For Sale: 1957 Chrysler Crown Imperial in Saint Louis, Missouri

By the mid-1950s, American automobile design had entered its most exuberant and expressive phase. Tailfins stretched skyward, chrome reflected the optimism of a booming postwar society, and the automobile became an unmistakable extension of personal style. At Chrysler, Virgil Exner stood at the forefront of this revolution. His "Forward Look" design language, with its European-inspired elegance and bold proportions, redefined Detroit's visual vocabulary and signaled Chrysler's intent to compete head-to-head with General Motors as a design leader.
Exner had long envisioned a dramatic personal luxury coupe that would elevate Chrysler into new territory. That vision found its ultimate expression in the Imperial line-Chrysler's flagship marque-distinguished by sweeping proportions, dramatic tailfins, and advanced engineering beneath the skin. Notably, Imperial's adoption of torsion-bar front suspension allowed for a lower, more athletic stance without compromising ride comfort, a technical achievement that set the brand apart from its rivals.
For 1957, Imperial design advanced even further, solidifying the marque's separation from its Chrysler roots and establishing it as a standalone luxury brand in image and execution. The Crown Coupe embodied Exner's daring "FlightSweep" aesthetic, its towering fins capped by taillights integrated into their very tips-a striking detail that intensified the era's fin wars. With its long, flowing lines, jet-age cues, and purposeful stance, the Crown Coupe projected an aura of authority and sophistication unmatched by contemporaries.
The car offered here, identified by chassis no. C577843, is a 1957 Imperial Crown Coupe finished in Chrysler's dazzling Champagne Gold with a contrasting white roof-a color scheme that highlights the model's sculptural forms and dramatic character. This example benefits from a recent, comprehensive restoration, presenting today in outstanding condition.
It is believed this example retains its original, numbers-matching 392-cubic-inch FirePower Hemi V8, this example represents the pinnacle of Chrysler engineering in the era. With its push-button operated TorqueFlite automatic transmission, torsion-bar suspension, and Exner's uncompromising design, it is a rolling statement of midcentury ambition.
The interior was equally forward-thinking, with a carefully balanced blend of technology and luxury. This Crown Coupe features leatherette and cloth upholstery, set against a sweeping dashboard and jet-age instrument cluster. The result was a cabin that placed the driver in command of one of the most advanced and stylish American automobiles of the decade, while ensuring passenger comfort befitting a flagship luxury model.
Arguably the highlight of this Imperial Crown Coupe is its phenomenal restoration, totaling over $250,000 with receipts and photos on file to support, this Imperial has had no expense spared. Undertaken under the careful supervision of a fervent collector, the restoration emphasized correctness in both components and detail.
Few cars capture the drama and optimism of the Jet-Age more vividly than the 1957 Imperial Crown Coupe. Elegant yet commanding, technically advanced yet flamboyantly styled, it remains one of Virgil Exner's most successful and enduring designs. For collectors seeking a car that represents the height of 1950s American luxury and design bravado, chassis C577843 offers an exceptional opportunity.


Offers welcome and trades considered.