1955 Imperial Series C69

1955 marked the registration of Imperial as its own separate marque within the Chrysler Corporation. Imperials were available in two trim levels for 1955, the C-69 short-wheelbase version known as the Newport Coupe or Sedan, and the C-70 long-wheelbase version available as a Sedan and labeled the Crown Imperial. The upscale Imperial carried an imposing price tag of $4,483, which made it a welcomed alternative to the ultra-luxury cars being produced by Lincoln and Cadillac.

The Imperial and Chrysler lines for 1955, including the St. Regis and Nassau hardtops, and were introduced in mid-November of 1954.

All Chrysler Corporation cars including the Imperial were completely restyled for the 1955 model year. The Custom Imperial Town Limousine was dropped for 1955. Model year introductions were held on November 17, 1954. Genuine leather interior trims were offered in the front seat of Crown Imperial Limousines and eight-passenger sedans and in combinations for the Imperial Southampton four-door.

The Series C69 'base' Imperial accounted for the bulk of Imperial sales. The four-door sedan accounted for 7,840 sales and the two-door hardtop found 3,418 capable buyers. The total Crown Imperial sales was just 172 vehicles, with most being the 8-passenger limousine. Priced at over $7,600, the Crown Imperial was among the most expensive and exclusive automobiles on the road. They had the same basic styling as the standard Imperial but a different roof with a smaller, rectangular rear window. Both models shared the 331.1 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine delivering 250 horsepower. This was the same engine found in the Chrysler New Yorker. Power steering and power brakes were standard equipment, and the Imperial Crown came with power disc brakes and a 12-volt electrical system. Optional equipment included a signal-seeking radio, power windows, and air conditioning.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008