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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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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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
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person.
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