For Sale: 1981 Chrysler Imperial in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1981 Chrysler Imperial Frank Sinatra Limited Edition

"Unique is the word for Imperial. It comes to you totally equipped. With a sophisticated, fully electronic digital instrument cluster. And continuous electronic fuel injection for optimum performance and fuel economy. Interiors are my Mark Cross, flawlessly executed in Kimberley velvet or supple leather. Styling is unlike any other. Forward thrusting, aerodynamic, a totally contemporary statement. And there is the Imperial FS Limited Edition, an elegant study in blue, named for Frank Sinatra and presented with his favourite, (sic), cassettes in a Mark Cross leather bag." From the Imperial print ad.

For consignment, a 1981 Chrysler Imperial Frank Sinatra Limited Edition with a title verified 40,835 actual miles. Only 148 Frank Sinatra editions were produced in 1981 and another 279 in 1982. Our consignor purchased the non running example in 2018 and conducted a partial engine rebuild, replacing the faulty injection system with a four barrel carburetor. It retains its numbers matching drivetrain.

Exterior
Selected to refer to Old Blue Eyes, every FS edition came bathed in Glacier Blue Crystal single stage paint and the unique body style includes plenty of opportunity to stretch that paint; on panels under each modest chrome bumper, on the wide c-pillar which casts a body line down over the rear quarter, and on the headlight covers that flank a handsome grille. Side trim is limited to wheel openings and window reveals while a B-pillar coach light and white walls spruce things up even more. Unique 15-inch wheels carry those tires, 205/75R15's with a late 2018 date code. The rear deck is also special, placing the license plate box above the taillights that run the width of the panel, capping off a squared hump back design. Imperfections include chips, fading and oxidation, missing rocker trim and a dented rocker, a few body dings, scuffs, scratches, crack in the urethane bumper and flex cracks, deplating of trim, surface rust where paint has chipped off, and chin scrapes. Yes, she's a bit rough, but...that's life, that's what all the people say.

Interior
As the ad says, it's a study in blue and that continues on the inside, but more than the color is the level of luxury and plushness that stands out. The blue carpet, which starts on the lower panels of the doors and continues to the floor is some of the deepest we've seen, toes deep, if you will. The overstuffed, pillow topped front seats in Kimberly velvet, suffer from cigarette and cigar burns, as if Frank himself drove it! The rear seats are in great shape. Blue leather wraps the steering wheel leading to a dashboard laden with chrome trim, simulated burlwood, and brushed aluminum. The gauges go from a black screen to digital green numbers and the center stack with its row of switches, AM/FM/Cassette radio, and A/C panel, are fronted by brushed aluminum. The center storage bin has the coveted Sinatra signature plate. A-pillar cloth is showing some looseness and the foam backed headliner has a number of compression marks. Gray carpet lines the impressively large trunk and presents cleanly.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is the driver quality numbers matching 318ci V8 with 140 horsepower, fueled here by an Edelbrock 4-barrel perched on an Edelbrock intake manifold. Our consignor states new heads were added. Behind it, the numbers matching A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the 8 �" rear with 3.23 gears.

Undercarriage
Driver quality here with typical age in an otherwise dry and clean environment. Our consignor tells us the fuel tank was reconditioned and a new in-tank fuel pump was added, along with a pressure regulator under the hood. Power disc brakes are up front and power drums bring up the rear wheels and a single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler. Suspension consists of transverse torsion bars up front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
Fly us to the moon...or at least around the test loop, and so she does with a good running engine and a living room level comfort few cars can match. Top of the heap! A number one! Meanwhile, we note the A/C and reverse lights are not working but all other functions on this classic work 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.

"We're on the road to romance, that's safe to say, but let's make all the stops along the way, and take it nice and easy!" How many song lyrics from the chairman of the board can we fit into one description? Not enough! If you're a Frank fan, or perhaps a Mopar collector, this is an opportunity to pick up one of rare FS editions that exist!

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 state's titling and registration process.

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