By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North American Archives and Davidsclassiccars.com
Published 1.15.2025
A 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition promotional photo (Stellantis North American Archives)
This is a story about the popular 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition that became very popular among the younger generation in 1970. The limited-edition cars were built by Hurst Performance Products and featured a standard 300 two-door model with a modified Hurst performance package.
A 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst promotional photo (Stellantis North American Archives)
The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition was a remarkably great-looking automobile designed under the leadership of Elwood Engel (February 10, 1917 - June 24, 1986). Some automotive historians have said that the 1969-71 Chrysler automotive designs showcase what the corporation called “Fuselage” styling. This referred to the body side curvature, which seamlessly arched from the turn under into the sail panel, giving the look of an aircraft design.
The 1970 Chrysler Hurst Edition convertible (Stellantis North American Archives)
After these special Chrysler 300 Hurst models were manufactured and fitted at Hurst’s factory, they were shipped back to the Chrysler Jefferson Assembly plant for final inspection. Once they passed inspection, the cars were shipped to the Chrysler dealerships. The Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition models made their public debut at the Chicago Auto Show from February 21 to March 1, 1970.
A 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst sales catalog (Stellantis North American Archives)
The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition models were huge vehicles with a 124-inch wheelbase. Among the features offered on the car were a fiberglass power-bulge hood with functional air scoops and a special paint job which many automotive fans really enjoyed. The rear deck lid was made out of fiberglass material, along with gold-accented wheels and trim rings. The models also included a great-looking brown leather interior. I always thought that the new 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition models were great looking vehicles at the time, and they truly offered an exceptional performance package.
The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition front end (davidsclassiccars.com)
Automotive historians have reported that only 650 of these limited edition models were produced. Only one convertible was built, and all of the rest of the cars were two-door coupes. The sticker price was $4,234.
A 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition (davidsclassiccars.com)
The 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition was a mid-model year release to the public. The Hurst Performance Company had also built similar limited editions for Oldsmobile and Pontiac, which were also very popular cars for drivers seeking high-performance.
A 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition model (davidsclassiccars.com)
In conclusion, 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition models are very difficult to find and restore today. These cars were in very high demand when they were new. Today, these Hurst Edition cars are a great part of Chrysler’s heritage that will be remembered by many generations to come.
Another angle of the 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition (davidsclassiccars.com)
Bibliography
Kaiser, Chris. “The Pumped-Up 1970 Chrysler Hurst 300.” Cars For Sale, November 19, 2024.
Kowalke, Ron. “Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars: A Supercar Source Book 1960-1995.” Krause Publications, 1996.
Dammann, George H. “70 Years of Chrysler.” Crestline Publishing Company, 1974.
Brown, Arch. “Greatest of the Mopars: The Letter-Series Chrysler 300s.” Collectible Automobile, May 1985; Volume 2, Number 1.