NOT MINE 1970 300 2dr TNT on Post Falls, ID (DR8 metallic dark red, console)

[ayilar]

CM23UOC150529 went up for sale on CraigsList near Spokane, WA on July 30. The asking price on CL is $6.5k. This U-code 1970 Chrysler 300 2dr is now listed on eBay, where 6 bids have reached $2.5k and the reserve has not been met. Six days to go.

No vinyl top, which is a plus for many; H53 AutoTemp, which is a big minus in my book (things would be different with a 1971-1973 C-body). Two of the photos, showing the car before it got seriously "weathered", suggest that the paint is “maroon” but the seller indicates that the fender tag (not shown in either ad) is coded for TX9 (EDIT: he sent me the tag, color code is DR8). He mentions the discrepancy in the ad.

From the ad: "I will be selling it to someone who is interested in restoring this car, NOT scalping it.

This car has the original High Output 440 with black interior, bucket seats and console shift automatic. It has front disc brakes and comes with a gorgeous set of 1970 7" Chrysler Road Wheels too. It is in better shape than the photos show, but of course you'll have to see it in person to evaluate it.

It has a clean title. I am not Mopar guy, so please ask me whatever you want. I'll do my best.

Although the car came from the factory as maroon, I was told the VIN plate says the car was coded for black exterior. (...) It definitely needs a full restore, but it is not terrible. The car is located in Spokane, WA and I can make arrangements to view it.

Please call me direct for further info. I will tell you everything that's wrong with it I know. I can send further pictures if you need as well. "

 

[amazinblue82]

I like this one boss.

Not a buyer as I'd be way further into it/take longer to finish at this stage in my collecting career than I can take on.

Wish somebody gets it and can bring it back closer to its "as built" condition..

 

[amazinblue82]

Ebay auction has just ended early this morning. Something must be happening with this car. Maybe we'll see it again one day.

 

[ayilar]

Ebay auction has just ended early this morning. Something must be happening with this car. Maybe we'll see it again one day.

View attachment 550555

The ad is still up on CL and I was communicaring with the seller as recently as two hours ago, hoping it was a rare all-black U-code. Fingers crossed that it goes to an enthusiast.

 

[Samplingman]

I had that in my watch list since it started. I don't see a lot being done with this one, but he was adamant about it not going to a flipper. I wonder if $6K is too much for a clone builder to spend on a "date correct" U code motor? @ayilar, unless he sold it, there is still the original TX9 TNT from @Vinny.

 

[ayilar]

I wonder if $6K is too much for a clone builder to spend on a "date correct" U code motor?

My not very educated guess is yes: I’d say $5-5.5k would be the cutoff based on a couple of 69-70 sedan sales in the past 2 years).

@ayilar, unless he sold it, there is still the original TX9 TNT (….)

Beautiful car, bench is not for me.

 

[SGT FURY]

No vinyl top is a big plus !!’
I had the exact same car with vinyl and the top was completely gone! Otherwise solid

 

[SGT FURY]

How many 70 300 U codes were made?

 

[330dTA]

I suppose nobody knows. IIRC somebody estimated that 10% of all Chrysler 440’s would have been HP versions, i.e. U-code, i.e. E86 -coded. But who knows. - All I know they were rare back in the day, and even more so today.

 

[Samplingman]

Other than the cool factor, does 25 additional HP really make a difference in these cars?

 

[azblackhemi]

Other than the cool factor, does 25 additional HP really make a difference in these cars?

Just bragging rights I think.

 

[Rustyrodknocker]

I got a dollar that says the buyer negotiated an early sale and that it goes for a boat ride.

 

[330dTA]

Other than the cool factor, does 25 additional HP really make a difference in these cars?

According to period German TUV measurements the difference in DIN was more like 40 horses. (240 vs 280 hp).

 

[330dTA]

And, according to testimony of more experienced members here, the HP engine only makes a difference when you are going really fast already. The regular 440 slowly suffocates above 100 (my experience from back in the day). The HP motor supposedly just keeps going.

 

[ayilar]

And, according to testimony of more experienced members here, the HP engine only makes a difference when you are going really fast already. The regular 440 slowly suffocates above 100 (my experience from back in the day). The HP motor supposedly just keeps going.

In my experience, there is indeed some difference — and it is felt at higher speeds. To be clear, I am a law-abiding citizen and have only driven C-bodies in the States at highways speeds that will not land one in a US jail. At those speeds, the T-code performs very strongly indeed -- but even then, the U-code still feels a bit stronger. My seat-of-the-pants evaluation is based on driving a 1970 U-code 300 (140k miles, which I have driven about 1,300 miles with the top up) and my 1971 T-code Monaco 2dr hardtop (87k miles now, which I have driven about 12k miles).

 

[ayilar]

Back to CM23UOC150529, the seller mentioned that "it has rust through in the trunk and foot rest areas in the cab. Only on the flat areas." He "would not call it cancerous throughout, it doesn't spread up the sides." The tail light lens, mirrors, and missing trim pieces are in the trunk.

Here is the fender tag -- very attractive car, well equipped. I am sure that @69CoronetRT and @cuda hunter will appreciate the info for their records:

I decoded the fender tag for those interested:

E86 440 4-barrel HP engine ("TNT")
D32 transmission -- HD A-727 Torqueflite

CM: Chrysler 300 ("Medium")
23: 2-Door Hardtop

U: 440 4-barrel HP Engine ("TNT")
0: 1970 Model Year
C: Jefferson, MI (Plant)

150529: Sequence Number (Note: CM23U0C150529 gives the VIN)

DR8: Dark Red metallic body paint
(Note: D indicates that the paint was first introduced in 1968, it does not stand for "dark"; R stands for "red"; "8" indicates the shade, on a scale from 1 (almost white) to 9 (almost black))

M6: Vinyl front bucket seats, Medium trim (300)
X9: Black Interior

TX9: Black-Paint (Interior Door Frames)

A24: October 24, 1969 scheduled build date
(Note: it may have been built on another day, but unlikely more than a few days before'after)

124204: Order number

DR8: Dark Red metallic top paint

H53: AutoTemp

R13: Deluxe AM Radio (5 1/2 Watts)
R31: Rear Seat Speaker

L31: Fender-top Signal Repeaters

H31: Rear Window Defogger

C16: Center Console w/Woodgrain Panel

P25: Power left front seat

B41: Power Font Disc Brakes

G11: Tinted Windows (All)

V5X: Black Rubber Insert in the Body-Side Moldings

 

[ayilar]

Here are photos the seller sent me of the exterior this morning. He is OK with my posting all the info here, and has high-res videos as well.

 

[ayilar]

Here are photos of the interior, engine bay, trunk, and underside:

 

[Rustyrodknocker]

The roof looks very suspect to me. It's rusting from the inside.

On a side note the guy has a plethora of cornbinders. I have a soft spot for those.

 

[330dTA]

It could be, and should be saved and restored. It needs a full rotisserie resto. Only it takes either deep pockets, or strong determination and serious talent to do it. It has been done, though.