Vehicle Description
1955 Imperial Newport
The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was Chrysler's
top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were
produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, and again from 1990 to
1993. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque to rival
Cadillac, Continental, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord, and
Packard. The adjective 'Imperial' according to Webster's Dictionary
means sovereign, supreme, superior or of unusual size or
excellence. The word Imperial thus justly befits Chrysler's highest
priced model.
For consignment the C-69 short wheelbase coupe with the consigner
owning the car for 60 years. They state that 35 years ago the car
underwent a restoration with paint and interior at that time. A
mostly original car otherwise with 84,077 original miles.
Exterior
With the exterior bathed in green and white on top, when we look it
over one will see some dents and dings, scratches, a bit of rust
bubbling under the paint, and overall 35-year-old paint that still
holds its shine. Chrome and trim is very good with little to no
corroding or dimpling, and overall shiny. This holds true for the
bumper's bezels, and rear high mounted taillights. Badging is
slightly worn in the color areas, and bumper on the rear shows some
corrosion and staining at the point where the exhaust comes through
it. Big steel panels are straight, and a wide trim spear with a
rear quarter swoop is noted on both sides in good condition.
15-inch chrome wire wheels with faux spinners in the centers are
mounted within wide whites all around.
Interior
A swing of the massive doors and we are swimming in a sea of tuck
and roll, piping, and smooth white leather. The front split bench
is mounted in a large metal base that provides power back and forth
for the driver. If rear bench was not in this car it would be in my
living room serving as my couch, it is that plush, and it has a
pullout area rest. I also need to mention the door panels with
their white uppers in wide vertical embossed stripes, and the
lowers are a deep green with a metal thread pattern that drips
1955. Seen also are power window toggles within the door pull.
Keeping in tune with the motif, the dash is a two-tone green and
white, drivers' side in green with instrument cluster of 2 circles.
The bezels show slight corrosion but are indeed original. There
passenger's side has white in the glovebox area, which is
beautifully sculpted in curved form, and has a large radio speaker,
a clock and Imperial in your grandmothers handwriting badge. A
white headliner above nice and tight and deep green carpet below,
and we are in 1955 luxury.
Drivetrain
A raise of the hood, and we are greeted with the original
unrestored 331ci Hemi engine topped with a 4-barrel carburetor. On
back is a 2-speed automatic Powerflite transmission which throws
power back to 3.54 rear gears.
Undercarriage
Surface rust has formed mainly on the rear frame and undercarriage;
however, this car remains structurally sound. Body hangers,
floorpans, and numerous parts have some of the surface rust as well
but are good. Power drum brakes are all around and power steering
is attached.
Drive-Ability
Just sitting inside this car we are in the lap of luxury and
comfort. It started right up, idled smoothly, and took off with
lots of Hemi 4-barrel power. It's a cruiser and provides a smooth
ride. Cornering is good, and all appears to be working on the
mechanical front, save for the left rear window can only be put up
and down from the switch in that position, not the driver's door.
Also, the horn did not blow as I had to yell for my decoder to
hurry up and get into the car for the test drive!
60 years of ownership has its privileges and this car has been
cared for. A few battle scars on the paint and body, some rust on
the exterior steel panels in its early form, but overall nicely
presenting, and runs just peachy. An overall fine example that can
be driven right off the Classic Auto Mall floor to your
driveway.
VIN Decode
C559297
C-Chrysler
55-1955
9297-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.