TBT: 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst!

The Chrysler 300 Hurst was a special model and today is seen as a legitimate member of the Chrysler 300 Letter Series.

At a total length of over 18.5 feet, it was also one of the largest 2-door coupes ever produced. At that time, the still independent Hurst Company created car concepts based on regular production cars. Many of these concepts were never recognized, but it seems that the 300 Hurst was destined for production.

While experts are not sure, it is speculated that only 485-500 models of the 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst were produced. There are many theories behind why such a limited amount were made, but one that has been widely circulated was that the approval to manufacture them came well after the regular 1970 Chrysler's were already in production and it was a scramble to get the Hursts' made.

Although it was a challenge, the cars were ran through the Chrysler plant on Jefferson Avenue in batches, as two door hardtops with Imperial leather interiors. They were then sent to Warminster, PA., and Hurst would finish production by doing the conversions.

Hurst took an extra step, cutting off the sheet-metal front hood and trunk skin and replacing it with fiberglass, instead. The fiberglass hood had a non-functional power bulge scoop and functional recessed twist locks.

The decklid (truck) featured an incorporated rear spoiler and no trunk lock (this required the vacuum remote trunk lock as standard, and was operated from the dashboard, in the glove compartment.).

A 440 cubic inch "TNT" engine with 375 gross horsepower rested under the hood. It breathed through a dual snorkel air cleaner, had dual exhausts, and required a beefed up TorqueFlite transmission. No other power-train was available at the time. Ride was enhanced with a firm suspension due to heavy-duty rear leaf springs and larger diameter torsion bars up front. Power front disc brakes were standard, as was the 3:23:1 final drive ratio. Top speed was around 127 MPH.

Finally, the interior came in "Saddle" (tan) with leather seats. The front were bucket seats with a center seat cushion, whereas the back was a bench seat. The driver's seat was power-actuated, while the passenger seat could recline. The rest of the interior was just the regular Chrysler 300 dress-up. Column-shift was standard, while the Chrysler console with gear selector was optional and would replace the center seat cushion with armrest. A Tilt-and-Telescope steering wheel was another option, as was air conditioning.

(Article Source: Hooniverse: Obscure Muscle Car Garage)