Chrysler 300-G Convertible

LIVE IS TOO SHORT FOR BORING CARS

THIS ICONIC 1961 CHRYSLER 300 G CONVERTIBLE IS ONE OF 124 KNOWN "SURVIVORS" OUT OF ONLY 337 BUILT DESIGNED BY VIRGIL EXNER

First sight after 23 years of hybernation

What a beautiful view. Rear window was later replced professionally (incl. Zipper)

Removing the Beauty on Dollies

No dents, no rust - aftermarket rear mirrors replaced the original ones making the car roadworthy. We replaced them, as they were not factory correct.

Not in bad shape at all

First inspection on lift - Please note the additional front indicators which had to be fitted for Germany road safety.

Fendertag giving indication on order options

VIN: 8413 127730

1961 300G Convertible Coupe (845)

Beige Leather Interior (833)

Alaskan White (WW1)

Blue Streak Nylon White Sidewall 8.00 x 15 (96)

Transmission (283) UNK Power Seat (293) Accessory Package "A" (301)

- Door Edge Protectors - Vanity Mirror - License Plate Frame - Rear

Heater - Custom Conditionaire (315)

Antenna - Power (324)

Black Convertible Top (331)

Radio - Golden Touch Tuner (423)

3.23 Axle (522)

Batteries (543) UNK

Drive and Instruction Books (607) UNK

Region (18) UNK

Selling Dealer (40000) UNK

Shipping Date 11/11/60

Shipping Order Number 10319111

UNK = unknown

Engine stamp indicates original motor

"You asked about the engine with HP R41 0928.

HP mean the high horsepower version, correct for the G.

R41 means 1961. Also correct.

0928 means Sept 28.

I see from the data tag SO number the schedule build date is 1031 and

the film says the car was shipped 11/11. Those dates make sense."

This Info was given by the Chrysler 300 Club International

Belgium Customs seal on lower steering column

Original jack and some aged belts from Mopar and German brand "Varta"

In 1962 Ed Bremer waved his wife good bye and started his 150 miles trip from the German border to Antwerps in Belgium to service his 1956 DeSoto Diplomat Custom. As much as Porsches and Mercedes were excotic cars in North America during the 50‘s and 60’s, Chryslers and Cadillacs shared the same exotic status and scarceness in Europe. I believe even more so, as the sheer size and glamour outperformed 99% of the street scene which were mainly dominated by VW Kaefer, Opel, small size Ford or BMW Isetta serving the need for small budgets by producing the famous „bubble“ micro car.

German Street Scene early 60´s

While his car was serviced his eye fell on a 1961 Chrysler 300G convertible, white with black roof. The car was for sale, with only a few miles on the clock. Given back by a lady who bought the exclusive car, but found out it was too big and hard to overlook. Ed decided it was time for some forward look and came back with an iconic piece of art beloved and driven for the next decades and never sold.

Foto shows Edgar and his wife Roswitha at the Côte D' Azure in Monaco

Probably it´s time to share some information on Edgar Bremer. Ed was in his early 20´s studying aircraft construction in Darmstadt, when he had to take over the family business which was founded in 1883 producing and inventing picture frames. While being a craftmens job for a century Bremer framing became well known for his world patent on framless „clip frames“ adding a timeless twist to framing while putting industrial production on an other level. Coming from a traditional industrial background he was well connected and befriend with other well known German families such as Fritz von Opel whom he shared classes in university with. Fritz also shared his love for cars and „savoir vivre“ in the Mediterranean.

Their families enjoyed lush summers in southern France, Italy and Monaco crossing the alpine passes effortless with the 413 cross ram and went to St. Moritz in Switzerland for skiing in winter.

While some photos document the family history including the Chrylser well, Ed Bremer was the last of his family to run the business and after his death in 2000 private and company documents got mixed up and led sadly to the loss of the original invoice, title or service manual. The 93.560 miles are believed to be accurate and the last service was done in 1996 at 92.000 miles before the car was abandoned in the Garage. It stood there for the next 23 years until his widow Roswitha Bremer decided it was time to let go. With all the precious moments gone through they wanted to give it to someone with knowledge and passion, appreciating the car and the history. Through friends they made the acquaintance of Ulli and Dominik Buettgenbach, father and son running a car repair shop, specialised in (vintage) american cars. They were thrilled by the once in a livetime opportunity to work on such a rare car.

The plan was to bring the 300G back to live and once successfull giving mother and daughter a "last" ride in their Family Chrysler before it is given to someone to honour and enjoy. Eventhough the substance was very good, whith no rusted areas, or signs of welding or replacements, the long time of stand still had shown signs.

We made contact to the Chrysler 300 Club International and Gloria, Bob and Mark helped us to verify the originality of the VIN, engine no. and guided us through the 300-G registry.

Dominik with his father Ulli

The forum also helped when it came to specific questions on the model and if you have to use brake fluid or hydraulic fluid for the convertible motor. BTW, we found brake fluid in our system. The top opens and closes slow, but it does work. The back window was brittle and yellow over time and part of the zipper was torn, so we replaced the window with a new one, leaving the rest untouched. Previously someone had already reinforced the rear corners oft he roof with some patches, but other than that the roof is all original.

Once it was save and warm in our garage, we inspected the Chrysler and found no damage. While it still wears its original color, it was repainted once in the early 90´s in it´s factory alaskan white. It has one, merely noticable dent in the front right fender, other than that the thickness ot the paint shows no sign of Bondo, nor have the bumpers any scratches or dents. The brakes apeared to be the object of major attention, with the rear wheel cylinders, a front break line and the distributor block being the main parts. We overhauled everything, but it took some effort to get the drums off. You might share our view that the design of the long axle conus is not the most clever in the world. It took 9 tons of hydraulic pressure to loosen them and they came off with a big bang. Fortunately every part and workforce member survived and things are back in place by now.

The tranny didnt bother the long stay and only needed new filter and oil and is shifting at the fingertip without delay and hardly noticable.

We inspected the cylinderwall with an endoscope and were very happy to find all cylinders and pistons in good shape. Nevertheless we oiled the cylinders and turned the motor over by hand severall time to see if any dirt has loosend which could have harmed the motor. But things were fine. Also the oil did not show sings of debris or metal flaking. The water was ok, too. After changing fluids, the plugs, plug wires, the contacts and condensator we connected the fuel pump to an external premium fuel source and cranked the motor. It took a few turns and some spraying and there she was, as if she has only been away for a little nap. Smooth as silk, but willing to rev powerfully and with ease, showing the max wedge potential. Later we checked compression and found very healthy 160 PSI on all cylinders!!! We cured the slight seeping of one carb and overhauled both, put some fresh filter elements in the golden pancakes and left the rest of the motor untouched.

It was a good idea not to challenge our luck by using the fuel tank, as it had some rust in it and the sending unit was clogged. We gave both a thorough service sticking to our motto to overhaul things rather than replace them, keeping as much of the parts original as possible. Which does take some time and research, but getting things back to work is a priceless moment.

There is a max of two spots of rust to the car. One being at the corner of the trunk opening. The floors are covered with Teroson - a bitumen based coating which is ugly and hard to get off, but preserved the floors, frame, rockers and fenders well, with no issues of rust at all. Which is exceptional as the German climate is pretty much comparable with Ohio, with 130 days of rain per year and indicates the car being garage kept.

View into a cylinder

Before - dull and discoloured

Afterwards - polished and professionally coloured. Still the originals!!! (The reflector had to be added in the 60s for road safety in Germany)

Derusted, primed with rust converter and finished with 98% zink spray. Topped with new float, brass screen and gasket

Bringing the Astradome back to live (THX to repair manual by Carl Bilter - Chrysler 300Club). Electroluminscent power supply!

Scenery by night is second to none

Original rims that came with the car from the factory

Blasted, primered and coated - fresh whitewalls too

All switches and power accessories back to work, power seat, power windows, power top - apart form the power antena. All gauges work, as does the lights, indicators, and turn signal.

The interior shows normal signs of wear, with a 2 inch cut in the right rear seat. We cleaned the original upholstery, but other than that we left it untouched, as the rare pattern of the center parts needs an expert to bring back to beauty and has to fit into a consistant apearance to support the soul of this car. The door panels are untorn, the weatherstripping shows of well and the glass is good including the windshield. No major scratches or blind spots.

From 20 foot the car shows very well, but reveals his age as you come closer, as the chrome has flaws and the chromed die cast has pimples, shadows and is showing a few copper spots. The base of the trim is brilliant as it is unbent, undented and complete. We leave it to the future owner to decide to keep it as is, or rechrome and take to next level. Because once restored you cant bring back the unique patina each car has.

Ulli, Dominik and myself are more than greatfull to have had the opportunity to revive such a pristine peace of art and it was a pleasure to deepdive into the Virgil Exner universe.