1960 Imperial Crown

The Chrysler Corporation was formed by Walter P. Chrysler in 1924 and quickly became one of America's top three automakers. The lineup expanded quickly during the 1920s, beginning with the addition of the top-level Imperial line from 1927-1928.

In early-1955, Imperial was registered by the Chrysler Corporation as a separate marque, giving it its own distinct identity in the market. For 1957, the Imperial models wore Virgil Exner redesigned bodies which became an unqualified market success due to their bold styling, excellent handling, comfort, and remarkable performance.

The Chrysler Corporation switched to unitized bodies in 1960, while the completely restyled Imperial models continued to use the separate body-on-frame construction with reinforced and undercoated bodies utilizing heavier-gauge sheet metal.

1960 brought new bodies for the Imperial vehicles with over-hanging front fenders and slightly recessed dual headlights. They were imposing yet elegant, with large footprints, generous use of chrome, tail fins, and distinct tail lights. The tailfins now terminated with a pronounced forward tilt. Below the finer mesh-type grille was a full-width chrome V-shaped bumper with integrated circular signal light pods. The Imperial name was written on the grille and front fenders.

The interior featured an aircraft-inspired instrument panel with a pair of large pod-shaped nacelles, illuminated by an advanced electroluminescent lighting system developed by Sylvania for the Chrysler Corporation.

The entry-level Imperial (if it could be called that) was the Custom Series which included a sedan and 2- and 4-door hardtop. Prices began at $5,000 for the four-door sedan and hardtop, while the 2-door hardtop had a base price of $4,925. The four-door hardtop was the most popular of the Custom Series, with nearly 4,000 examples sold.

The Imperial Crown Series had all the body styles of the Custom Series plus a convertible which sold for $5,800. The 2-door hardtop pricing began at $5,400 while the four-door versions sold for $5,650. Once again, the 4-door hardtop was the most popular with 4,510 examples sold.

The Imperial Crown was distinguished from its Custom Series sibling with the word 'Crown' located beneath the Imperial nameplate. Both models used the 129-inch wheelbase platform and all Imperials were powered by an overhead-valve 8-cylinder engine displacing 413.2 cubic inches and offering 350 horsepower. Standard equipment on the Crown Series included a vanity mirror, outside rearview mirror, a six-way power seat, and license plate frame. All 1960 Imperials rode of 8.20x15 tires while the Crown Imperial rested on 8.90x15.

The Crown Imperial had a 149.5-inch wheelbase platform, had limousine body styles, and a base price of $16,000. Only 16 examples were built. These well-equipped, expensive, and exclusive vehicles were equipped with autopilot, dual radios, automatic headlight dimmer, three heaters, speakerphone, power windows, and a standard exterior color of black.

The Imperial LeBaron Series had a rectangular (instead of the wraparound) rear window, sedan, and 4-door hardtop sedan body styles, LeBaron nameplates, power windows, and two-tone paint. The base price was $6,300 and approximately 1,691 examples (both body styles combined) were built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020