Historical prototype 300 hood ornament

[MOVE N UP]

I went back and forth with pulling the trigger on purchasing this 300 hood ornament. I have never seen any other examples, or even a close resemblance to this oddity. The seller claimed that it was from the estate of a former employee of a Chrysler design studio. I’m wondering if this was a real prototype that was supposed to be destroyed after this concept was voted out as a viable product. Can anyone here shed some light on this?

 

[Samplingman]

That's really cool. @odcics2 has had some prototype items for sale, maybe he can chime in?

 

[hergfest]

66/67 Chrysler 300?

 

[Carmine]

Was your seller Bill Adams? He beats me to all the good stuff in Detroit and has found a lot of interesting prototype molds, parts, etc. One time I beat him, but it was all Furd stuff, lol.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Is there a casting # on that hood ornament? That might tell some more info - if it's an early enough number, I think that might possibly be the hood ornament for the scuttled 1966 300 Hemi M that was rumoured to be built in mid 1965... there was a sail panel M emblem as well that was around a few years ago.

The 66 300 Hemi M was discussed at length at a dealership trade show in early 65 that was attended by many dealership reps. Many came back excited about the news, and that was the reason my 66 Monaco was special ordered in Calgary with Hemi and 4 speed in the summer of 65, then when saner heads at Chrysler prevailed, the car was delivered with a 440 when the order couldn't be completed, even though the dealership processed the order and took the deposit on the car. Long story... and interesting!

 

[MOVE N UP]

Is there a casting # on that hood ornament? That might tell some more info - if it's an early enough number, I think that might possibly be the hood ornament for the scuttled 1966 300 Hemi M that was rumoured to be built in mid 1965... there was a sail panel M emblem as well that was around a few years ago.

The 66 300 Hemi M was discussed at length at a dealership trade show in early 65 that was attended by many dealership reps. Many came back excited about the news, and that was the reason my 66 Monaco was special ordered in Calgary with Hemi and 4 speed in the summer of 65, then when saner heads at Chrysler prevailed, the car was delivered with a 440 when the order couldn't be completed, even though the dealership processed the order and took the deposit on the car. Long story... and interesting!

Thanks for that clue -I will check for any markings when it arrives.

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

a very interesting piece.

 

[polara71]

I feel like this was discussed 20 years ago.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Me too...