1959 Imperial Crown Series MY1-M

The 1959 Imperial Crown marked the end of Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look' design theme and the start of a new era. Chrysler Corporation's hemispherical-head V8 was replaced by a new 413 cubic-inch 'wedge' with single Carter four-barrel carburetor offering 350 horsepower while weighing 101 pounds less than the 'Hemi.' The 1959 Imperials were the first cars assembled at Chrysler's new Dearborn, Michigan plant.

The 1959 Imperials were futuristic and filled with many impressive features, including fingertip-controlled dual-front swivel seats and a pushbutton-actuated heater/air conditioner unit. These Jet Age innovations joined the finger-controlled TorqueFlite transmission, Auto-Pilot cruise control, radio, six-way power seats, power windows and power door locks in pampering the Imperial driver and passengers. Optional Imperial features debuting in 1959 included an air suspension enhancement to its torsion-bar setup, a self-adjusting rearview mirror, and an electronic headlight beam changer.

This Imperial is a Copper Spice four-door hardtop example acquired in 2008 by its current owner. At the time of purchase, the odometer showed less than 38,200 miles.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell for $45,000 - $55,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $33,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012