1953 Imperial Crown Imperial Series Limosine

Chrysler's top-level Imperial line provided solid engineering and luxurious accommodations. They appeared similar to the Chrysler New Yorker yet sat on a larger wheelbase. Their taillights, side trim, and front-end treatment were different. Standard equipment included power brakes, power windows, center folding armrests, and a padded dash. The Custom Imperial six-passenger limousine was fitted with electric windows, an electric division window, floor-level courtesy lamps, a rear compartment heater, fold-up footrests, a seatback mounted clock, and a luxury cloth or leather interiors.

The Custom Imperial Newport hardtop was added to the Imperial line in March. The body styles of the Custom Imperial Series included an 8-passenger sedan, a 6-passenger limousine, or a 6-passenger hardtop. Pricing ranged from $4,260 to $4,800. The 8-passenger sedan was the most popular, with 7,793 examples produced. 823 examples of the hardtop and 243 of the limousine completed the lineup.

The 1953 Imperial Crown Imperial Series was nearly identical to the previous year's model, except for a new eagle hood ornament and a slight change to the nameplate. The limousine was given moldings on top of the rear fenders. There was a general smoothing of the basic shape along with a modern one-piece curved windshield and a wraparound rear-window treatment.

Power was from the hemispherical-head 331 cubic-inch FirePower V8 engine offering 180 horsepower. Arriving late in 1953 was the PowerFlite automatic transmission, Chrysler's first 'true' fully automatic unit. Chrysler's Airtemp air-conditioning system, in development since 1941, was quietly introduced with limited numbers of Imperials in 1953.

The Imperial Crown series was available as an 8-passenger sedan and a limousine. The sedan, priced at $5,230, saw just 48 examples produced. The limousine, selling for $5,270, found 111 capable owners.

Chassis Number 7773649
This Imperial is a six-passenger Custom Imperial Sedan. It is a very early example equipped with Chrysler's PowerFlite automatic transmission. It was sold new in Phoenix and has remained there ever since. Under a prior owner during the early 1990s, the Imperial received a high-quality exterior refinish plus some attention to the Jade Gray fabric and leather-trimmed upholstery.

Power is from the 331 CID FirePower Hemi V8 engine fitted with a dual-barrel downdraft carburetor. There is an independent front suspension with 4-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes.

There is rich leather and wood grain interior trim, a padded dash with leather covering, power-assisted brakes and steering, power windows, a power-operated front seat, and Solex heat-resistant glass. A 15-jewel Moparmatic self-winding timepiece by Benrus adorns the center of the steering wheel. There are front and rear central armrests, footrests at the rear, rear-passenger grab handles, ashtrays with lighters, and courtesy lights. The car rides on chrome-plated Chrysler wire wheels and wide whitewall radial tires.

The car has traveled fewer than 53,000 actual miles from new.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015

The Imperial vehicles were an up-market, top-of-the-line Chrysler and the most exclusive model, manufactured in relatively limited numbers. They were conservatively styled and had a similar appearance to their mainstream Chryslers. They were based on the Chrysler New Yorker, the new-for-1949 Imperial had a canvas-covered roof and superior leather and broadcloth upholstery. Power was from a 5.3-liter side-valve straight eight and fitted with a 'Fluid Drive' and 'Prest-o-matic' (clutch-less) transmission. In 1950, they received a Cadillac-style radiator grille and was the last year of the straight-eight engine. In its place, Chrysler fitted a 331 cubic-inch (5.4-liter) 'Hemi' V8.

In 1953, just 48 examples of the Crown Imperial Sedan were produced and only 111 of the Limousines were built. The sedan had a base price of $6,900 and the limousine sold for $7,050. The 331.1 cubic-inch overhead valve engine offered 180 horsepower and was mated to an automatic transmission. These exclusive long-wheelbase machines were the longest-production American cars of the time.

This Limousine example was delivered new in Phoenix, Arizona and remained in that state until it was acquired by the current caretaker a few years ago. Around two decades ago, the car was treated to a refurbishment, which included a full repaint. The light green interior is original, and there are period features such as the optional 'Moparmatic' 15-jewel clock by Benrus in the center of its steering wheel. In the trunk is an original Air-Temp Air-Conditioning unit.


The original period transmission has been replaced by a 'short tail' 727 Chrysler 3-speed automatic.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015