"The term Imperial has been synonymous with Chrysler luxury since
1926. However, beginning in 1955, the company took the name one
step further, making it an independent marque, the Imperial
Division of Chrysler Corporation. Like Cadillac for GM and later
Continental for Ford, Imperial represented Chrysler's most
luxurious vehicles." Atexpa.org
For consignment, a 1955 Chrysler Imperial 2 door hardtop with a
title verified 69,004 actual miles. Long term family ownership and
lots of cosmetic upgrades in recent years makes this uncommon Hemi
powered Mopar one to consider!
Exterior
In the words of car reviewer Charles Phoenix, 'where do we begin to
behold the glory of this car? Let's start in the back where its
configuration is as rare as the day is long, with infamous gunsight
tail lights the protrude from the fenders and an ornate bumper
configuration surely inspired by the promise of intergalactic
travel, the reverse lights and exhaust impossibly embedded as part
of the design while the Imperial eagle and badge soar above on the
rounded decklid. In profile, the Desert Beige roof is the perfect
complement to the Canyon Tan two stage repaint while a flared spear
goes end to end with a broad band of polished stainless. White
walls on the 15-inch wheels bring it all together while the
handsome fascia mixes robust twin grilles with a big chrome bumper.
Overall the body, paint and trim are impeccable with some minor
imperfections noted as an inclusion in back, scuff on the hood,
cracking paint by the door handle, chips, scratches, and some
deplating on the front bumper.
Interior
In typical Imperial over the top fashion, the interior begins with
artful door panels with copper tones of leather and cloth mixing
with beige pleated inserts and polished metal hardware, just like
exterior, and both present nicely. Up front, the pattern is
repeated with beige leather and patterned cloth inserts and robust
metal switchgear. Both the front and rear benches show a touch of
patina with some tempered brightness but are fully intact and show
worthy as they are. A few hairline cracks amend an otherwise
fantastic two tone steering wheel with full horn ring, fronting a
simple but elegant dash where the gauges, knobs, and AM radio meld
with the curvaceous lines and bicolor design that includes a clock.
Some light patina is noted on a trim ring here but not enough to
stay at home on show day. Thick redone carpet lines the floor while
attention is given to the kick panels by Chrysler, the headliner
was redone at some point and looks good, and the trunk has a fitted
mat and shows minor use but is generally clean.
Drivetrain
You can't go wrong with a 331ci Hemi V8 under the hood, good for
250 horsepower and wearing a 4-barrel carburetor. Behind it, a
PowerFlite 2-speed automatic transmission which routes power to the
8 �" rear. As a performance luxury vehicle, this one is equipped
with A/C, power brakes and power steering and the bay presents as
original.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with some typical surface rust, some
residual oil on the pan and rear differential, and a touch of build
up on the knuckles. Dual exhaust runs through long stock style
mufflers on their way to the epic exit through the rear bumper.
Power drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension consists of
coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
The V8 comes to life without issue and we roll this elegant copper
car onto the test loop where it provides good power and a smooth,
comfortable ride. We note it pulls hard on braking and the radio,
clock, and passenger side wiper not working. The up and down
functionality of the power seat does not work. All other functions
on this beauty operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Just 3,418 two door Imperials were made in 1955 and surely only a
small percentage have survived, making this a rare opportunity to
acquire a special car from the era when Chrysler was part of the
"Big Three" but produced more Dodges and Plymouths, still far
undercutting the numbers produced by Chevy and Ford. This example
is going to look great anywhere, but if you happen to have a view
of the San Jacinto mountains, take a second look!
C558972
C-Chrysler Imperial
55-1955
8972-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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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