Ever since I started this gig, I have become more intrigued by ChryCo’s Imperial. I first learned of Chrysler’s top brand probably by virtue of the Green Hornet’s “Black Beauty” a customized mid-’60s Imperial. Chrysler’s top drawer brand was the third leg of the luxury troika along with Cadillac and Lincoln. And that intrigue was fueled by the Imperial’s ultimate disappearance, a direction that the Chrysler brand, in general, seems to be heading these days. Enough of that however, let’s take a look back before all that happened and review a 1970 Imperial Crown four-door hardtop. This big luxury car is located in West Bloomfield, Michigan and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,500 with thirteen bids tendered as of this writing.
A tagline used in the ’70 Imperial sales brochure reads, “A man is understandably proud of the things that please him most“. That’s like saying, thank me very much for buying this car. I’m not sure what Chrysler was going for with that one but I can tell you that 1970 Imperial production was half of what it was in ’69, with only 11K units rolling off of the Jefferson (Detroit), Michigan assembly line. In spite of the drop, the Imperial still placed thirteenth in the domestic auto production race that year. Trim levels were limited to two, LeBaron and Crown, and body styles consisted of two and four-door hardtops. This example is not referenced as a Crown but based on visual evidence, I believe that’s what this four-door hardtop is.
The seller tells us that this Imperial is, “A true Montana barn find” but offers no other details. He further adds, “Car is Very Clean other than some scratches in the paint and a dent in the rear quarter panel. Needs a very good detailing. All Glass & trim is Perfect” I’ll have to say that it does present well and the referenced dent looks to be minor. The Citron Gold Metallic finish (code Y6) is all so ’70ish and still possesses a decent shine. That hue is actually one of three that were similar, and very much in vogue back in that era. The “Champaign” flavored vinyl roof covering appears to be free of typical aged-vinyl top foibles – no wrinkles, tears, or flapping in the breeze noted.
Under the Montana-sized hood is a 350 gross HP, 440 CI V8 engine that is described by stating, ” Runs and drives, motor is a great running 440 with automatic Trans“. The mileage recording is 82K miles and assuming that the big mill has been maintained and not abused, it should still have plenty of life to live.
The interior’s upholstery, while appearing to be in sound shape, looks to be some sort of an unpleasant shade of green. It’s the same deal with the carpet, perhaps it’s faded or it’s a poor photographic color replication. And then again, maybe that’s just the way it is. Overall, the interior could use a sound cleaning but it doesn’t appear to need anything more than that – and that is good news!
This Imperial is a nice find and I concur with the seller’s comment that it could use a thorough detailing. Beyond that, it would appear to be good to go. And of course, I must bestow the title of Whammer-jammer on this four-door hardtop. After all, even the sales brochure states, “One of the largest cars made in this country, the archetype for our entire line“. Go with the flow, right?
There aren’t many interior shots on BF where my first instinct is to vomit.
Calling this color “Unpleasant Green” is overstating the attractiveness on this one.
These cars did command your attention if seen when they were new. That color green your seeing is pretty much the green hue Chrysler used across the line. It will grow on you like a avocado appliance. Granted a black one would be just amazing. Always got a kick out of the hypocrisy of muscle cars waning because of fuel consumption but the land yachts got bigger and bigger. It’s is a very nice car to enjoy.
I had a ’73 Chrysler wagon with that engine. The ’73 had another couple of layers of anti-pollution devices. Mine was good for 14 MPG [empty or loaded] I still remember the feeling/sound of the four-barrel secondaries opening-up at about 10MPH after a ‘floor it’ start. Nothing from the tires.
Love these big Mopar’s, for those who haven’t had the pleasure of riding in one, cross it off your bucket list and do so. It’s not so much a ride, as it is an experience . I am 6’3″, and if memory serves me right, I could lay across the backseat, I was um, um, Night putting, yeah, putting at night. I also remember this platform had THE biggest ashtray that I have ever seen in an automobile. It stretched from the steering wheel to the glovebox. Plenty of room for all 3 passengers in the front to smoke’em if you got’em. I would love to have one if nothing else than to piss off all the Prius and Bolt owner’s and there ilk. God, I wish I had the means, beautiful ride.
Why not spend a little money & have it detailed
before putting it up for sale?
You are preaching to the choir Angliagt, this one is actually quite clean, nice photos too. Front, rear, both sides, engine and interior., no food boxes or cups and they washed it. It’s not that tough and he will get what he wants. This is how cars should look if you are selling them.
This isn’t a great year for Imperials. Missed by several years IMO.Also the color choice is well, not what I consider very desirable. She’s a true survivor though and maybe someone can give her a good home.
We had a 1970 Crown Imperial. White, with matching green vinyl roof and interior, matching this car’s interior. I think the difference in the Imperial, and Crown Imperial was leather interior. Yes, that was a standard color used all through Chrysler’s line. We had the same color interior on a 1968 Plymouth VIP! A terrible color..Mom LOVED green!!!
You didn’t have a “Crown Imperial”, you had an Imperial Crown. With “crown” before the Imperial name, you were referring to one of the handmade Italian built Imperial limos built in the late 50s/early 60s. Yes, it’s confusing! Leather was an option on either a Crown or a LeBaron. The difference between the two models was basically in the interior trim, much the same as a Cadillac deVille VS. a Calais..
If i had the space i would buy it. About all I would do is cover the seats in clear plastic to preserve the fabric and drive it on sunny days. As a side i am surprised to see the seat belts out ready for action. Most yachts of that size the belts are kept neatly away as everyone knows size wins and all a wreck with a prius would do is scratch your bumper.
Check out the crash video on YouTube featuring an older and a modern Impala. Much better chance of survival if you are in the newer car. Size is safe is a bit of a myth.
In seen that video.
The 59 Impala folds up like a pop can!
If one is that much concerned with safety, I suggest to buy an Army tank or at least a Mack truck. If all this safety stuff were viable, you´d have to abolish every car ever made, never mind motorcycles. This Imperial seems to me to be a great car, color choices notwithstanding.
I would like to have the Imperial. Work on the dent and have a great cruiser. Some seat covers would greatly improve the interior.
Nice ride. What’s the story on the Swepty in the background?
I have always hated the color green, which might explain why I don’t have any green money.
I had a 1971 Imperial LeBaron in white with burgundy interior and burgundy paisley top.
For a big car it had some get up and go. Drove it back and forth from NJ to FL several times. Like driving a cloud at 100 mph
Why would you drive it back and forth like that what were you transporting
It would make a great demo derby car!!