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Cheap Class: 1965 Imperial Crown Convertible

When you look past the tired and faded exterior appearance, this 1965 Imperial Crown Convertible seems to be a really solid car that would be a lovely classic to own and drive once it has been restored. There is no doubt that it is going to require some work, but with only 633 Convertibles being built during the 1965 model year, it might be well worth the effort if you are a person searching for an unusual classic. The Convertible is located in Everett, Pennsylvania, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The Imperial has attracted a single bid of $2,500, and at that price, it appears as though the reserve has been met.

The Imperial is being sold out of an estate collection, and it appears that it has been inactive for many years. The Daffodil Yellow paint is quite faded, and the power top is pretty shredded. If you look beyond that, while it appears that there might be some slight rust in the bottoms of the doors, along with some in the driver’s side fender, that would seem to be about it. The rest of the lower body extremities, along with the quarter panels, are clean. The seller also says that the floors and frame are solid as well. It would seem that all of the external trim and chrome is present, and while the majority of it could either be cleaned or restored, the front bumper appears to have damage that might warrant its replacement. Apart from that, the seller states that there are no other signs of prior accident damage.

None of us likes nasty surprises, but the occasional pleasant surprise never goes astray. When I got my first glance at the interior photos of the Convertible, I definitely felt that I experienced the latter sensation. Considering the condition of the rest of the car, the interior looks really promising. The seller says that the leather on the seats remains soft, and it looks like a clean and condition would see them returned to their best. All of the armrests would appear to require restoration, the carpet is showing some wear in a couple of spots, and there are few loose items that will need to be reattached, but the rest of it looks like it will respond to a good old-fashioned dose of elbow grease. Equipment levels are all that you would expect from a luxury car. This includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, six-way power front seats, cruise control, a power antenna, a remote trunk release, and a remote exterior mirror. One interesting new feature for 1965 was the “Sentry Signal” warning light, which gave you a visual indication if something untoward was showing on one of the car’s gauges. It certainly saved drivers the trouble of perusing those gauges.

I think that taking one look in the engine bay would make it safe to assume that this car has not fired a shot in anger for a very long time. The seller gives us no indication on the relative health of the 413ci V8 or the TorqueFlite transmission. If healthy, the 413 is capable of producing 340hp. It is to be hoped that the engine at least turns freely, and given the solid-state of the rest of the vehicle, I think that we have the right to show some optimism in this area. In addition to this engine and transmission, the Imperial found itself fitted with power steering and power brakes as standard equipment.

As we’ve seen before, rarity doesn’t necessarily translate into enormous values in the world of the classic car. This Imperial is 1-of-633 cars built during 1965, and it is a luxury car. All of this should equate to a pretty high potential value, but these are a car that remains relatively affordable. Spotless examples of the Imperial Convertible can generally be found for between $30,000 and $40,000, although they do occasionally appear at prices slightly below this figure. If this one is a solid car, and if it can be secured for a reasonable price, there is no reason why it couldn’t be fully restored, and still make a certain amount of economic sense.

Comments

  1. Avatar DETROIT LAND YACHT

    Gorgeous lines…absolutely worth restoring.
    Definitely keep and freshen the Daffodil Yellow paint.

    Like 11
  2. Avatar John D.

    My Dad had a white ’67.. What a wonderful car. The fellow who bought it, 30+ years ago, still has it.

    Like 9
  3. Avatar 71FXSuperGlide

    These are a nice cruising droptop. Tough to tell how bad the rust is without the undercar photos.

    And the Buick in the background also looks interesting.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Little_Cars

      Also for sale, along with a Toyota FJ-40. Slightly rough PA cars. If the prices stay where they are these collectibles will be well bought. For added entertainment, go to eBay and read the seller’s description of the red Buick. “No paint overspray,” but right next to a photo of the wheel well with lots of overspray.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Freddie

        It says no overspray chorme

        Like 0
  4. Avatar sg

    Drove a ’65 Imperial sedan through a couple semesters of college about 25 years ago. It was my first luxury car despite being a $300 beater. These even had power vent windows!

    Loved that car but it always needed something. The power steering bracket wouldn’t hold adjustment and you had to wedge a block of wood under it, which eventually fell out again. The dash chrome was hazy and blistered so I kept a piece of steel wool in the ashtray and would polish it while sitting in traffic or waiting at the drive-thru. Girls actually liked it too!

    The lack of title is a big problem but I’d love to sit in that black leather interior going down the road…

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Little_Cars

    That is correct. Not on the trim, just everywhere else. Looks like an early Corvair sedan in the background of one photo.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Bob C.

    They say this generation (1964 to 66) was the first designed completely by Elwood Engel, although it still retained the windshield and vent windows from the Exner days.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Brian L Boespflug

    About 10 years ago I was bidding on a light blue all original 65 Imperial convertible that was driver quality or better and I passed at $8,800. Sadly these old mopars just don’t bring big money.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar WR Hall

    Unless it is totally rotten underneath this would be a VERY NICE project to take for a ride on nicce day or maybe a family vacation. You could easily stuff a couple of brats in the truck..

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Andrew Franks

    I am a serious enthusiast of Mid Sixties Chryslers, and have two now. If I bought this there would be substantial excitement at home. I’ve had a ’65 Crown 4DR Hardtop, and it was a real Prince. Somebody jump on this car.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar stillrunners

    Sold my one-owner 1965 running convert back about 1995 and struggled to get $1500 out of it- it was about the same shape. Good luck to the new owner !

    Like 0
  11. Avatar moosie

    What are the two pieces of trim that are pictured on the deck lid, this car looks like it is worthy of being saved, I hope the seller gets his price, no title ??

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Del

    Not many left.

    Some scary rust spots coming out.

    Hard to say if saveable without an inspection.

    Interior has stood up well

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Miguel

    A new set of tires would have made the car look a lot better in the pictures and probably bring more money.

    Like 2
  14. Avatar John Skeadas

    I believe that the 2 pieces pictured on the trunk are hard boot covers for the convertible top once lowered.
    I wonder why the car is sitting so low, especially in the rear?

    Like 0
    • Avatar moosie

      I thought they might have been hard boot covers also, but ? . Flat tires aren’t helping the stance. Maybe Jimmy Hoffa has taken up residence in the trunk ?

      Like 1

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