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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.
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.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1960 Imperial Crown Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Imperial Crown
(Data based on Model Year 1960 sales)
1960 IMPERIAL CROWN CONVERTIBLE Chassis#: 9204105585 Sold for USD$61,600 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1960 Imperial Crown Convertible Chassis#: 9204105585 Sold for USD$88,000 2023 Mecum : 2023 Monterey | |
1960 Imperial Crown Sold for USD$18,700 2023 Mecum : Glendale | |
1960 Imperial Crown Convertible Sold for USD$110,000 2022 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1960 Imperial Crown Convertible Sold for USD$137,500 2017 Auctions America : Fort Lauderdale | |
1960 Imperial Crown Convertible Sold for USD$97,500 2016 Mecum - Indianapolis | |
1960 IMPERIAL CUSTOM 4 DOOR SEDAN Sold for USD$26,775 2013 McCormick's Auction 54 - Palm Springs | |
1960 Imperial Crown Convertible Chassis#: 9204101848 Sold for USD$154,000 2013 RM Auctions - Arizona | |
1960 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL Sold for USD$19,950 2012 McCormicks Palm Springs Auction 53 | |
1960 Chrysler Imperial Four Door Sedan Sold for USD$8,250 2012 Leake - San Antonio | |
1960 CHRYSLER CROWN IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE Sold for USD$82,500 2011 Auctions America - Spring Auburn | |
1960 Chrysler Imperial Crown Sedan Chassis#: 9204115784 Sold for USD$46,200 2011 Gooding and Company - The Amelia Island Auction | |
1960 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CROWN Chassis#: 9204115499 Sold for USD$12,338 2010 McCormick's Auction #49 - Palm Springs, CA | |
1960 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible Chassis#: 9204104130 Sold for USD$93,500 2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey | |
1960 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL Sold for USD$22,312 2010 Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions - February 2010 | |
1960 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL Sold for USD$22,312 2010 McCormick's Auction #48 | |
1960 Chrysler Imperial 4D Sold for USD$17,092 2009 RM Auctions - Classic Car Auction of Toronto - Fall | |
1960 Imperial Crown Sold for USD$77,000 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island | |
1960 CHRYSLER CROWN IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE Sold for USD$55,319 2008 Worldwide Auctions - The Auburn Auction 2008 | |
1960 CHRYSLER CROWN IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE Sold for USD$32,175 2005 Barrett-Jackson - PALM BEACH 2005 |
Imperial Crowns That Failed To Sell At Auction
1960 Imperial Crown's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1960 Imperial Crown Convertible | 9204107098 | 2014 RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona | $140,000 | ||
1960 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CONVERTIBLE | 2011 Auctions America Fort Lauderdale | $88,000 | |||
1960 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible Coupe | 9204101848 | 2010 RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island | $140,000 | $175,000 | $250,000 |
1960 Chrysler Imperial Two Door | 2009 Boca Raton, FL Kruse | $7,100 | |||
1960 IMPERIAL CROWN CONVERTIBLE | 2002 Kruse Auction Auburn, IN | $20,000 |
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1960 Imperial Crown
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