Forgotten junkyard Chrysler turns out to be an early pilot car built before full production began.
Back in 1962, about seven years after launching the exclusive 300 “letter series,” Chrysler introduced another model wearing the same badge. Initially called the Sport Series, enthusiasts later began referring to it as the “non-letter” 300.
The 300 Sport effectively replaced the Chrysler Windsor, which Chrysler discontinued after the 1961 model year. At the same time, the company also phased out the DeSoto lineup, so the new 300 filled that space in the market. It also served as a more affordable alternative to the high-performance 300 “letter series.”
What made the Sport version less exclusive? For one thing, the famous “letter” models came with Chrysler’s most powerful engines. The non-letter version still used a big-block V8, but it wasn’t quite as potent. Buyers could also order it in a four-door body style, along with the traditional two-door hardtop and convertible.
Today, these “non-letter” 300s usually attract less attention from collectors, but the badge still produced a few rare variants. The best-known example is the Chrysler Hurst 300, with only 485 units produced. Even so, regular convertibles from this era are uncommon regardless of the model year.
The 1970 Chrysler 300 featured here isn’t a Hurst edition, but it is a convertible. Chrysler sold nearly 21,000 units of the model in 1970, yet only 1,077 were ordered with the drop-top roof. Over time, many of these convertibles disappeared, partly because they tend to rust faster than hardtops.
This particular car was discovered by Tom from Rocket Restorations sitting in a junkyard in Fairmount, Georgia. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a spectaclar find. However, the fender tag reveals something unusual—this 300 isn’t just another production car. It appears to be a very early pre-production example.
Vehicles like this were known as pilot cars. Automakers built them before full production began, and they often served different roles. Some were displayed at auto shows, others appeared in advertising or dealership showrooms, and a few were used by journalists for early test drives.
Exactly how this Chrysler was used remains unclear. But the unusual information on its fender tag strongly suggests it’s one of those early pilot units. The tag contains only limited details and lacks the typical option codes normally found on production vehicles. Even stranger, the remaining codes appear to be from 1969, not 1970.
For example, the tag includes the K code for the lower-performance 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8. Chrysler stopped using that designation after the 1969 model year, switching to the T code in 1970. The paint code also stands out: the L1 Sandalwood color used here was later updated to BL1 for the 1970 lineup.
Another clue is the 100020 sequence number stamped on the tag. In simple terms, it suggests the car was roughly the 20th 1970 Chrysler 300 built, counting early prototypes and pilot units. That alone confirms this convertible isn’t a normal production model.
Sadly, the car’s rare status didn’t save it from ending up abandoned in a junkyard. It has been sitting outdoors for decades and is in extremely rough shape. The exterior still appears mostly complete, but nearly every body panel shows rust.
The convertible top is missing, though its frame is still attached. Inside, most of the interior has been removed. The dashboard remains, but the front seats and door panels are gone. The rear seat is still there, though at this point it’s little more than a rusted metal frame.
Under the hood sits a V8 engine, but it’s unclear if it’s the original unit. Tom wasn’t able to confirm the numbers. Based on the amount of wear and exposure, however, the 440 V8 has likely been in the car for decades—meaning it could still be the matching engine.
Is restoring this old Mopar worth it? A quick look at the market suggests otherwise. While some Hurst editions have sold for over $50,000, most restored convertibles usually bring under $30,000. Realistically, a full restoration would likely cost more than the car’s final value.
Still, it would be a real shme to see such a rare pre-production car disappear completely. For the right enthusiast, this battered Chrysler might become a true labor of love. The vehicle is currently for sale, and anyone interested would need to contact Mike from AMS Obsolete.