Rare Chryslers Head To Auction Including "Flying Mile" Record Holder

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When we think of muscle cars, we usually think of GTO’s and Camaros and Torinos. But Americans started going fast in the 1950’s, a time more associated with tail fins and "Happy Days." But many American racing institutions, like NASCAR and the NHRA were founded in the 1950’s. Chrysler was a big player in the fast car market during the 50’s, and they came up with some pretty cool cars and concepts along the way. Three of these rare Chryslers are heading to auction at Mecum's Monterey Auction, according to Allpar, including a 300 F that ran the fastest Flying Mile in the history of the event.


Pictures: Mecum Auto Auctions

The first car heading to the auction block is the 1956 Plymouth Plainsman wagon (pictured above). This car isn’t really all that special, though it should be noted it had a plethora of ‘50’s features like a rear-facing third seat, the first hidden spare tire, and a 440 cubic inch engine. This car has a sordid past though, as Chrysler shipped the cars out of country to avoid paying dues on them. This car wound up in the heads of the president of the Bank of Cuba, who was murdered. The car then made its way to Australia, where it was bought by Joe Bortz, who lost it in a divorce settlement. It is expected to sell for between $250,000 and $300,000.



Next up is a 1958 DeSoto Adventurer convertible. Notable not only for being a DeSoto, this particular convertible was also one of just five cars equipped with Electrojector fuel injection. The late ‘50’s saw a lot of playing around with fuel injection, though the fad never really caught on with the general public. It still has the original title, and has garnered many awards for its excellent condition and rarity.

The final car is the real showstopper. It is a 1960 300 F Special, one of just seven Chrysler cars made for the singular purpose of running the famous Flying Mile. This was one of the first and most famous races by which different brands measured themselves against each other.



Chrysler had set the speed record in 1956, and Gregg Ziegler entered the next three consecutive years in 300’s trying to break that record. In 1960 Chrysler gave him a helping hand with this car, which had its engine reworked with solid lifters, stronger piston rings, and a hotter camshaft among other modifications. This car was underrated at 400 horsepower, and managed to achieve a top speed of 144.97 mph, a new record. The Flying Mile was cancelled the next year, and this car still holds the speed record for that particular event.

Unrestored, this 300 F Special should be the highlight of the upcoming Monterey Mecum Auction, which happens August 13th-14th.




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