by Michael GolubiewskiProduction Editor
Check out this 1964 Chrysler 300K owned by Paul Criscera. Chrysler used 300 plus a letter for high-power luxury cars produced from 1955-1965 and made it up to the 300L before the model was discontinued. For some reason, Chrysler skipped the letter “I,” with 1962’s “H” preceding 1963’s “J.”
The 1964 Chrysler 300K had a sticker price between $4,500 and $5,000. It was marketed with the slogan “Crisp, Clean and Custom.” There were 3,000 300K hardtops produced in 1964 and only 625 convertibles.
Criscera says he’s always been a fan and owner of the 1960s Chrysler Mopar power. His first car was a 1960 Dodge Matador, which he traded for a 1962 Chrysler Newport. A “beautiful” 1969 Plymouth Satellite Sport followed, which was totaled in an accident.
Criscera bought this Ride of the Week in 1971 when he was 19 years old. From 1971-76, it was his daily driver. During that time, Criscera had the car repainted from its original Wedgewood Blue to Sienna Gold Metallic, the exterior color of his much missed 1969 Satellite. Criscera and his wife retired the 300K from daily use in 1976 and have been putting about 200 miles a year on it since then.
The engine in the 300K is a 413 cubic inch V-8 engine. Criscera wanted more power from the engine, so he replaced the camshaft and lifters with a midrange purple camshaft from Mopar Performance. Criscera says he always uses genuine Mopar parts when they’re available. He also installed a roller timing chain and steel gears. The engine compartment is detailed right down to the original color — orange Mopar plug wires and under-the-hood information decals. The old radiator needed to be replaced, so Criscera installed one from a 1970 Chrysler Town & Country station wagon. The trunk is original, down to the jack, tire iron and decal with instructions for jacking the car on the left side.
When appearing at shows, Criscera and his wife keep a framed picture of “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen in the trunk. Criscera says the picture goes with an all-American car.
w
