Vehicle Description
1965 Chrysler Imperial 4 Door Hardtop
Sometimes film and culture have positive impacts on our perception
of certain cars. Mid 60's Chrysler Imperials will forever be
associated with the Green Hornet, a television series that really
has its origins in a radio show about a superhero in the 1930's,
when the fight between good and evil wasn't unclear. And to help
with that fight was Bruce Lee, a budding young star and originator
of the Jeet Kune Do martial art. Despite the association, Imperials
are interesting cars on their own.
For consignment, a 1965 Chrysler Imperial 4 door hardtop with a
title verified 59,587 actual miles with many original parts both on
the car and available to the buyer. Take out your tape measure
because this car is 227 inches long. But the styling is unique and
wonderful and well worth a look, garage space or not!
Exterior
Single stage Persian White paint covers the car, contrasted by the
black vinyl hardtop. Other than the wheel openings, there's not a
round body line on this car anywhere and many of the right angles
lean forward, and the profile of the car shows it leaning forward,
as if in motion. Distinctive covered quad headlight assemblies
mirror the shape of the finely slatted grille over a strong chrome
bumper and centered between the period trend of protruding front
fenders. The side mirrors that are mounted well forward of the
A-pillar and the Imperial eagle hood ornament give this elegant car
an air of royalty and it doesn't hurt that a crown insignia and
lettering is on trim at the base of the C-pillar. The rear fascia
with the slit taillights and large eagle motif is nothing short of
epic. Our black vinyl roof is in rough shape and will need to be
replaced, while other imperfections include a loose door handle and
various areas of surface rust. 15-inch aluminum slot wheels are in
place, but our consignor states original hubcaps come with the car
and original wheels are available. The current tires have a
mid-2019 date code.
Interior
The use of aircraft throttle like door actuators on the inside
panels must have been very tempting for kids sitting in the back
seat. The T-handles are robust and inviting and are accompanied on
the driver's door by six little metal window toggles while rear
doors get an ashtray and courtesy light. Amazing sofa like leather
bench seats are button backed tufted black leather and both rear
and front have pull down armrests that tuck neatly into the seat
back. The leather is in great condition while the plastic steering
wheel shows some discoloration and cracking, but the center piece
is nice. Horizontal gauges fill the dashboard including the long
speedometer that stretches to 120 mph next to an analog clock
brimming with 60's simplicity. A modern AM/FM/CD radio is flanked
by some weathered faux wood panels but the panel in front of the
passenger, with its pointed ends, is in great shape. The original
radio comes with the car. Low pile black carpet covers the floor,
showing some age, and the stitched headliner is just a bit loose in
the seams, but in otherwise very good condition. The trunk has a
spare tire, jack and black carpeted mat showing usage but not
bad.
Drivetrain
As we open the hood, we note some surface rust on the bottom side
of the hood and then take note of a driver quality engine bay
housing a 413ci V8 rated at an impressive 340 horsepower and fed
fuel via a 4-barrel carburetor. An A727 Torqueflite 3-speed
automatic transmission sends power to the 8 � inch rear and 2.93
gears while power drum brakes are supplied in the front and back to
halt those 340 horses.
Undercarriage
It's driver quality underneath with surface rust predominating,
however the gas tank stands out as shiny and newer. Beefy frame
rails flank a single exhaust that travels to a stock style muffler
before exiting just under the bumper. We note some oil on the rear
differential that appears to possibly have its origin at the pinion
seal. Suspension consists of torsion bars up front and leaf springs
in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The lap of luxury starts with thick leather seats and an open bench
that allows loved ones to snuggle close, (don't forget that seat
belt). The car runs smoothly and rides smoothly and we circle our
test loop peering over the big hood and aiming our direction with
the eagle ornament. Outside of the comfortable cruise, we note some
things that need attention. The air conditioning, horn, that 60's
clock, and reverse lights do not work. The passenger front power
window is not working and the back door on the driver's side does
not open.
The Imperial is quintessentially 1960's with long, straight lines
and square everything. It is simplicity wrapped in a bit of luxury
and adorned with interesting switches, body trim, and interior
materials. Green Hornet aside, this is a cool car from any angle,
especially from the driver's seat!
Y253136970
Y-Imperial
2-Medium Price Class
5-1965
3-Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI Assy Plant
136970-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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