1958 Crown Imperial  |
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1957 Imperial Crown news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Limosine |
Established as a stand-alone division in 1955, Imperial was at the very top of Chrysler Corporation's line. The all-new Imperial was the star of designer Virgil Exner's high-flying 'Forward Look' cars, and it was totally unique.
The curved side glass was a noteworthy industry first. Other highlights include the simulated 'continental kit' imprint on the rear deck and the 'gun-sight' rear taillights. Quad headlamps were a new feature; dual headlamps were a 'delete' option specifically for U.S. states that were late in approving the new light arrangement.
The Imperial's 392 cubic-inch Hemi V8 was rated at 325 horsepower. With its impressive TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission and a new torsion-bar front suspension, the Hemi-powered Imperial from Chrysler was the performance leader in the luxury class.
Imperial production reached a record 35,734 cars fo model year 1957, outpacing rival Lincoln for the first and only time. The exclusive $5,598 Crown Convertible found just 1,157 lucky buyers in 1957.
 |  |  | Limosine Chassis Num: C572441 |
For 1957, the Imperial was built on a wheelbase that was four-inches shorter, though it looked longer and lower. The tail lamps were grafted into the fins rather than placed on top. The interior featured two-tone leather and vinyl. The dash had full instrumentation rather than just warning lights.
This particular example was once owned by the celebrity, Howard Hughes. It was driven for a few years before being put into storage until 1976 when it was purchased by a company from Hughes production.
This car is painted in pastel blue and has chrome and stainless trim. It rides on wide whitewall tires and there is a two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel. The 392.7 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine is capable of producing 325 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a push-button automatic transmission.
In 2008, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $200,000 - $300,000. It was sold for a high bid of $162,250 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009
The Imperial was designed by Virgil Exner and hailed by Chrysler as 'The Finest Car America Has Yet Produced.' A very bold statement considering some of the masterpieces produced from Packard, Cadillac, and countless others. This was Chryslers first vehicle to have a wraparound windshield. Produced in limited numbers, only 11,430 examples were created in 1955. This was Chryslers interpretation of a true luxury automobile.
The Imperial was a highly priced vehicle for its time, costing $4,483 for the four door sedan, over $500 more than the Cadillac Series 62. Even though it was pricy, it offered items as standard equipment that were optional on other vehicles. For example, power brakes and power steering were both included with the sticker-price of the vehicle, while other manufacturers charged extra for these luxury items. The Imperial Newport hartop coupe sold for roughly $4,720.
A two speed automatic transmission with a 250 horsepower Hemi engine was offered for the base models.
The 1957 Chrysler Imperial is probably the most famous and popular Imperial in history. Styling was once again handled by Virgil Exner. Tailfins could be found in the rear of the vehicle. The curved door glass were not only creative, they were the first in the industry. The long, stylish front hood hid a giant 392 cubic inch V8 capable of producing 325 horsepower. The Hemi V8 version produced 350 horsepower.
In 1956, Chrysler had introduced a TorqueFlite, three-speed automatic transmission. In 1957, it found a home in the Imperial. This transmission, coupled with the V8 powerplant could propel this large, luxury vehicle from zero to sixty miles per hour in 9.8 seconds easily beating the nearest competitor. Its top speed of 125 miles per hour was also unmatched.
Three body styles were offered, they were the two door hardtop, convertible, pillared sedan, and four door hardtop.
In 1957, 35,734 Imperials were produced, the best year Chrysler would have with this vehicle. Production continued until the 1970's with both mechanical and styling changes occuring throughout the years.
In 1958, the Imperial was fitted with cruise control and electric door locks. In 1959, a new 413.2 cubic inch V8 engine was introduced, producing 350 horsepower at 4600 rpm. In 1961, large tail fins were fitted to the rear of the vehicle. This was not the first time tail fins were used on the vehicle. The tail fins first appeared on the vehicle in 1956 but they were subtle, unlike the 1961 fins that were large and commanding. Was it styling, was it more competition Was it a market that was headed towards more economically friend vehicles, or Was it simply some other reason? During the 1961 model year, Chrysler only produced 12,249 Imperials. Whatever it was, the Imperial carried a bold statement, an unbeatable powerplant, superb luxury elements, and handling that could tame and control the vehicle even at high speeds.
In 1966, the horsepower was increased again with the introduction of a 440 cubic inch V8. Better power-to-weight ratio improved the performance and handling. With 350 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 480 ft-lbs at 2800 rpm, the Imperial 440 was the most powerful luxury American automobile ever.
In 1967, 17,620 Impericals were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2008
The Imperial was a highly priced vehicle for its time, costing $4,483 for the four door sedan, over $500 more than the Cadillac Series 62. Even though it was pricy, it offered items as standard equipment that were optional on other vehicles. For example, power brakes and power steering were both included with the sticker-price of the vehicle, while other manufacturers charged extra for these luxury items. The Imperial Newport hartop coupe sold for roughly $4,720.
A two speed automatic transmission with a 250 horsepower Hemi engine was offered for the base models.
The 1957 Chrysler Imperial is probably the most famous and popular Imperial in history. Styling was once again handled by Virgil Exner. Tailfins could be found in the rear of the vehicle. The curved door glass were not only creative, they were the first in the industry. The long, stylish front hood hid a giant 392 cubic inch V8 capable of producing 325 horsepower. The Hemi V8 version produced 350 horsepower.
In 1956, Chrysler had introduced a TorqueFlite, three-speed automatic transmission. In 1957, it found a home in the Imperial. This transmission, coupled with the V8 powerplant could propel this large, luxury vehicle from zero to sixty miles per hour in 9.8 seconds easily beating the nearest competitor. Its top speed of 125 miles per hour was also unmatched.
Three body styles were offered, they were the two door hardtop, convertible, pillared sedan, and four door hardtop.
In 1957, 35,734 Imperials were produced, the best year Chrysler would have with this vehicle. Production continued until the 1970's with both mechanical and styling changes occuring throughout the years.
In 1958, the Imperial was fitted with cruise control and electric door locks. In 1959, a new 413.2 cubic inch V8 engine was introduced, producing 350 horsepower at 4600 rpm. In 1961, large tail fins were fitted to the rear of the vehicle. This was not the first time tail fins were used on the vehicle. The tail fins first appeared on the vehicle in 1956 but they were subtle, unlike the 1961 fins that were large and commanding. Was it styling, was it more competition Was it a market that was headed towards more economically friend vehicles, or Was it simply some other reason? During the 1961 model year, Chrysler only produced 12,249 Imperials. Whatever it was, the Imperial carried a bold statement, an unbeatable powerplant, superb luxury elements, and handling that could tame and control the vehicle even at high speeds.
In 1966, the horsepower was increased again with the introduction of a 440 cubic inch V8. Better power-to-weight ratio improved the performance and handling. With 350 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 480 ft-lbs at 2800 rpm, the Imperial 440 was the most powerful luxury American automobile ever.
In 1967, 17,620 Impericals were produced.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2008
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| Similar Automakers | |
| Crosley | DeSoto |
| Edsel | Hudson |
| Kaiser | LaSalle |
| Nash | Oakland |
| Tucker | Willys |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1957 |
| Dual Ghia Sports Car ($7,600-$7,600) |
| Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood ($7,350-$7,590) |
Average Auction Sale: $73,725 |
| Imperial: 1951-1960 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Imperial |
| Imperial Crown LeBaron |
| 1958 Crown Imperial |
