The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was the company's top of the range vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, and again from 1990 to 1993. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque that would rival Cadillac and Lincoln. According to a feature article in AACA's magazine The adjective ‘imperial’ according to Webster’s Dictionary means sovereign, supreme, superior or of unusual size or excellence. The word imperial thus justly befits Chrysler’s highest priced quality model
In 1955 Chrysler spun off the Imperial as its own separate marque in an attempt to compete directly with the Cadillac and Lincoln luxury marques offered by General Motors and Ford, respectively, rather than the traditional Chrysler competitors Buick and Oldsmobile. Chrysler introduced Forward Look Styling by Virgil Exner, who would define Imperial's look (and the look of cars from the other four Chrysler divisions) from 1955 to 1963.The 1955 models are said to be inspired by Exner's own 1952 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton show cars. The bodyshell was shared with that year's big Chryslers, but the Imperial had a wide-spaced split eggcrate grille (also used on the Chrysler 300 "executive hot rod") and "gunsight" taillights mounted above the rear quarters. Models included a two-door Newport hardtop coupe (3,418 built) and a four-door sedan (7,840 built). The engine was Chrysler's first-generation Hemi V8 with a displacement of 331 cu in (5.4 L) and developing 250 brake horsepower (186 kW). The only major option on the 1955 and 1956 Imperials was air conditioning, at a cost of $535. Production totaled 11,430, more than twice the 1954 figure, but far below Lincoln and Cadillac.
This lovely low mileage example has been in collector hands for many years and is exceptionally well preserved. The interior reaks of elegance and transports the occupant back in time to an era where quality materials were tastefully used. The interior brightwork is in excellent condition as is the period cloth interior. The subtle aero, almost nuclear, design influences are carried onto the exterior of the car all the way to the bombsite like exposed taillights at the rear. The paint is excellent condition and the exterior brightwork exhibits just the right amount of patina without being dented or pitted. The car runs and drives without fault and is capable of cruisng at highway speeds all day long. The Mechanical components- brakes, suspension, etc., are all in perfect working order.
This car feaures the rare trunk mounted Air Conditioning system.
It is hard to find this model alone, not to mention one in this condition.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire an important Imperial.
