Vehicle Description
1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4 Door Hardtop
The dealer brochure for the 1964 Imperial LeBaron reads: "This is
the ultimate in America's largest...finest...quietest...and most
distinguished luxury car. Its famous tradition of coachwork is
reflected in countless fine details: the smaller rear window. Dual
reading lamps. Special inlays of walnut trim. And, of course,
virtually every convenience is included in its equipment.". What
followed was a long list of features capped off with "flocked trunk
carpeting.". About 2,900 LeBarons were produced in 1964 with almost
10 times that amount in the lesser Crown trim.
For consignment - A 1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron - a rolling
example of glorious 60's styling in exaggerated proportions, from
the thick doors and padded interior to the sharp lines and flat
planes of the body work, this car is like a sidekick of elegance.
The LeBaron was the top trim level for the Imperial. This is a
one-family car that has been garage kept and lovingly cared for.
This car screams "night out on the town!" - it's almost
unfathomable to drive this car in anything but a jacket and
tie...but we'll leave that up to you!
Exterior
Where to begin? The Sequoia Green Metallic paint is in the deep end
of the pool and although showing some age, still looks good. The
black vinyl top is also nice, showing just a bit of staining in one
area. Now let's talk about the shape because this car has some
unique attributes. The headlights sit wide on an already wide car,
inset in the square-slotted grille which stretches to the center
and meets a triangular center...almost Pontiac-like but the
buttresses that make up the top of the fenders on each side define
this car's nose. The profile of the car is long, straight and
slightly forward leaning, accentuated by the rear door jamb which
angles toward the front. The rear of this car is a design
cornucopia; low slung tail lights encased in a propeller-shaped
chrome bezel centered with a large Imperial logo...the eagle. A
large chrome bumper waterfalls from the propeller and a hood hump
completes this feast for the eyes. The side mirrors sit out on the
fenders giving this car an air of royalty. The flush door handles
are as interesting as they are cool. We note some scratches,
blemishes, and a minor ding.
Interior
Swing the beefy doors open to reveal button-back leather seats in
good condition and showing some crease wear. The backseat bench is
of the same material and shows less usage. Center armrests can be
found in front and back. The seats are supported by a wood-lined
frame where the lap belt and power seat controls are mounted. The
actuator on each door looks like an airplane throttle, but the
driver's door includes enough buttons to control all the windows
and more. Real wood veneer is present on each door and each has
lights and hidden storage built in. The dash is simple and
decidedly rectangular and the push button transmission shifters
would disappear for the '65 model, so this was the end of the road
for the Torqueflight buttons. Rolling, drum-style gauges are found
under the speedometer in rectangular faces. Climate control buttons
mimic the shifter buttons but are arranged horizontally. An AM/FM
radio interrupts the vertical pattern for the length of the dash
and the entirety is flanked by triangular pieces that borrow the
design element of the taillights...pretty nifty! The gray headliner
is tight with no sag. Just as the brochure states, flocked carpet
lines the trunk.
Drivetrain
The original 413ci Golden Lion V8 is present topped with a single
4-barrel carburetor. The 3-speed automatic transmission is the A727
Torqueflite, a now legendary unit known for its reliability and
strength. 2.93 gears occupy the back. Power steering and power
brakes, (drums), were standard on this model. The engine bay is
driver quality and would benefit from cosmetic restoration if
that's the direction the next caretaker goes.
Undercarriage
First, the good. The frame is made rigid with reinforcement that is
not seen on every car of the era, especially at the front bumper.
That noted, we see quite a bit of significant surface rust
throughout the underside with some pitting in the muffler and rear
axle in particular. Oil appears in front and has traveled down the
left frame beam. The rear pinion seal appears to be leaking. We
note torsion bars in front and leaf springs in the rear to provide
the ride.
Drive-Ability
Undoubtedly a heavy car, the big 413 carries the car well and is
responsive. These were rated at 340 horsepower so it's no slouch.
The seating is comfortable, and the power steering makes turning
this low-slung yacht easy. Power brakes do the job as well, and the
entire ride is indeed soft and luxurious.
Funny how movies can really etch a car into the consciousness of
Americans, and the Green Hornet's 66 Imperial made all the
Imperials of that era just a little bit cooler. But even without
Hollywood, this is a pretty amazing car...without a doubt aimed at
the Lincoln Continental market and carving out its own niche by
delivering a karate chop of a car to the masses. This car is a
feast for the senses and we award it a black belt in appeal.
9343260638
9-Imperial
3-Lebaron
4-1964
3-Jefferson Ave, MI Assy Plant
260638-Sequential Unit Number
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person.
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