1955 Chrysler Imperial

1955 Chrysler Imperial 2 Door Hardtop 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 ¾ 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 pu