For Sale: 1972 Chrysler Imperial in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

Vehicle Description

1972 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4 Door Hardtop

"Luxury cars should look like luxury cars. They should also stay looking like luxury cars for a long time. That's what was in our minds when we gave the 1972 Imperials new styling. It starts with a bold, new grille and hidden headlights surrounded by a new massive loop-type front bumper. Body lines have been smoothed out and the new hardtop roofline shows a slim silhouette. There's a new big rear bumper with bumper guards. Some fine "touches," wheel lip moldings and rear window and vinyl roof moldings are color keyed." From the 1972 Chrysler/Imperial sales brochure.

For consignment, a 1972 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4 door hardtop. Move over Buick 225, this land yacht is 229.6, let's call it and even 230 inches long. Yes, the roofline presents a slim silhouette, but when you're topping a proverbial boat, the top's heft is pointless. Really want to test your parallel parking skills? Well, he's the car to challenge even the masters. That is, if you can find a space big enough.

Exterior
Six and half feet span the vase shaped marker lights that flank two rows of three dimensional rectangles that get more complex the closer you look, and seamlessly hide the headlights, all under slightly raised fenders. If you look too fast, this could be the back of a car with its vertical symmetry, fin-like fender tops, and bold chrome bumper. But no, the back of this car drops off with more of a curve and has a flatter chrome bumper that is sculpted around two narrow taillights and the Imperial emblem in the center of the latch panel. In profile, the hood could double as an aircraft carrier with its acres of Tawney Gold painted steel forming flat panels, and the trunk is not far behind in size. The back door is longer than the front and flows into an enormous rear quarter that goes from covering the top of the rear wheel and extends way past the rear axle. The gold vinyl top that envelopes the slim roof and sloping C-pillar is in very good condition, as is the metalwork and paint. Imperfections include scratches and rock chips down low, and some rust and bubbling on the rocker panels.

Interior
Gold sculpted door panels are adorned with period appropriate simulated wood trim around the door pull, actuator, and control panel while gold carpet covers the lower panel. In true luxury, the rear doors have cigarette lighters built in. The split bench front seats would be at home in a 1970's living room with floral printed cloth, button tufting, and dual retractable armrests with a gold vinyl headrest and sidewalls. There's some patina here that could easily be restored and the rear bench seat is also the lap of luxury with handholds on the C-pillars and a large center armrest. There's patina and some discoloration of the horn bar of the gold steering wheel but it's intact. No one was expecting round gauges on this angular car and indeed, all displays are arranged horizontally framed by simulated wood as part of the LeBaron package. There's an AM/FM radio, a fantastic rolling period clock, and a water temperature gauge added in the ashtray, representing the only circle gauge in the car. Plush gold carpet was highly touted in the Imperial, and the brochure said you might be tempted to take your shoes off. It shows some age but is in decent shape as is the headliner above with shoulder belts clipped in. The enormous trunk is covered with a black loop carpet mat and the spare is dressed in the same.

Drivetrain
Presenting in driver quality condition, the mighty 440ci V8 under the garage-door of a hood is rated at 225 horsepower. It wears a 4-barrel carburetor and is backed by an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the 8 � inch rear axle with 3.23 gears. Power brakes are onboard this locomotive with discs in front and drums in the back. Our consignor states there's a newer radiator, A/C compressor, alternator, water pump, fuel and water hoses.

Undercarriage
Surface rust and general patina is found underneath but overall condition is good. There's some oil around the front including the pan which has dripped onto the single exhaust that crosses under it. That exhaust travels a long way, intersects a rusted stock style muffler, then a resonator just before terminating behind the rear bumper. There's some great build up on the steering knuckle and wheel components. Torsion bar suspension if found up front and leaf springs out back. Our consignor states the gas tank is newer.

Drive-Ability
Make way, we're pulling the Imperial out! Yes, we navigated this behemoth onto our spacious test loop and soaked in all its 70's goodness. The 440 started without issue and while you'd normally expect a muscular grumble from the engine, this one has been suppressed for low noise and ultimate cabin comfort. Besides that, the exhaust pipe is a mile from the front seat and with the windows up, you don't hear much. Meanwhile, this car floats, and we mean on par with any Cadillac or Lincoln of the era that your grandfather keeps talking about. Road bumps? Nah. Nothing, and those 75 series tires help. We note the A/C is not working, and the rear windows do not move even though their motors operate.

In an era when garages were small and cars were big, this is one of the largest. Five thousand pounds and six and half feet wide, this is the epitome of Detroit luxury. 13,472 4 door Imperial LeBarons were produced in 1972 and we suspect there aren't many survivors. We're almost positive this model was in an episode of Kojak but regardless, this is now a show stopping classic. You might want to reserve two spots at the local car show.

YM43T2C189212

Y-Imperial LeBaron
M-Medium Price Class
43-4 Door Hardtop
T-440ci 4bbl V8
2-1972
C-Jefferson, MI Assy Plant
189212-Sequential Unit Number

FENDER TAG

YM43:Imperial LeBaron Medium Price Class 4 Door Hardtop
T2C:440ci 4bbl 350hp V8 1972 Jefferson Avenue, MI, USA
189212:Sequence number
E85:440ci 4bbl V8 350hp
D34:Light Duty Automatic Transmission
GY9:Tawney Gold Poly (Plymouth, Chrysler, Imperial) Exterior Color
PDY5:Trim - Premium, Split Bench, Cloth & Leather, Medium Gold
GY9: Tawney Gold Poly Int. Door Frames
C10:Build Date: December 10
269185Order number
V1Y:Full Vinyl Top, Gold
H53:Unknown
R48:Power Antenna
L31:Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
L35:Cornering Lamps
M45:Fender Skirts
P33:Power Vent Windows
P41:Power Door Locks
S61:Tilt/Telescopic Steering Column
N23:Electronic Ignition System
V5Y:Body Side Stripes, Yellow
G11:Tinted Glass (all)
P45:Power Deck Lid Release
R32:Dual Rear Speakers

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Vehicle Details

  • 1972 Chrysler Imperial
  • Listing ID: CC-1881060
  • Price: $13,000
  • Location:Morgantown, Pennsylvania
  • Year:1972
  • Make:Chrysler
  • Model:Imperial
  • Exterior Color:Tawney Gold
  • Interior Color:Medium Gold
  • Transmission:Automatic
  • Odometer:8282
  • Stock Number:6719
  • VIN:YM43T2C189212
Listed By:
Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Rd.
Morgantown, PA 19543

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