]

@@ernielaw From Wiki- The Saratoga nameplate was used from 1939 to 1952 and from 1957 to 1960 in the U.S. market, in Canada through 1965, and in Europe from 1989 to 1995. Thank you for the info.

[@billolsen4360]

@@ernielaw I loved Chrysler Windsors. In 1973, a buddy bought a Windsor straight-6 limousine, that had gone unused for years, from our local funeral home. Didn't go fast, but it was a great and well-preserved car for teenagers to bomb around town in.

[@johnhart125]

Got to restore paint and body on a 62 300, car is immense! Fabulous car when finished. This is a gorgeous car here. Such style is unknown now, gorgeous, all over!

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome

[@alanstrong55]

The lucky owner of this dream car was proud of his new chariot. 300 was in a class by itself. Someone was happy to buy this winner of a car.❤❤

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree

[@TigerRogers0660]

Hey Jay, what an awesome car!! You've done the most in depth video of the 300H - i'm sure!! That interior has to be the most stunning ever made in an American car!!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much happy you dig this one

[@jaygatz4335]

My favourite instrument cluster.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s up there =)

[@josephgaviota]

4:30 As a kid, I _loved_ that "astrodome" dash.

[@What.its.like.]

A really nice looking dash

[@davidjernigan8161]

I believe that the alternator and a/c compressor should share a pair of belts since they have double pulleys.

[@61rampy65]

You're right. Those belts used to come as a "matched pair", meaning both belts were exactly the same length.

[@josephgaviota]

I was thinking the same thing. The dual belts helped reduce the belt "screach" with sudden accelearation.

[@draggonsgate]

This is like a dream car. Love big, heavy American cars with big powerful engines. Not the newer finely tuned, computer controlled ones, but the big, old brute power ones. There is no better feeling than launching 2+ tons off the line with 4 barrels just pouring gas into 8 thirsty cylinders... that V8 grumble n growl... ohhhhh, child! My olde pharte is peeping out... lol... cars from "my day"... Thanx, J... beautiful example of a gorgeous classic! WYR: 1) '62 Chrysler! 2) '62 Chrysler... none of those other cars compare... and 3 outta 8 are.... ich... GM 🙂

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices.. this 300 is definitely in the category. It’s just under appreciated very overlooked car and it’s really sad because it’s a stellar car. It has everything going for it. The only thing it doesn’t have is fins.. I love the front end styling. I think it’s one of the best looking cars that have the tilted headlights. I’m not a huge Lincoln fan from the tilted headlight era, but these ones look really nice. I saw a wagon a couple years ago it wasn’t a 300 it was, but it had the tilted lights. I think it was a 61 that’s a car that I really wanted to cover and I was supposed to cover it but maybe we’ll talk about some stuff like that during the Q&A. Sometimes it seems like there’s a timeframe or time limit for doing cars I talked to that guy for a year and I was supposed to go there and then something would always come up and I could never go. I just gave up I don’t know I don’t get like that like if you say that you can do something one day it should be like that for ever but it’s not like that. It’s just weird

[@TheDejael]

Love the classic Chrysler 300 Letter Series cars of 1955-1965. This one, the 300-H is no exception. The interior was unchanged on these classic Letter Series Chryslers for 3 model years 1960-62. Design by Virgil M. Exner Sr. The interior was only one color, Camel Tan, and has the awesome bulbous Astro-Dome instrument cluster and a style that makes this car look like it's a spaceship ready to blast off into orbit. The major change from 1961 to 1962 was losing the fins, with the same frame and body otherwise, which was also shared with the ill-fated 1961 DeSoto. I saw an Exner sketch for the 1962 DeSoto which was very similar to this 300-H. There were several proposals for early 1960s DeSotos, which only made it to production as the 1962-64 Dodge Custom 880. The early 1959 proposal which was rejected in 1960, looked like a 1962-63 Dodge or Plymouth.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree thank you for sharing the insight and information =)

[@bparksiii6171]

Loved those speedometers, the lighting is so LED like, can't beat the style of the 4 bucket seats and slanted lights like the old Lincolns. The old high school principal had a 62 New Yorker 4 door hardtop in coral. First pick the 62 Avanti ,second the 62 300H.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices I love that Speedometer and just the whole dashboard aspect of that car. I have no idea what happened to the footage. I took it with two different cameras, but both cameras decided to get rid of that part.

[@jasonrusso9808]

Panel Luminescent lighting. This was quite a big thing, they even sold night lights with this innovation in the 1950s.

[@stephenlawson2546]

I owned a 62 chrysler 300. It was the nicest driving big car I have ever owned. The dash is unbelieveable to drive at night the lighting was near perfect. The greenish blue lighting was so easy on the eyes. This was proven latter does not disturb night vision. The one I had was a 3 spd standard. The handling was very good and the ride was excellent. I miss it but not the gas mileage. Which was not bad for the time at .32 cents a gallon.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I kind of want one of these. I would love to see what the other Chrysler products in the range are because the interior for me is what makes this car.. I wonder what the interior of a standard 300 is Like..? I was supposed to review a 61 Chrysler wagon. The guy had a collection of cars. I met him at a Father’s Day show and Sharon Pennsylvania. I contacted him for a year. We set up multiple different times and he would always call me 15 minutes before saying that it wouldn’t happen… it was and still is a bummer I gave up after a year of trying to setup different times.. idk I guess I wasn’t worth his time. Three speed standard would be absolutely awesome. Was it three on the tree or three on the floor?

[@The1cdccop]

I had one of these back in the 1990's. That electroluminescent lighting is no joke! Never attempt to tinker with it unless the battery is disconnected. Don't ask me how I know. Closest thing to being struck by lightning I could imagine.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome what did you like the most about your car (besides the dash ) what did you like the least what did you trade it for

[@The1cdccop]

@@What.its.like. I would rather have had a 61 because of the fins. The 62 413 actually made more HP but the plucked chickens weren't worth as much then. Loved the dash btw. That technology dated back to the late 1950's. Sold it to a guy in Australia. Purchased a 61 Cadillac with the money.

[@Motomack1042]

62 300H in both scenarios, the style is so unique inside and out. Then there is that monster 413ci engine, along with low production numbers make it s no brainer to me.

[@JohnCBurzynski]

T-bird and Caddy. That Caddy is gorgeous. I have to agree 100 percent on that 300s interior, very sweet.

[@dougabbott8261]

WYR 300H WYR 300H The 300H interior is just amazing.This would be a great weekend cruiser. Davis Divan Sedan looks interesting . If you have the chance to give it the once over that would be great.Thx Jay

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices. I’m really hoping to go back to Michigan. I would love to do the Davis. There’s a lot of other cars up there that I would love to do as well. I just gotta figure out a time to go.

[@billolsen4360]

At 6-10 MPG, I wouldn't want to go far in it, but you wouldn't need to. Any place you stop it'd be an instant car show! Used to work for a man in Denver who had a Davis Divan & it was the only car in his collection he wouldn't let me drive. 🙂

[@alanblanes2876]

This is something to look forward to...

[@ColtonRMagby]

Amen to that.

[@What.its.like.]

It’s a good one I’m telling you you’ve never seen this car before, not like this.. if I had the money I would buy it.. Also, have to remember all the 300s before this one are over six figure this will be the next one. I think they might go up in value because they’re not making any more of them just like the first generation Packard Caribbean. They wasn’t collected for years but they’re bringing six figures now… or really close to it

[@ColtonRMagby]

@@What.its.like. Time to win the lottery.

[@willgeary6086]

I see what you did there, nice!

[@josephpiskac2781]

I loved the 62 Ford Thunderbird as a kid and I never grew up. Still my favorite along with the first Mustang.

[@josephgaviota]

22:06 I really enjoy how HUGE that open area is for the front and rear window. Just WOW, how OPEN that looked.

[@What.its.like.]

The atmosphere in this car is almost 2nd of nine. I can’t think of another car like it…

[@ragtopdeluxezl1]

The 62 Thunderbird, 63 Riviera and the 62 300... Avanti, Hawk, Grand Prix and Cadillac...thanks!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for watching. I’m glad you dig this video. Awesome choices.

[@tigre7739]

This is one that I used to overlook myself, but over time began to appreciate the uniqueness that was Chrysler of that era. The interior is absolutely incredible! The first scenario is tough, they are all so desirable, but in the second, I'd go with the Cadillac 💯 😎

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah, I agree the would you rather was not fair. All of those cars would be awesome to own. I just can’t believe how nice of a car this was and that they are under the radar. As far as collectibility goes they’re collectible. Don’t get me wrong, but if it was a 61 it would be double the price, 1957s are being sold in the $150,000 range I believe this is going to be collectible one day they don’t make that many of them and I think it’s one of those things that once people find out how rare they really are they will start to go up.. but then again who knows Mopar stuff is always or it tends to be more expensive than everyone else because they’re poor quality control with body panels. I wonder how many are left

[@charlesdalton985]

WYR: first round - I simply can't decide. second round - ooops, can't decide again. Those 300s are incredible, and the interior on this one harkens back to the 30s and 40s interiors, opulent in the best way. Thank you as always, well done ~ Chuck

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices =) this was my favorite car out of all the cars shot at classic automall this last go around Hopefully today 1917 Mercer runabout..

[@charlesdalton985]

@@What.its.like. The interior is the clear winner over the competition. Looking forward to the Mercer. ~ Chuck

[@1966-Charger]

The dash on this car is over the top. Last days before Elwood Engel got his pen out and began re-designing things. I think the '65 Imperial has a more refined interior with the 100 year old Claro walnut dash and trim. The four bucket seats were definitely the pre-curser to the '66 Charger with it's four bucket seats with the back buckets folding down to add cargo space. This is an exceptional car.

[@gene978]

I agree Jay 100%! Very Special inside,and out! The only thing on the interior that cheapens it for me is the inside arm rests in the rear and drivers doors looks the same as on the plymouths of the era. Other than that, what a Ride!

[@whatsamattayu3257]

Just before leaving Ft. Polk, LA in September 1971, I purchased a 1962 Chrysler Newport 4 door in Shell Beige for $300. I drove it home to Chicago and drove home on weekends from my new assignment at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, in Indiana, on weekends. It had a bad neutral switch and the speedometer cable had to be replaced. I traded it for a 1966 Mustang just before reporting to my permanent duty assignment at Ft. Carson, CO in October of 1971. I definitely got more than $300 usage out of that Chrysler.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome story. Thank you so much for sharing that memory with us.

[@billolsen4360]

Had no idea that the Chrysler 300H had rear buckets. That is really a gorgeous interior. WYR: 1. That's a hard choice, but I think the Grand Prix since that's exactly what I wanted in '62 in Second Grade. Wanted the '63 T-bird too! 2. GT Hawk. Got to hand it to you, Jay, you always deliver when you say you will and every week there's old car history to feast on.

[@What.its.like.]

That car was incredible sweet choices and I really try this week I’ve been under the weather so I haven’t been able to deliver

[@automatedelectronics6062]

The 300-H had a 3-speed manual standard. This was also the first year for the legendary 727 Torqueflite, which should have had a Park engagement lever. My suspicion is that this might be an early 1962, using the original cast-iron Torqueflite. Top speed was more like 130 mph. This was about the same as the original 1955 Chrysler 300 would go. Growing up, a family friend had a 1955 300. He took it up to 125 mph and it was still gradually accelerating. It would have been nice to see inside the trunk. With those a/c vents on the rear shelf, I would be that there was an auxiliary a/c unit back there. If not then they had ducts going through that long console, but the air coming out of those rear vents might not be so cold. The 1961 300 will always be more popular than the 1962 300. There's something about the tail fins. Now, if this car had the cross-ram 413, it might be worth the listed price. I'd go for the '63 Avanti, if it had an R2 supercharged engine. It would leave any of these other cars in the dust and have a much higher top speed.

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices I totally agree about the Avanti. It would leave all of the competition in the dust getting better gas mileage while doing it Thank you so much for sharing all of that information and insight greatly appreciate it. I’ve read that you could get a three speed manual but they’re super rare. I wasn’t sure if it was a three speed or four speed I just know that they’re rare.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@What.its.like. History says that it was a 3-speed. However, It would be so simple to swap in a Mopar 4-speed. But, who is going to pay that kind of original retail price for a car and then have to shift manually? In the history of Cadillac, when the HydraMatic factory burned down, you could get either a 3-speed manual or a Buick Dynaflow. It wasn't until, maybe 1982, when Cadillac put it's brand on a Chevy Celebrity that you could get a manual transmission(from Isuzu), which was appropo for a car that only had a 1.8 liter four-banger. lol

[@Steven-p4j]

A beautiful restyling of the 62, over the 61. The deletion of the tall fins has really enhanced an already attractive vehicle. (I had no problems with the fins on the earlier models) It is understated, which brings out the cars length at the rear. The instrument binnacle is still classic, with the Lucite wheel setting it all off in the 62. Don't you find it amazing how long it took for side mirrors to be placed on the doors universally?

[@What.its.like.]

They replaced mirrors all over the place. Some cars had them on the side in the 50s… there were mirrors on the side in the 30s as well. I just like pointing it out that car was so wide that I don’t think that you could put them on the side. I think it would stick out too much I think that’s why they put them on the fender.

[@rickloera9468]

Hi jay. It's been a minute since I've seen one of your videos. They are getting better, and the camera you have takes excellent video. My parents bought a brand new 1962 Chrysler Newport 2 door hardtop back in May 1962. That car was everything and more. As far as quality. You couldn't have said it better. Chryslers back then were very high-quality cars. Just look ten years later to 1972 and see how far the quality dropped. If you think the dash is beautiful where you were. At night, that dash is beyond beautiful. I remember as a kid sitting in the back seat of our Chrysler just staring at that instrument cluster. The Golden Tone radio sounded better than any AM radio I've ever heard in any car. The car handled exceptionally well for a large car. Ours had the 361 V-8 which was pretty quick for a large car and the mileage was in the mid teens on the highway. If you rewatch your video, you will see the Chrysler ad that reads No junior editions. At 45 seconds, you see the Chrysler Cordoba. In 1975, Chrysler decided that they could have junior editions. A few notes. I believe that the 1962 300 H was the last letter series Chrysler to have a complete leather interior. Door panels included. The red light on the cluster is the high beam light, not a brake idiot light. Those stainless strips on the ceiling are head liner bows. I was surprised you fit the camera in the glove box. That was one of my parents'' peeves about the car was the small glove box. The cup holders did come in handy at the drive in though. Great memories with a great car. I remember when the car turned over to 100,000 miles. My dad and mom went on a drive just for that. Listening to Ventura Highway going towards Santa Cruz back in 1972 as it rolled over to 100,000 miles. Back then cars only had a five digit odometer so it would go from 99999.9 back to 00000.0. Those certainly were the days. Keep the grest video's comimg. I look forward to seeing them.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much for sharing all that information and insight =) greatly appreciate it happy you dig this one

[@scooterdover2771]

When I was a wee little one, my grandparents had a 62 Chrysler. I always called the astro-dome the bubble, but I was mesmerized by it all and especially at night. It seemed like it had more button switches and knobs then most cars. Anyway, I would take the Chrysler on both of the options. OBTW....I'm stll chuckling about your "baked" comment. 😆🤣

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha yeah your the only one that picked up that =D Thank you so much for sharing those memories with us

[@TheSmarq17]

This Chrysler is qualified, with out any shadow of any doubt, to be called a work of art. It's lines all around are simply marvelous to look at and that dash is amazing. I believe this style was a 1 year wonder since they adjusted the headlights and front end the next year, I think. Such a beautiful vehicle. Those choices at the end are impossible for me to pick just one. Impossible - I want them all. Great vid here, I'm so glad I found your channel. Keep up the great work. 💯

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree I’m happy that I was able to capture all the lines and details on this car. There’s so much to see. Welcome to this community =) happy you finally made it

[@andrewhowarth4578]

Gorgeous and real high performance car - Back in the 60s when my friends wanted muscle cars, this was the top of my wish list. Although Buick captured the "Banker's Hot Rod" nickname in the early fifties with its Skylark and Century models, the Chrysler letter series 300s were the best combination of performance and style. Great video and styling analysis, Jay. Andy

[@stephenholland5930]

Wow, Jay, that's a spectacular 300H. Love the interior with the 4 bucket seats and the AstraDome dashboard. Good for 140+ mph.

[@What.its.like.]

I wonder what this car would do against the GTO, which was one of the highest performing muscle cars of the day, not counting the Shelby cobra or the Avanti.. that would be a great mashup

[@DSP1968]

A very weirdly designed yet exciting car! Glad you featured it, Jay. And I'd take the 300, of course!

[@What.its.like.]

There was always something to discover and explore with exners designs =) happy you dig this video

[@jonmoore8995]

Good feature on the Chrysler 300. Choices are all great, the 300 would be my choice, with the Pontiac right there also. But all fantastic cars.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices. Happy you did this episode I really like this car.

[@middleclassretiree]

Thanks for sharing this beauty Jay, I’m literally thinking about spending some of my kids inheritance on this one so definitely for the WYR i would definitely rather have the 300H !

[@What.its.like.]

I’m not kidding you guys I would literally buy this car if I had the money I was absolutely in love with it out of all of the generation two cars I think this one’s the best looking with the 61 close second.. I’m not that fond of the 60 the 57 on the other hand that is a stellar car but they go for almost 3 times as much sometimes more.. this is the last affordable 300 before they become luxury land yachts not that it’s a bad thing..

[@josephgaviota]

Dear @middle, I cannot think of a BETTER, more enjoyable way to spend your kids inheritance.

[@bobdillaber1195]

I like every one of your videos! You do a great job going over each car, pointing things out and really both broadly and in detail. I must confess however that there's one thing i never liked about your show. I feel the same way after each viewing. You put me through the agony of trying to decide which of those cars i would choose. That makes me start arguing with MYSELF! So... i solve that personal dilemma by agreeing with myself NOT to choose! Leaves me feeling much happier after each episode. 😁😆😄

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha I put the would you rather in there to see what you guys are into.. Those would’ve been the choices back in the day specially, if you were buying the car in 1963 trying to get a little bit of a discount… also, if you can’t find the car that is featured in the video, maybe you could buy something that’s comparable to it and who knows maybe you can trade further on down the line. Yeah, would you rather segment is rather hard. All of them is always a choice.

[@bobdillaber1195]

@What.its.like. After I get over arguing with MYSELF, I actually like it because it's a chance to see 4 cars I almost always like. Once in a while, there's an obvious winner to me, hands down, but not usually.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Hiya Jay- I'm late to this particular party, but wanted to say that when you go back to the Auto Mall to film, see if that 300 is still there and take another look at the seats in it... If I'm not mistaken, those are swivel buckets and that black handle you saw on the outboard side of the passenger seat is how you'd operate them... By lifting up on it. The seat would then swivel out towards the open door for ease of getting in and out of the car. I know that Chrysler put those in cars during the late Fifties until at least the 1961 models... Anyhow, it'd be neat to film their operation for the Gang, I'm sure everyone would enjoy seeing another bit of automotive history that we'll never see offered again. As always, another great review! Cheers

[@What.its.like.]

I will definitely check that out. I totally forgot to look at that while with the car I thought about that after the fact but I don’t remember seeing a switch for those ones to swivel. I think the last year for the swivel seat was 1960 but I could be wrong.

[@NeedtoSpeak]

This car had an off the hook MSRP for 1962. And yet, although the interior is awesome in an over stylized way, it didn’t keep pace with interior car layouts of 1962. The air conditioning vents look like add ons not being integrated….especially on the rear shelf. It’s just all over the place. If I could…..I would head over to Classic Cars and snatch it up!

[@billolsen4360]

I remember '62 & '63 Imperials had those pop-up AC outlets too

[@stephenlawson2546]

Jay getting back to you, The 300 standard had bucket seats I don't think it had a console. The shift was a floor shift. The transmission was a truck trans. Not really high performance. You could not put a colleum shift on it with dome instruments. I got the from my great uncle he was in his 80's. He ordered cars like large engines standard trans. He was road commissioner for the town of Falmouth Maine. His foot fell off the clutch and the car went over a stone wall. The rear seat was a bench but all had extra foam. The vinyl was red and good quality. The exterior was white.

[@allenwayne2033]

Dude, that impish grin at 24:08 tells it all! Yep, you love that car and you're not alone! Gotta admit though, my all time ever ever ever car is the 1960 300 F! I would give multiple body parts for one of them!!! The 62 is definitely a class act but the canted headlights put me off a bit and I agree with Exner about the "plucked chicken" back end. Compare it to the GORGEOUS boomerang taillights of the 60! I could go on all night about several things you mentioned here but I will limit it to my big gripe about modern A-B-C pillars that are so stinking thick! Yeah, I get it, rollover protection and all that, but cars from that era seldom rolled because the center of gravity was very low, contrast that to the abominations they are building today that roll at the drop of a hat because they are so tall and top heavy! I'm no engineer, so it's possible that I am over-simplifying, but you will have a helluva time convincing me! Okay, WYR: 1. Dude, you're just being plain-ass unfair with this one! You need smacked for doing it! WYR: 2. I'll go with the Rivy! One of your best ever vids Jay!😁

[@stephenholland5930]

You are so right about today's top-heavy abominations.

[@HelpingHand-ic4wt]

there is a universal 'good design'. There's not a bad line on a '60 F.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m not a fan of modern cars if you can’t tell there are some that are cool like the Shelby gt350 with the flat plain crank I like the new vettes, but I told my wife if it was up to me, I would have a bunch of 30s and 50s cars they have something the new cars don’t have… SOUL

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for that insight I’m hoping to cover at least one 300 before the year is over. I would love to cover 57 but that’s a really tall ask those cars are expensive but how knows.. the 30s and 50s are my favorite era I would really love to cover some more 50s cars this year. I just cover the cars as I find them there’s no itinerary.

[@denniscarroll7696]

I own a '62 Chrysler 300 2 door coupe, in turquoise with a black interior, 413 engine.

[@What.its.like.]

Aweee the ultimate color combo curious, where are you located?

[@billolsen4360]

Yeah, where did all the turquoise cars go? They were sure beauties.

[@johnhart125]

I have to pick the 300H as am a Mopar fan, a little biased, yeah, lol

[@aaronwilliams6989]

SUPER NICE! I love the styling.

[@What.its.like.]

Me too =)

[@rayrushforth6390]

yea..I had a dodge custom 880 -same rear end as the Chrysler... nicest car i ever had ..you could see yourself in the black paint

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome =)

[@johnboydTx]

63 Studebaker GT Hawk Pontiac or Chrysler if I have money for gas 😂😮 Great Episode beautiful styling on this one 😍❤️❤️❤️ Happy Motoring ✌️🤠

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices I think the gas mileage can be improved by putting a different rearend in but performance would probably suffer a little bit If I had the money to buy this car, I would put a two speed rear end in it. Keep the rear end it has in it now add a 290 if they could figure out how to make the wheel spin twice for every rotation of the crankshaft that would be the ticket .

[@johnboydTx]

@@What.its.like. over 4,ooo pounds 🤔 0-60 one minute and 20 seconds 😂 she prefers leaded high octane gas ⛽ !!! Time for a second Job 😱✌️🤠.

[@davidglenn6219]

This might be my most desired car. I had a 1970 300, but it was never Amazing like the 1962 300. The H 300 is just beyond anything.

[@What.its.like.]

Everything about the 300H is awesome except the gas bill

[@richardwarren7492]

@@What.its.like. Back the at .31.9? Piece of cake. In todays price JUST figuring inflation = 2.97 a gallon, this morning I paid 2.87 where I live. Still affordable for the 300H.

[@What.its.like.]

@@richardwarren7492 it’s almost $4 a gallon in Pennsylvania it’s $3.25 in Ohio I usually go there to get gas and everything else frankly is cheaper in Ohio

[@nicksgarage2]

The 300H came standard with the dual inline quad 380hp 413 engine. The 405hp engine you mention is the ram induction setup like the 300F and 300G and that was dealer installed. You could get all the 300H performance equipment on the 300 sport but not the 4 bucket seat interior.

[@What.its.like.]

Great information

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Jay! Another STUNNING black car! I really like that model, where they finally got rid of the fins. I wonder what the 1961 DeSoto would have looked like without the fins? Anyway, that car IS beautiful inside and out! Can you imagine, though, what that car would be like if it had the RED leather interior?! Would for sure be like driving a jewel box! The only thing about that car that would worry me if I had one (besides the fuel bill!) is how the car would stop with those big old drum brakes. Would be neat to drive one and see how it stops. The WYR's are SUPER TOUGH today! #1 Going to go Chrysler here, but the Bird and the Avanti are super tempting! #2 GT Hawk! That is such a cool ride!! Those Davis' are quite cool! I don't know if you have seen it, but on the later version of American Restoration, they did one. It belongs to the Peterson Automotive Museum and is said to be the prototype! They did it in the green color that is supposed to be the original color. It was in season 7 episode 6, I believe. The title of the episode is Three Wheel Thunder.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices I was told the tan was the only color for 300H I haven’t looked into that personally I saw a teal one this morning someone shared wow what a color I would want this car in teal Drum brakes aren’t as bad as made out to be the best thing about drums are they don’t warp like discs can and do but can have brake fade if always on them that’s on of the biggest reasons I prefer stick over automatic can use the transmission to slow down

[@HelpingHand-ic4wt]

the alternator/ac belt is missing it's twin, those run with two belts going around them.

[@montymatilda]

1962 Chrysler 300 and 1962 Cadillac Coupe Deville for my choices. You mad it hard to choose. This is a wonderfully optioned vehicle. I have always thought they were stunning as well. The instrument cluster is the best with the 64 - 66 Thunderbird coming in second. What a car! The only thing that would bug me is the way the turn signals work. I don't believe they cancel so you would have to shut them off after each turn. Did I say this is a stunning car?

[@What.its.like.]

Great choices I totally agree. I was looking at that for the longest time and I was like that can’t be worth the turn signals are I wonder how that would work it would be interesting… this car was absolutely gorgeous A bit of a backstory I’m friends with a lot of guys and there’s one guy in particular that always tells me when fresh stuff comes in that I might be arrested in. And when it came in he contacted me and he thought I was coming that week but plans changed and I told him come next week and he said you have to do the price or 300 that we just got in and when he started telling me about it, and he told me it was a 62 I was all in.. I could tell he was excited about it just through text message he’s like you have to check that out and he was right what a stellar car.. I want to do a wagon I honestly think that that would be the absolute pinnacle of 61 wagon

[@montymatilda]

@@What.its.like. Nice that you have that contact. I think a wagon would be cool. As stunning as the 300 is, I'd rather have a New Yorker. I know, I'm a little strange. Nice work.

[@What.its.like.]

Sorry, I use talk text a lot that’s how I’m able to respond to everybody but it puts the periods in weird places. It makes me sound like a complete idiot… Something I need to work on doesn’t help much that I’ve used an iPhone XR, and I refuse to get a new one until this one totally dies .. I don’t like new stuff lol What gets me is you could get the New Yorker or the Newport and it’s roughly the same car just different interior .. you still get the awesome dash and body shell suspension You just don’t get the incredible bucket seats, or the leather from that. Epic interior.

[@montymatilda]

@@What.its.like. True but I can do without the high-performance engines. I think the New Yorker comes with the 413/340 horsepower, much easier to deal with than the 300 H's finicky engine. I have to have one with hydraulic lifters, so I don't have to adjust and then fine tune all the time. I know you need much more sophisticated equipment to do what you do. I'm 68 so moving up in tech isn't something I am looking forward to. I will only do what is absolutely necessary. I don't even like to text. I don't blame you for waiting to change phones until you have to.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally Interacting with my base is one of my biggest things that I think this channel offers that sets it apart from all the other channels. I want this to be a community that I’m very much a part of… I appreciate you you’ve been with this channel since the very beginning =) and I always look for you guys comment especially the ones that have been with me since the very beginning it means a lot that you’re still here

[@luisvelasco316]

I've never been a fan of these slant-eyed Chryslers, but I have to admit this car has PRESENCE, and a very impressive interior. The "bullet-bird" Thunderbird is my favorite of that marque, but I'm going to go with the Avanti as my favorite in the first group. The Riviera for the second group. Did you skip the 300M in your review of 300 cars? A Davis sedan was featured in Wayne Carini's Chasing Classic Cars; interesting car.

[@What.its.like.]

I never did a 300 this is the very first one Sweet choices Good to know about A Davis on chasing Classic Cars. I definitely want to cover that I’m going to talk to Bruce and see when we could set that up

[@randyrobey5643]

I would like to have the Avanti in the first WYR, but I would like to have a picture of the 300H also. In the second WYR, I would like either the Chrysler 300H or the GT Hawk.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices that was a hard one. I was also gonna throw the Lincoln Continental and there as well the two door but I don’t remember off the top of my head when that came out I know that it came out later… I’d be tickled pink to have one of those eight

[@61rampy65]

The 62 (and 63) Chryslers were extremely good looking cars. I would not mind having that 300H! I would just LOVE to hear that 413 at full throttle with those 2 4bbl carbs pulling in lots of air! (And gas) WYR= All of them, but the Avanti would be best. Jay Leno has a Davis 3 wheeler. It seats 4 across the front (and only) seat. I did not know about the jeep type Davis, tho.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices that was a hard one I’m with you I’d be tickled pink to have any of them.. I didn’t know leno had a Davis I’m with you I would also love to hear that engine at full throttle when the secondaries open I wonder what that would be like to drive I’ve heard that they’re stiffer than most cars from the era

[@61rampy65]

@@What.its.like. Leno featured the Davis on an episode of 'Jay Leno's Garage', but I couldn't tell you how long ago it was, and I'm too lazy to go and look!

[@Johnnycdrums]

I prefer the 61" because of the rear deck, and fins make it look smaller.

[@joehumenansky8225]

If I recall correctly the 300 letter series during the time was advertised by Chrysler as the beautiful brute. These cars weren't necessarily underappreciated but expensive back in the day and still so today. Short of the Imperial these cars were well engineered. The '62 still had the Exner extreme styling especially the front end treatment. The interior styling was outstanding, especially the instrument cluster layout. It was space age for the time.

[@What.its.like.]

As far as 300s go now they are underappreciated for what they are. They’re almost like the redhead stepchild of the 300 series especially the powerful 300s… for example when you think of 300 this isn’t the first one that comes to mind nor the second one or the third one or the fifth one it’s somewhere down below that.. usually that’s what I meant by underappreciated

[@joehumenansky8225]

@@What.its.like. I agree somewhat with your assessment...but letter series cars bring big money. Richard Carpenter and I believe Jay Leno collect these. I would call the letter series cars blue chip Mopars like the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Daytonas. 300 sport versions are more along what you're thinking.

[@commandertopgun]

AWESOME STUNNING CHRYSLER 300-H, FANTASTIC VIDEO REVIEW AS EVER JAY, I'LL JUST TINT THE "BACK GLASS". LOL, RETROFIT IT WITH AIR CONDITIONING, THANKS FOR AN AMAZING VIDEO. FORTUNATELY, I CAN AFFORD THEM ALL-& I LOVE THEM ALL, LOL.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for watching glad you dig this video

[@ColtonRMagby]

WYR: All of them. I'd love to see an episode on a 15 Window VW Bus. The only difference between the 15 Window and the 23 Window is that the 15 Window doesn't have the roof windows, which means it's less prone to leaks.

[@What.its.like.]

I totally want to do a Volkswagen bus I’ve been waiting for the right one I’ve seen a couple of them. I would also love to do the pick up truck that they did. They made a crew cab pick up truck. Those are pretty hard to find. Would you rather today is two scenarios four selections and it’s not fair .. lol

[@ColtonRMagby]

@@What.its.like. Life isn't fair. If it was, we'd all be filthy rich.

[@stephenlawson2546]

In the likes. It is a mind jerker 62 chrysler 63 pontiac that is my second car I would love to own and the buick riveria is a dream car. How could one choose.

[@What.its.like.]

That was a really hard one. I was also going to add the Lincoln Continental two-door, but I figured it was hard enough =) all of those cars I wouldn’t mind having I really like the bullet bird. That’s my favorite Thunderbird.

[@RevPaulBern]

1963 Studebaker Avanti for me. Cuz I've always wanted one....

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choice there will be one featured this year

[@RevPaulBern]

@@What.its.like. Great to hear that! I guess you know the Studebaker Avanti is still being produced. They were headquartered in Indiana, I think they're still there. Check it out....

[@billolsen4360]

As I understand it, Dick Van Dyke still has his Avanti.

[@josephgaviota]

8:12 Just think EIGHT barrels opening ... _that's_ a LOT of air movement!

[@What.its.like.]

It would sound magical especially when the secondaries kick it I wonder what it would feel like full tilt =)

[@hedgehog5001]

Wonderful motor car.

[@josephgaviota]

6:00 I actually like _both_ the '61 and '62 versions, each in their own way.

[@wallyfronzaglio372]

That 300 is fantastic but my choices are the 62 t bird and the 63 riv

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices

[@ANACAD]

Eagles "the Long Run" (it is definitely Joe Walsh's guitar)

[@What.its.like.]

It is not an eagle song..

[@ernielaw]

You didn't mention the 300 was brought back in 1999 as a front wheel drive model, & in production til 2004. It went back to rear wheel drive 2005 til final year 2023. My favorite cars shown here would be the Avanti and the Gran Turismo.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices. Thank you so much for pointing that out. I totally forgot about that one., or never knew about it honestly there are cars that I’m still finding out about

[@hcombs0104]

Not fair! You want me to choose between a Thunderbird, the Grand Prix, the 300, and the Avanti, and then the Gran Turismo, and the Riviera? I can’t! The only one I might not necessarily want is the Cadillac but even that is questionable. So, I’ll take them all. At any rate, these were nice cars. The only reason they may have been underappreciated in 1962 is because the styling was getting a little dated by then. Hence the major overhaul for ‘63. Still, this one has a great interior, especially the dash. I found myself wondering why there was no shifter in the center console but then remembered Chrysler was still into pushbutton transmissions.

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha yeah that would you rather was hard… but they have to be hard. Otherwise it’s not fun if it’s easy gotta think about it. I’d be tickled pink to have one of those eight. I almost added the Lincoln Continental two door as well, but figured it was hard enough. I’ve read that you could get this in a manual, which would be absolutely awesome. I don’t know if it was on the floor or if it was column because that would make a big difference. You can’t shift a column shift like you can shift a floor shift warm mounted shifter will take more abuse

[@ernielaw]

@@What.its.like. Lincoln went from '61 til '65 without offering a two door, but you could buy a 4 door convertible from '61 til '67.

[@richroggio]

thats a beauty Jay, I'll take it every day 👍

[@What.its.like.]

I totally agree.

[@richroggio]

I have to buy that car now before it disappears if it hasn’t already

[@bsu1960]

Nice review and a perfect video of the intricacy of design features. I believe the headlights are canted and towards the rear of the 300 H emblem would be concave to be more exact in description truly truly gorgeous how it all just flows and the bumpers are as well as the whole is magnificent the door handles inside and out just exude performance and set it apart only the Thunderbird can compare and this engine set up is what makes this just a bit more muscular and the speedometer set up and front and rear consoles give the Thunderbird a real run for the money and is its only competition in this point in time but Ford had the answer to this in its two seater-esque and I believe Thunderbird outsold the 300 series overall but being rarer and the more handsome boy its a tough call I love them both and this is one fine Automobile and not a blemish to be found probably the finest in existence I believe the Thunderbird sport Landau if that’s the correct term was probably around eight or $9000 so for value this still couldnt be beat for the price and boy they sure dont make them like they used to as far as styling goes and Thank you for all you do

[@What.its.like.]

=) happy you dig this episode thank you for sharing all that insight those thunderbirds are cool

[@P_RO_]

The interior is indeed stunning but Exner went a bit weird on the outside. Losing the fins was a good idea in the back as fins had become passe' by now, and all the trim details do look good; it's just the shape up front where I have issues. Hot rodders of the day had learned to not take on 300's as these cars were powerfully fast usually fielding Chrysler's biggest engines. The 413 had become the top dog among US carmakers with nobody else being able to match it's power.These were the cars for "jet-set" executives who wanted to show their up-to-date tastes and automotive acumen, as the average Joe could never afford them. They also had a great ride, not as plushy as later Caddy's but not wallowy like them either; for a big car they handled well. WYR#1 is tough. These T-birds aren't my fave generation but it takes a slight win over the Gran Prix. The Avanti with a supercharged 289 would be sportier. #2 goes to the Riveria with the Stude being a close runnber-up. Love that Davis sedan!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing all that information and insight. I heard that these have a stiffer ride to them not terribly stiff, but not floaty either somewhere in the middle. Great choices

[@thestevedoughtyshow27]

Back in those days you could check boxes, meaning the dealerships was like burger king. You could get this car with for 2 4v carbs, and a 4 speed on the floor. Think about it, a 413, two 4v carbs, and a four speed manual transmission

[@What.its.like.]

Yes back when one had choices… when buying a car was a special experience

[@davidtosh7200]

Between the 1961 and 1962 Chrysler that 1961 was the last year for tail fins while 1962 does not.

[@billolsen4360]

I've heard '62 Chryslers called "plucked chickens" because the big fins were gone, but I love the look.

[@stoneylonesome4062]

Make video on Studebaker Avanti with manual gearbox and Paxton supercharger

[@What.its.like.]

There is an Avanti in the works

[@What.its.like.]

Haha

[@billolsen4360]

That's good to hear, Jay!! Avanti's take me back to the Mercury Space Mission days + seeing Jackie giving TV tours of the White House.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Be careful not to scouge that red T-Bird.

[@davidglenn6219]

The 413 was great. The 440 greater. My 1969 Fury did 145 mph. It was a state police intercepter.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree it’s an underrated engine

[@josephgaviota]

24:00 Jay, this is a car I *WISH* you could take us for a ride in .. I bet it'd be TERRIFIC.

[@What.its.like.]

Me too me to.. but who knows maybe one day.. =)

[@josephgaviota]

@@What.its.like. LET'S HOPE !!! (and I mean that very honestly!)

[@goldenboy5500]

as much as I like the thunderbird I have to choose the 62 studebaker hawk

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice 😊

[@Johnnycdrums]

If you hold a gun to my head? 62' (M) code Grace Kelly Edition Thunderbird, convertible or Landau. Come to think of it, I know the Bird is wicked heavy, but a 113" wheelbase with not much overhang sounds really good to me at this time. Put 15's on it and it's an absolute superstar.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome choices

[@THEScottCampbell]

"EIGHT DAY A WEEK" - The Beatles? "DANDELIONS" - The Rolling Stones? "DOES YOUR CHEWING GUM LOSE ITS FLAVOR ON THE BEDPOST OVERNIGHT" - Lonnie Donegan? Am I too late?

[@What.its.like.]

Haha none of those

[@Friedbrain11]

My '63 Imperial LeBaron had the dual quad 413 and got 15mpg in city driving. The top end was over 130mph so I don't know what they did to the 300 H to make it so bad on mileage and top end.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much for sharing your experience

[@g.l.g.6064]

I had a 4 dr 62 Newport with a 361engine with a/c one of the best cars that owned gave a true 20mpg at 70mph on the highway. Traded car in 1966 for a Dodge Monaco was a mistake 383 engine very poor gas mileage poor a/c unit . kept Dodge for 2.5 yrs ordered a new 1969 Pontiac Catalina with "economy 389" great a/c but 7mpg in city and 12 on road (gas was 26 cents per gallon x 28 gallon gas tank = $7.28 to fill tank)😎

[@What.its.like.]

That’s incredible that you got that kind of gas mileage out of that I would love to get a wagon one day I think those are super stellar I like the 61 though thank you so much for sharing your experience with the car and those memories

[@georgiesdoodle4633]

1962 is the last year Virgil Exner worked for Chrysler