Cars and Guitars are all about the perfect driving experience and the melding of music and machines. So buckle up, drop it into reverse, and floor it back a thousand years to 1960 when brotherly harmonies and gentleman’s hot rods ruled the earth. This time we pair the 1960 Chrysler 300F with the Everly Brothers’ big hit of the same year, “Cathy’s Clown.” We’ll also dig deeper and review the cultural arena that sprouted these two icons at the first morning light of the sixties.

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The Proof Is In The Music

Let’s start by listening to the “Cathy’s Clown.”  It’s been said that the best vocal groups are siblings. Think Karen and Richard Carpenter, The Jacksons, and The Bee Gees, and you get the idea. This live performance of The Everly Brothers from the UK in 1961 is an incredible take on singing in two-part harmony. It is hard to tell their two voices apart; they blend perfectly. Amazingly, there are no backup singers or recorded background tracks here. Just the two brothers singing intertwined together. Check out their matching suits and killer Gibson guitars, which are as cool today as they were over 60 years ago.

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Don and Phil Everly were the architects of harmony vocals in rock and roll: combining country, rockabilly, and blues, their sound is instantly recognizable. Their musical journey began in 1951, and they quickly became rising stars of the budding rock and roll scene. They were active until 1973, took a break, and reunited in 1983 to continue thrilling audiences until 2005.

Their discography is a treasure trove of hits. It’s an immortal jukebox filled with ageless classics that any generation can relate to. “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” and “Cathy’s Clown” are just a few gems that climbed the charts and found a permanent place in the hearts of fans.

The cultural ripple effect of Don and Phil Everly’s singing can’t be overstated. They influenced the Beatles, who wanted to be “the English Everly Brothers” when they started. Simon and Garfunkel’s delicate vocal dances owe a nod to their pioneering sound, and let’s not forget the country rockers who walked through the doors the Everly Brothers opened.

Phil, the younger of the two, was born on January 19, 1939. Don was born on February 1, 1937.  They were 22 and 24 years old, respectively, when the above clip was released. Whenever you hear a harmony that hits just right, chances are, the Everly Brothers’ influence is woven into the melody.

Meanwhile, in Highland Park, Michigan

Although GM’s Harley Earl may have started the fin craze with the 1948 Cadillacs above, Chrysler took it to the extreme. Virgil Exner is celebrated for revolutionizing Chrysler’s design approach with his “Forward Look.” Born on September 24, 1909, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Exner’s career in automotive design began at General Motors, where he was hired by the legendary Earl and quickly rose to become Chief Designer for Pontiac Studios.

Exner’s most notable work came during his time at Chrysler, where he served as the first Vice President of Styling. He introduced the “Forward Look” design language for the 1955 model year, dramatically transforming Chrysler’s image from solid but staid to stylish and modern. This design philosophy was characterized by long, sleek lines with sweeping tailfins that grew bigger every year.

The “Forward Look” was a radical departure from Chrysler’s conservative designs of the time, and Exner is credited with changing the course of automotive design. His designs for the 1957 model year, in particular, caused a global sensation. It caught GM, the undisputed styling leader, flat-footed and racing to catch up with its wild styling in 1959.

Changing The Course of Automotive Styling

Exner’s influence extended beyond aesthetics; he was also a proponent of integrating aerodynamics into car design. He believed fins were functional and helped the aerodynamics and stability of the car. Although that seems far-fetched today, his legacy in the automotive world is marked by his bold vision and innovative theories. He helped shape the future of car styling, leaving an indelible mark on Chrysler and the industry as a whole.

The Chrysler Letter cars were one of the earliest muscle machines. They were produced by Chrysler from 1955 to 1965. These vehicles, which started with the C-300 and ended with the 300L, were known for their powerful engines and luxurious features, earning them a place in automotive history as early factory hot rods.

The 1960 Chrysler 300F stands out for its distinctive style and gigantic tailfins. It was a year when Chrysler took the Forward Look further, in design and performance. The 300F boasted a 413-cid V8 engine that delivered 375 horsepower, thanks to its two Carter AFB four-barrel carburetors and a unique cross-ram induction manifold.

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Big and Swift

When equipped with Chrysler’s excellent Torqueflite automatic, the 300F reached 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. An optional four-speed manual gave the 300F the ability to reach 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The top speed of the 300F was 137 mph, which was Tesla-like in 1960.

The 1960 model year saw the production of 964 hardtops and 248 convertibles, making the 300F a rare and coveted winged warbird among collectors today. Its combination of luxury and performance continues to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts, symbolizing an era when Chrysler redefined what a luxury performance car could be.

Yesterday’s Current Events

1960 saw remarkable technological advancements, including the introduction of the first photocopier by Xerox. Additionally, color television and pocket transistor radios became more widespread, changing the way people consumed media and music.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho was a cinematic masterpiece that left audiences terrified, making it one of the most popular and influential films of the year.

The Chevrolet Impala dominated the American automotive market and was the best-selling car of 1960. Although “Cathy’s Clown” never reached #1 on the charts, Percy Faith’s somewhat schmaltzy movie soundtrack “Theme from A Summer Place” topped the musical hits of 1960.

Epilogue

The events of 1960 are now 64 years back in the mist.  Phil Everly died in 2014, and Don passed away in 2021. Their obituaries read like a testament to the immortality of their music. The 300 lived until 2024, when Chrysler Stellantis killed it along with the Charger and Challenger.  All that’s left of the mighty Chrysler brand is a minivan. It is enough to make you cry.

Instead, crank up the Everly Brothers, and Don and Phil’s twinkling harmonies sound as pure and bright as they did all those years ago. Even if you don’t have a vintage Chrysler, queue up the “Cathy’s Clown” in your daily and let Don and Phil velvet vocals transport you back to the good old days.