1958 Imperial Crown Imperial Limousine

The Imperial was the epitome of Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look.' It had helped Chrysler become a styling leader in the industry.

The Chrysler name was dropped on the Imperial for the 1957 model year, making the Imperial its own brand name. It had distinct roof treatments and a bodyside that was unlike any other Chrysler product. In the back were gun-sight taillights which were introduced in 1955 and continued as an Imperial trademark into the 1960s.

Chrysler described the car as 'The World's Most Magnificent Limousine' and few would argue with that statement. The price tag of this elite edition motorcar was $15,075 in 1958. Only 31 were built in 1958. Total limousine production between 1957 and 1965 was only 132.

The cost of tooling for a limousine for Chrysler on its own was too cost-prohibitive, so it partnered with Ghia. Thus, the hand-crafted coachwork could be done at a lower price. The design was courtesy of Exner and his personal staff, Cliff Voss and Bill Brownlie.

The chassis was sent to Ghia, where it was stretched by an additional 20 inches making it 149.5 inches. New body panels and interiors were hand-fabricated and installed. After a month of assembly at Ghia, it would spend an additional two weeks being hand-rubbed and painted to perfection. Upon completion, the Imperial Crown Limousine was sent to the United States.

In 2009, this example was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey, presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $40,000 and offered without reserve.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2011