Fresh 440! 1972 Imperial

Dirty and optimistic (much like my ex-girlfriend) this 1972 Imperial on Long Island comes to market with an owner-claimed “all new” 440 engine. Imperial made its grille even more imposing for ’72 with these lantern-style pods on each end. If you go weak-kneed for hidden headlamp land yachts, check out more pictures here on Facebook Marketplace. The seller invites you to “finish my dream,” and makes that wish affordable at $4995. Bring five grand and you’ll have enough left over for that first gallon of gas. Thanks to reader Zen for spotting this Smithtown, New York classic.

Four-door Imperials could step up to full leather and this “floating cushion” seats, and while these have seen better days, when restored, they invite you to cover 400 miles in the comfort of mother’s bosom. Rosewood trim and state-of-the-art features set the highest standard of American luxury. Check out more details including the new-for-’72 rear styling (not shown in this listing) at ImperialClub. Legally Imperial stood as its own brand from 1955 to 1975, so don’t call these “Chrysler Imperial” unless you say “Ford Lincoln” or “GM Cadillac,” however this one bears a “by Chrysler” badge and they appeared in some marketing brochures with other Chrysler products, opening debate.

That ratchet strap and a listing photo of the transmission on a stand suggests “some assembly required” and I believe that’s the AutoTemp II box on the left (vehicle right). New York wouldn’t be my first choice to source a giant barge full of electronics, but this Imperial doesn’t look too bad. The seller claims to know where this car has been “since new,” so I’d want to hear that story before passing on this Empire State Imperial. Compression ratio of the 440 dropped from 9.7 to 9.2 to 8.2 for the years 1970 to 1972 according to UltimateMuscleCar, with associated horsepower drops. Production year 1972 brought a final indignity, mandated Net ratings (all accessories operating, etc.) instead of the long-standing Gross figures. Add that all up and this 7.2L V8 came to market with a modern 1.6L turbo-like 225 HP. Don’t despair, though, because you can’t muzzle big block torque, plus myriad muscle car parts have these tanks burning rubber to infinity and beyond with a few heroic card swipes.

“Fuselage” styling evoked airplane design, gaining a more pronounced belt trim by ’72. Triple green may not be everyone’s cup of green tea, but it’s perfect for flying your ’70s flag high. I took my ’81 Imperial to the 100 Years of Imperial celebration this year, and if I buy another Imperial, the ’69 to ’73 fuselage units like this one top my list. Will you make room in your hangar for this repowered and reasonably priced fuselage Imperial?