1955 Chrysler Imperial Prototype

This Imperial is the sole Imperial convertible built between 1951 and 1957. This custom-made car was specially built by Chrysler Central Engineering for the Chairman of the Board, K.T. Keller at his request (Keller was President of Chrysler from 1935 through 1950). Utilizing the unlimited resources of Chrysler Design and Engineering, K.T. Keller directed the entire project himself. It took just shy of one year to complete. Never has anyone of the executive stature of K.T. Keller put this amount of time into just one car. There are several unique design elements, including the windshield, which features a much more severe wrap-around than stock Imperials, and a special steering-wheel watch by Ghia.

Based on a Chrysler New Yorker Convertible chassis and body, it was assigned a serial number beginning with '9999.' Keller's car was the first American convertible built with four bucket seats and the first Chrysler with tailfins. Unique interior accouterments include a special monotone dashboard and Ghia-inspired roll-top glove-box, plus upholstery that required 15 leather hides.

Research and restored by its previous caretaker, this Imperial is possibly the most significant postwar Imperial in existence.