THE STORY

The Imperial was Chrysler’s luxury vehicle brand from 1955 to 1975 and again from 1981 to 1983. It was a separate division of Chrysler created to compete with Ford’s Lincoln and General Motor’s Cadillac divisions.

New body styles were introduced every 2 – 3 years, all had V8 engines and automatic transmissions keeping in step with the luxury car theme.

Styling decisions were left in the capable hands of Virgil Exner and the 1957 model enjoyed the touch of the famous “Forward Look” design program.

This program adopted fins as a central element in all its vehicle designs, believed in the aerodynamic benefits of the fins and even used wind tunnel testing to prove their function. Rooflines were also lowered and the cars were made sleeker, smoother and more aggressive looking.

Exner and his team propelled the company to the forefront of design and rival companies were caught napping and had to scramble to catch up.

The 1957 model was powered by a 392ci (6.4L) Hemi engine with 4 barrel carburettor and dual exhaust. The cars received their own new platform and rode on "Torsion-Aire" suspension.

Styling cues included a "biplane" front bumper, a full-width egg-crate grille, quad headlights, taller tailfins with the trademark “gunsight” taillights and a downward tapering decklid.

The "FliteSweep Deck Lid", a simulated Continental Tyre bulge, was a new option for 1957.

Curved side glass was employed for the first time in the U.S. and there were 3 levels of trim - standard Imperial Custom, mid-range Imperial Crown and top-of-the-line Imperial LeBaron.

THE CAR

An imposing, beautiful example of a 1957 Imperial Crown hardtop coupe.

Imported into Australia in 1997, this vehicle has had the same Aussie owner for 26 years.

In 2007 the vehicle commenced a no expense spared restoration that took over 5 years and cost well over $ 200k. All receipts for the work done are to hand as are the multiple trophies won by the car over the journey since the restoration was completed. The car has been recently serviced, a new brake booster has been installed and the power steering pump has been overhauled.

Finished in gleaming Cloud White with a contrasting Red roof and acres of chrome, the car oozes class. The interior finish is second to none and all emblems and embellishments are present and accounted for. The steering wheel and dash cluster are works of art in themselves. Various pieces in the interior have been finished in 24 karat gold plating including the air conditioning vents, rear view mirror and "buttons" on the steering wheel.

Features include air conditioning, power steering, power windows, power brakes, self-cancelling turn signals, 6-way power driver’s seat and optional FlightSweep Deck Lid. All gauges work as does the signal seeking radio.

The original Hemi power plant with 4 barrel carburettor and automatic choke has good torque and power and the Chrysler 3-speed push button automatic transmission is smooth. The car sits flat on the road around corners and the power steering is light.

Other specifications include map light, rear compartment light, cigar lighter, power antenna and variable speed windshield washers with automatic  washer.

An extremely rare find here in Australia.

The car has previously been fully registered in South Australia.