1960 Imperial Crown Convertible

The Imperial was much more than a top-of-the-line automobile for the Chrysler Corporation. From 1955 through 1975, it was Chrysler Corporation's unique luxury brand, with a brief reappearance from 1981 to 1983.

The Imperial name had been used since 1926. It was never a separate make, but it was the top-of-the-line Chrysler model. That would change however, in 1955, when the company decided to create a separate and unique division to better compete with its North American rivals, Cadillac and Lincoln.

Early Imperial designs - the creation of Virgil Exner - reflected Chrysler's focus on engineering and passenger comfort more than appearance. In 1954 Imperial earned its own marque when it became a separate division of the Chrysler Corp.

The 1950 Imperial's new body was of the body-on-frame style - unlike Chrysler's new uni-bodies. The Imperial Crown featured overhanging front fenders, slightly recessed quad headlights, a swooping front bumper, tall rear fins and a giant chrome eagle at the front. Passenger comfort was emphasized with swivel power seats, vanity mirror, electric clock, dual exhausts, windshield washers, luxurious upholstery and for the first time, curved side window glass.

Starting with the all-new 1955 Imperial, Chrysler would offer several uniquely modified body styles that would be introduced every two to three years. These cars would stand above even the highest level Chrysler models and would include a wide variety of standard and optional features. This always included Chryslers largest V8 engines and an automatic transmission, as well as the latest technologies that would eventually filter down to Chrysler Corporation's other models.

The engineering of the 1960 Imperial is highlighted by its impressive, 350 horsepower, 413 cubic-inch V8 power plant. They adopted wildly exaggerated styling that was popular at the time, featuring exceptionally high rear fins. The grille and bumper used large pieces of heavy chrome with all trim unique to the Imperial.

Imperial finished ahead of Lincoln in sales in 1960, but never did so again. While the rest of Chrysler's lineup adopted unibody construction, Imperial retained its body-on-frame construction until 1962.

This Imperial Crown convertible is one of only 618 such models produced in 1960. It was originally purchased by Hollywood movie producer Henry Rhinelander for his wife, Helen.