Chrysler Imperial: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Chrysler Imperial

The Chrysler Imperial, first introduced in 1926, was Chrysler’s flagship luxury vehicle for a significant portion of its history. Conceived by Walter P. Chrysler to compete with other high-end American marques like Cadillac and Lincoln, the Imperial nameplate has graced a variety of full-size luxury cars over numerous generations. The Imperial was offered in a range of body styles, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and limousines. For a period, from 1955 to 1975 and again from 1981 to 1983, Imperial was established as a separate luxury brand, distinct from Chrysler. The history of the Imperial is marked by innovation, distinctive styling, and a commitment to luxury, making it a noteworthy name in American automotive history. It has seen multiple generations and variants, reflecting the changing trends in automotive design and technology.

Chrysler Imperial Overview

Generations and History of Chrysler Imperial

First Generation (1926–1930)

In 1926, Walter P. Chrysler aimed to enter the luxury car market to compete with established brands like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard. The first Chrysler Imperial, the E-80, was introduced with a powerful 92-horsepower, 288.6 cubic inch inline-six engine. The “80” in the model name signified its guaranteed top speed of 80 miles per hour. This generation featured four-wheel hydraulic brakes, a significant safety innovation at the time. A variety of body styles were available, including a roadster, coupe, sedan, and limousine, often featuring custom coachwork from builders like LeBaron and Dietrich.

Second Generation (1931–1933)

The second generation of the Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1931, saw a significant upgrade in performance with the introduction of a new 384.4 cubic inch inline-eight engine, prompting the car to be marketed as the “Imperial 8”. This new engine produced 125 horsepower. The styling of this era was influenced by the Cord L-29, featuring a long hood, a V-shaped radiator, and flowing fenders. Custom bodies from LeBaron continued to be a prominent feature, and new wire wheels became a standard that would last until the 1940s.

Third Generation (1934–1936)

The third generation is best known for the introduction of the revolutionary “Airflow” design in 1934. This new design was one of the first to be shaped in a wind tunnel, resulting in a streamlined and aerodynamic body. The Imperial Airflow models were more luxurious than their Chrysler and DeSoto counterparts. A notable innovation on a limited-production model was the industry’s first one-piece curved windshield. Despite its advanced engineering, the Airflow’s unconventional styling was not well-received by the public.

Fourth Generation (1937–1939)

Following the commercial failure of the Airflow design, Chrysler returned to more conventional styling for the fourth-generation Imperial. This generation introduced innovations such as built-in defroster vents and fully insulated engine mounts. Three Imperial models were offered during this period: the C-14, which resembled the Chrysler Royal; the C-15 Imperial Custom, which included a limousine model; and the C-17, which was a continuation of the Airflow design.

Fifth Generation (1940–1948)

During this period, the “Imperial” name was used more exclusively for the top-of-the-line models. The 1940 Imperial Crown was offered in sedan and limousine forms. Production was halted in 1942 due to World War II and resumed in 1946. The post-war Imperials were largely similar to the pre-war models, with minor styling updates.

Sixth Generation (1949–1954)

The sixth generation saw the introduction of Chrysler’s first overhead-valve V8 engine, the “Hemi,” in 1951. This engine provided a significant performance boost. Models from this era included the standard Imperial, the Imperial Newport hardtop, and the long-wheelbase Crown Imperial limousine. Power steering and the “Fluid-Torque Drive” semi-automatic transmission were notable features. However, the conservative styling of these models struggled to compete with the more modern designs of Cadillac and Lincoln.

Imperial as a Separate Marque (1955–1975)

In 1955, Chrysler registered Imperial as a separate make and division to better compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. The “Forward Look” styling by Virgil Exner gave the new Imperials a dramatic and modern appearance. These cars were known for their large tailfins and luxurious appointments. Throughout this period, Imperials featured V8 engines and automatic transmissions. In 1967, Imperial switched to a unibody construction. The “fuselage” styling of the late 1960s and early 1970s gave the cars a massive and imposing presence. However, sales declined, and the Imperial brand was discontinued after the 1975 model year.

Sixth Generation (Chrysler Imperial) (1981–1983)

The Imperial name was revived in 1981 for a two-door personal luxury coupe. This model was based on the Chrysler Cordoba platform and featured a distinctive “bustle-back” rear design. It came standard with a fuel-injected 318 cubic inch V8 engine. Sales were poor, and the model was discontinued after 1983.

Latest Generation (1990–1993)

The final iteration of the Chrysler Imperial was introduced in 1990 as a front-wheel-drive sedan based on the Chrysler Y platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue. It was positioned as the flagship of the Chrysler brand and was powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine, later upgraded to a 3.8-liter V6. This generation featured a more traditional luxury car design. However, sales were modest, and the Imperial was discontinued after the 1993 model year.

Chrysler Imperial Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Chrysler Imperial Variants and Features

Throughout its long history, the Chrysler Imperial was available in numerous variants. The early years saw a focus on custom coachwork, with bodies crafted by renowned firms like LeBaron and Dietrich. In later years, trim levels such as Crown and LeBaron denoted different levels of luxury and features. The Crown Imperial was often a long-wheelbase limousine. The LeBaron models typically represented the highest level of luxury. Interiors were consistently appointed with high-quality materials like leather and wood. Features that were considered advanced for their time, such as power windows, power seats, and air conditioning, were often standard or available on the Imperial.

Chrysler Imperial Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Imperial was always powered by Chrysler’s top engines. The early models featured powerful inline-six and inline-eight engines that set speed records. The introduction of the Hemi V8 in the 1950s further solidified the Imperial’s reputation for strong performance. Later generations continued to use large-displacement V8 engines until the final front-wheel-drive models, which used V6 engines. The Imperial was known for its smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its long wheelbase and sophisticated suspension systems. Handling was generally good for a large luxury car, with features like torsion bar front suspension on some models providing better control.

Chrysler Imperial Pricing and Mileage

The Chrysler Imperial was always positioned as a premium vehicle with a corresponding price tag. In its early years, prices could range from around $3,000 to over $6,000 for custom-bodied models, a considerable sum at the time. Later models were priced to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. Due to the nature of these classic and collectible vehicles, current prices vary widely based on generation, condition, and rarity. Fuel efficiency was not a primary concern for most of the Imperial’s production run, and mileage figures are not widely available and would be considered low by modern standards.

Chrysler Imperial Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Imperial was offered in a wide array of colors throughout its history, reflecting the styling trends of each era. The design of the Imperial evolved dramatically over the decades, from the classic elegance of the 1930s to the bold “Forward Look” of the 1950s and the massive “fuselage” style of the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a full-size luxury car, the Imperial was always a large vehicle, with dimensions that varied by generation but consistently conveyed a sense of presence on the road. Wheel sizes also evolved over time, from the wire wheels of the 1930s to the larger steel and alloy wheels of later models.

Chrysler Imperial Safety Features

• Four-wheel hydraulic brakes (a pioneering feature in the 1920s)
• Seat belts (became standard in later models)
• Padded dashboards (in some later models)
• Information on other advanced safety systems is not readily available for most model years.
• Crash test ratings are not available for these classic vehicles.

Chrysler Imperial Infotainment and Connectivity

Infotainment and connectivity as we know them today did not exist for most of the Chrysler Imperial’s production. Early models featured AM radios. In the 1950s and 1960s, features like the “Highway Hi-Fi” record player were offered. Later models included AM/FM radios and cassette players. The 1990-1993 generation featured a digital instrument cluster and an early form of onboard computer.

Chrysler Imperial Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for classic cars like the Imperial are often found in enthusiast forums and classic car publications. Generally, owners praise the Imperial for its distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and powerful performance, especially for the V8-powered models. Common complaints for older models often relate to the cost and difficulty of maintenance and finding spare parts. The reliability of classic cars is highly dependent on their maintenance history.

Chrysler Imperial Comparison with Similar Cars

The Chrysler Imperial was positioned to compete directly with other American luxury cars, primarily the Cadillac de Ville and the Lincoln Continental. The Imperial often offered comparable or even superior performance, particularly with the Hemi engine. In terms of styling, the Imperial was often more adventurous and “futuristic” than its rivals, especially during the Virgil Exner era. However, Cadillac and Lincoln generally had a stronger brand image and consistently outsold the Imperial.

Chrysler Imperial Awards and Recognition

• Pace car for the 1926 Indianapolis 500
• Motor Trend Car of the Year (as part of the full-size Chrysler lineup in some years)
• Numerous awards at classic car shows for restored examples

Interesting Facts about Chrysler Imperial

• The name “Imperial” was chosen to signify a car of “unusual size or excellence.”
• In 1967 and 1968, a “Mobile Director” option was available, which included a front passenger seat that could swivel to face the rear and a fold-out table.
• A 2006 concept car was created to showcase a potential revival of the Imperial name, but it never went into production.

Chrysler Imperial Legacy and Influence

The Chrysler Imperial played a significant role in establishing Chrysler as a major player in the American automotive industry. It served as a showcase for the company’s best engineering and design. The “Forward Look” styling of the late 1950s had a profound influence on automotive design. While it never achieved the sales success of Cadillac or Lincoln, the Imperial remains a memorable and respected name among classic car enthusiasts and a symbol of American luxury from a bygone era.

Chrysler Imperial Global Availability

The Chrysler Imperial was primarily a North American market vehicle. While some were likely exported or privately imported to other countries, it was not officially sold in large numbers globally. All models were manufactured in the United States and were left-hand drive.

Chrysler Imperial Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The cost of maintaining a classic Chrysler Imperial can be substantial. Service intervals are more frequent than for modern cars. The availability of spare parts can be a challenge, particularly for rarer models and trim pieces. The resale value of an Imperial is highly dependent on its generation, condition, and historical significance. Warranty details are not applicable to these classic vehicles.

Final Words about Chrysler Imperial

The Chrysler Imperial represents a fascinating chapter in the history of the American luxury car. From its ambitious beginnings to its bold design statements and powerful performance, the Imperial consistently aimed to be a leader in its class. While it may have lived in the sales shadow of its main competitors, its unique character and enduring legacy have earned it a special place in automotive history. For classic car enthusiasts who appreciate distinctive styling and a comfortable, powerful driving experience, the Chrysler Imperial remains an appealing and noteworthy choice.