The '60 Chrysler 300F-A Continuing Muscle Mystic
by Bill Holder
photos by Phil Kunz
Those magic three numbers-'300'. During the 1950s and '60s, they meant everything in performance. The numbers still live today as they have been brought back to name some of Chrysler's new heavyweight muscle models.
Even though this family of cars were extremely heavy, their performance capabilities were outstanding. It's certainly easy to understand why many in the know consider these cars to really be the first American Muscle Cars.
Much of the early performance publicity for the 300 came on the NASCAR racetracks and the fact that it was carrying the 331 Hemi powerplant. For example, in 1955, Hemi-powered 300s won both the AAA National Championship and NASCAR titles.
In '56 with a 354 Hemi, the results were equally impressive with with numerous speed records set on the Daytona sand. 1957 saw a jump to the 392 Hemi, while the mighty 413 Wedge engine came along with the 300E in 1959. The top engine version pounded down an awesome 400 horsepower.
Then came the milestone 1960 300F version, the subject of this article. It's well known because of its giant angled rear fins which contained giant tail-lights.
Although the model was no longer participating on NASCAR ovals, it proved its point A-to-Point B capabilities by winning the first six places at the Daytona Flying Mile competition with a top-end of nearly 145 miles per hour.
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