1962
While the 300 Letter Series cars continued with the 1962 300H, the Brain Trust
at Chrysler took a step backward and watered-down the performance image begun
in 1955. Added to the Chrysler line was a new 300 non-letter-series model.
Seems Chrysler execs were trying to cash in on the 300 name without giving
folks what they obviously thought was a performance car (all steak/no sizzle).
The letter-series 300H could still be had with a 380 horsepower 413 RB-engine
with front-end styling carried over from 1960-61. A new rear-end treatment,
with not a hint of a tailfin, distinguished the 1962 models.
The confusion was all but gone from the Dodge
model lineup for 1962. A down
sizing was put into effect whereby all Dart and Polara models now shared a
116-inch wheelbase and were 10" shorter than the 1961 Dart. For those
seeking a full-sized car in the Dodge showrooms, a Custom 880 was offered,
achieved by grafting a 1961 Dodge front end onto a 1962 Chrysler body. The
compact Lancer received a sport GT model 2-door hardtop and the Hyper Pack
225 Slant Six continued as an optional engine.
Like their Dodge cousins, the 1962 Plymouths were downsized with all but the
Valiant riding on a 116" wheelbase. Valiants were also available with
the Hyper Pack engine option.
Styling of the downsized Dodge and Plymouth for 1962 remains controversial
to this day. It's a love-it-or-hate-it relationship among Mopar
fans. But one
thing about the 1962 cars that no one can dispute is the importance of the
revolutionary new engines introduced that year.
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