The Chrysler Imperial, a symbol of American luxury and innovation, spanned several decades, offering a diverse range of designs and engineering feats. Identifying the best years requires careful consideration of factors like styling, reliability, performance, and technological advancements. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, helping you navigate the Imperial's history and choose the model that best suits your needs and preferences.
Chrysler Imperial: A Year-by-Year Overview
| Year Range | Highlights | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| 1926-1930 | Debut of the Imperial, showcasing Chrysler's engineering prowess. Offered luxurious appointments and powerful engines for the era. Classic styling with elegant lines and a commanding presence. | Early production models can be challenging to maintain due to the age of the technology and scarcity of parts. |
| 1931-1933 | Streamlined styling influenced by Art Deco. Introduction of the Custom Imperial, a more exclusive and luxurious model. Offered advanced features like automatic clutch and freewheeling. | Freewheeling, while innovative, could be problematic and requires careful maintenance. Parts availability remains a challenge. |
| 1934-1939 | Further refinement of styling, with integrated fenders and more aerodynamic designs. Continued emphasis on luxury and performance. Improved suspension systems. | Pre-war cars generally require extensive restoration and specialized knowledge for maintenance. |
| 1940-1948 | Production interrupted by World War II. Post-war models retained pre-war styling with minor updates. Focus on reliability and durability in a post-war economy. | Styling considered less exciting compared to pre-war and later models. Performance was adequate but not exceptional. |
| 1949-1954 | First significant post-war redesign. "Fluid Drive" transmission introduced. Modern styling with integrated fenders and a more streamlined appearance. | Fluid Drive transmission could feel sluggish compared to later automatic transmissions. |
| 1955-1956 | The "Forward Look" era begins, spearheaded by Virgil Exner. Bold styling with towering tailfins and a distinctive grille. Hemi V8 engines offered exceptional performance. High quality interiors. | The 1955 models had some early production quality issues, and the complex styling can make restoration challenging. |
| 1957-1959 | Further evolution of the "Forward Look," with even larger tailfins and more chrome. Pushbutton transmission controls. Luxurious interiors with advanced features. Considered the pinnacle of 1950s Imperial styling by many. | The massive tailfins and abundant chrome can be prone to rust and damage. Pushbutton transmission, while innovative, can be problematic to repair. |
| 1960-1963 | Unibody construction introduced, improving structural rigidity. Unique and controversial "toilet seat" decklid design. Powerful V8 engines. Swivel seats offered in some models. | The "toilet seat" decklid styling is polarizing, and some find it unattractive. Unibody construction can make rust repair more complex. |
| 1964-1966 | More restrained styling compared to the previous generation. Improved ride and handling. Continued emphasis on luxury and performance. | Styling considered less distinctive compared to the "Forward Look" era. |
| 1967-1968 | Redesigned styling with a more formal appearance. Hidden headlights. Improved interior appointments. Last years of the Chrysler-built Imperial. | The 440 engine, while powerful, could be prone to overheating if not properly maintained. |
| 1969-1975 | Imperial becomes a sub-model of the Chrysler New Yorker. Retained luxury features but lost its distinct identity. Styling similar to other Chrysler models. | Loss of exclusivity and distinct identity. Styling not as distinctive as previous Imperial generations. Emissions controls negatively impacted performance. |
| 1981-1983 | Downsized Imperial based on the Chrysler Cordoba. Distinctive styling with a bustle-back trunk. Electronic fuel injection. | Reliability issues with the electronic fuel injection system and other electronic components. Styling considered controversial. |
| 1990-1993 | Revived Imperial as a front-wheel-drive sedan. Luxury features and modern technology. Based on the Chrysler New Yorker platform. | Considered less distinctive than earlier Imperial generations. Front-wheel-drive configuration may not appeal to traditional Imperial enthusiasts. |
Detailed Explanations
1926-1930: These early Imperials established the brand's reputation for luxury and engineering excellence. They featured powerful engines, luxurious interiors, and elegant styling that appealed to affluent buyers. However, their age makes them challenging to maintain and restore.
1931-1933: This era saw the introduction of Art Deco-inspired styling and innovative features like automatic clutch and freewheeling. The Custom Imperial offered an even higher level of luxury and exclusivity. The freewheeling system, while innovative, could be problematic.
1934-1939: These Imperials continued to refine the styling and offer advanced features. The integrated fenders and more aerodynamic designs gave them a more modern appearance. Pre-war cars require extensive restoration.
1940-1948: Production was interrupted by World War II, and post-war models retained pre-war styling with minor updates. The focus was on reliability and durability in a recovering economy. Styling was considered less exciting compared to pre-war and later models.
1949-1954: This period marked the first significant post-war redesign. The "Fluid Drive" transmission was introduced, and the styling became more streamlined. The Fluid Drive transmission could feel sluggish.
1955-1956: The "Forward Look" era, spearheaded by Virgil Exner, brought bold styling with towering tailfins and a distinctive grille. Hemi V8 engines offered exceptional performance. 1955 models had some early production quality issues.
1957-1959: This era represented the peak of the "Forward Look," with even larger tailfins and more chrome. Pushbutton transmission controls and luxurious interiors were hallmarks of these models. Tailfins and chrome are prone to rust and damage.
1960-1963: Unibody construction improved structural rigidity, and the "toilet seat" decklid design sparked controversy. Powerful V8 engines and swivel seats were offered. The "toilet seat" decklid styling is polarizing.
1964-1966: More restrained styling characterized this generation, with improved ride and handling. The emphasis remained on luxury and performance. Styling was considered less distinctive.
1967-1968: Redesigned styling with a more formal appearance, hidden headlights, and improved interior appointments marked these years. These were the last years of the Chrysler-built Imperial. The 440 engine could be prone to overheating.
1969-1975: The Imperial became a sub-model of the Chrysler New Yorker, losing its distinct identity. Styling was similar to other Chrysler models. There was a loss of exclusivity and distinct identity.
1981-1983: A downsized Imperial based on the Chrysler Cordoba featured distinctive styling with a bustle-back trunk and electronic fuel injection. There were reliability issues with the electronic fuel injection system.
1990-1993: The Imperial was revived as a front-wheel-drive sedan with luxury features and modern technology. It was based on the Chrysler New Yorker platform. It was considered less distinctive than earlier Imperial generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most desirable year for a Chrysler Imperial?
Many collectors consider the 1957-1959 models to be the most desirable due to their iconic "Forward Look" styling and powerful Hemi engines.
Which Chrysler Imperial years should I avoid?
The 1981-1983 models are often cited as years to avoid due to reliability issues with the electronic fuel injection system. The 1969-1975 models, as they lost the separate Imperial identity, are also less desirable.
What made the "Forward Look" Imperials so special?
The "Forward Look," spearheaded by Virgil Exner, introduced bold styling with towering tailfins and abundant chrome, making the Imperial a symbol of 1950s American automotive design.
Are Chrysler Imperials expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs can vary depending on the year and condition of the vehicle. Older models require specialized knowledge and parts, while newer models may have more readily available parts but can still be expensive to repair due to their complexity.
What engine options were available in Chrysler Imperials?
Chrysler Imperials were offered with a variety of engines throughout their history, including inline-sixes, V8s, and the legendary Hemi V8. The specific engine options varied depending on the year and model.
What is the significance of the Imperial's unibody construction?
The introduction of unibody construction in the 1960s improved the Imperial's structural rigidity and handling compared to earlier body-on-frame designs.
Why did Chrysler discontinue the Imperial?
The Imperial nameplate was discontinued several times throughout its history due to various factors, including changing market conditions, declining sales, and shifts in Chrysler's overall strategy.
What is the best way to find a classic Chrysler Imperial?
Online auction sites, classic car dealerships, and car clubs are all good resources for finding a classic Chrysler Imperial. Thorough research and inspection are essential before making a purchase.
Conclusion
The Chrysler Imperial boasts a rich and diverse history, with several standout years that represent the pinnacle of American luxury and design. While the "Forward Look" era (1955-1959) is often considered the most desirable, other years offer unique features and appeal. Careful consideration of factors like styling, reliability, and maintenance requirements will help you choose the best Chrysler Imperial for your needs.