1958 Imperial Crown Limousine by Ghia Restored Car in Excellent Running Cond

Imperial was the Chrysler Corporation's luxury automobile brand from 1955 to 1975, and again from 1981 to 1983.

The Imperial name had been used since 1926, as a Chrysler luxury model, the Chrysler Imperial. However, in 1955, the company spun off Imperial into its own make and division to better compete with its North American rivals, Lincoln and Cadillac. Imperial would see new or modified body styles introduced every two to three years, all with V8 engines and automatic transmissions, as well as technologies that would filter down to Chrysler Corporation's other models.
Originally, the Chrysler Imperial was introduced in 1926 as Chrysler's flagship vehicle for much of its history. It was based on extended-length platforms of the company's full-size cars and competed with the likes of rival Cadillac, Continental, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord, and Packard.

For the 1957 model year, the Imperial received its own platform, setting it apart from any other division of Chrysler and shared the all-new "Forward Look" appearance, showing many styling features introduced with the concept car Chrysler Norseman. After Lincoln downsized for 1961, this generation of Imperial had no real competitor for the title of largest car for the remainder of its decade-long lifespan. Unlike the rest of the Chrysler Corporation makes that began unibody construction for 1960, the Imperial retained separate full perimeter frames for rigidity through the 1966 model year. Imperial's handling was better than its competitors of the time due to its stiffness from the torsion-bars combined with a thick anti roll bar in the front.

Beginning in 1957 a custom line of long wheelbase limousines was produced with coachwork by Ghia of Italy. Riding on a long 144" Wheelbase these exclusive Limos were built to compete with the finest conveyances in the world (Rolls Royce), and were often ordered by heads of state, captains of industry and the like. Very few were made and this is one of only 31 built for the '58 model year. Featuring Mouton (Lambs Wool) Floor Coverings, Wood Trim, and other elegant finishes, these were over the top Limos. This example was acquired by a seasoned Ghia Limo Collector and is in fact the 3rd one he has owned. While the early history of the car is not recorded, the car was acquired out of Pennsylvania about 10 years ago. Since acquisition the car has had the rocker panels replaced, a new paint job, new upholstery including new Mouton Rugs, and the brake system overhauled. The car runs and drives like a dream, and is ready to be pressed into service immediately. Included in the sale are many rare NOS parts he acquired over his many years of Imperial Limo stewardship. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fully sorted and great running example of the arguably the finest car ever produced by the Chrysler Corp.