Back in 1955, Chrysler decided they needed a new, separate marque to be truly competitive with both Lincoln and Cadillac. While the name “Imperial” had been used on various Chrysler models since 1926, 1955 was the first year it was a separate division of Chrysler. This car is presented for sale here on eBay with no history at all and will be sold on a bill of sale only. Those two things probably account for the low bidding so far; as I write the car has only been bid up to $1,125 and there’s no reserve! Plan on picking up this 4,800-pound car in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania if you are the high bidder.
I can’t help it — I love the completely excessive styling of this Imperial. Just look at those tail lights, for example. And all the chrome geegaws all over! This is a Newport model, which essentially just means it’s a two-door car. I’m surprised to see the original wheel covers and all the trim intact. Did you know that the base list price of the Newport was $4,483! That was an incredibly expensive car in 1955 — that’s the equivalent of $43,754 in 2021 dollars. The seller states that this car has all the available optional equipment except for air conditioning.
The extensive weathering on the paint has me wondering if it is original. I’m thinking the re-chroming bill will be well into five figures if the new owner plans on a full restoration. I’m wondering how presentable it could be made to look with a lot of polishing, though! There were only 3,418 Newport coupes built in 1955; I’m sure there aren’t all that many left that are this original.
As you can see from this showroom sample, this is the original white leather/blue nylon fabric upholstery and might actually be able to be saved for a driver-quality car. Perhaps the 75,000 indicated miles are genuine?
Assuming this is the original engine (it looks like it), this would be a 331 cubic-inch, 250-horsepower V-8 “FirePower” engine. It’s based on the original “Hemi” design and has a four-barrel carburetor. Imperials featured a two-speed “PowerFlite” automatic transmission. The seller says it does not run but seems complete. It would be nice to know if the engine was seized or not, but to be honest, if the price stays near where it is now, does it really matter? By the way, my long-suffering wife has already said “no,” so I’m counting on one of you Barn Finds readers to come through and be the high bidder on this auction! Let us know if it’s you!
No link
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-Chrysler-Imperial/284203613171?hash=item422bdafbf3:g:JvQAAOSwtRNgIFqh
Or maybe you could just buy this one.https://artinsta.co/2021/03/02/1955-imperial/?fbclid=IwAR0A8k4XX9y1TghiSpFj6ajSFMYGvh-71eeeqqgIi5CTC_ey4qU7Q_kCSxY
There is a great club for owners of these. The more desireable is the ’56 as the engine was enlarged. I’m not sure if the intake runners issue was solved yet in 56. This will be a labor of love but looks possibly doable. Hard not to be underwater though.
You have a smart wife!
Beautiful looking car. I’ve always found the 1955 Imperial the best looking car, way better looking than later Imperials, at least until the 1962 Imperial. Assuming everything is present, I would think it’d make a decent resto project.
With no title, how will it ever be anything more than a parts car?
It could be parted out. But I would think whoever owns the car would want to sell the car as is to someone willing and able to restore the car.
Here in California, it’s pretty straightforward unlike some other places, or at least it was last time I did it.
There are several companies that will arrange to get a title for a new owner.
Not planning to bid on this one. But for future reference, how does that work. Can you identify some of these companies? This is news to me. Thank you.
Go to Hemmings. There are several title companies that advertise. You send them money and info and you get back a notarized bill of sale. Mine have always been out of NY which has only a bill of sale for cars before ‘73. Georgia is the same way. Done it twice with no problem.
Here in New Jersey it’s a real hassle to get a title. Need to get affidavit from past owners.
Looks like Chrysler 300 hubcaps which you don’t see much – most were optioned with the factory wires – an option it’s also missing. The trunk air are pretty easy to find as most don’t want to deal with them. Oh and by the way – the Dodge and Plymouth trunk air unit is a little smaller unit.
Nice that a least it’s complete…..
Stillrunners,
I’ve had several 1955-56 Imperials, 2-doors, sedans, even a Crown limo and the one ’56 sedan built in Paris [by Facel] for the Paris auto show.
I’ve put factory A/C into a 1956 [same as ’55] Imperial. I won’t do it again, it’s not an easy job! Most of these 2-doors didn’t come with factory chrome wire wheels, but I must admit that a lot of them did have them as optional equipment.
Bonded titles are possible in Ohio. Call your county courthouse and speak to the title bureau. Can’t remember the cost quote but it was reasonable. Or call your Highway Patrol office and ask about it as they do reconstruction title for Ohio.
Nice complete car. I had a 55 Chrysler Windsor. Only a 301 Cubic inch engine and not a hemi. It was a great road car.
I had a teacher when I was in high school who had one. I think his was a 1955 Chrysler 300. It’s been forever since I’d last seen him, so I have no way of knowing whether he still has it.
I always liked the front end, but hated the tail lights! Looks like an afterthought.
I agree. I’ve seen cars over the years that look like they were hastily done, as if they were like “where shall I place this?” or “how do I put this on?” Not much thought had been taken as to how a car should be assembled. “eh, we’ll let the dealer worry about quality control.”