Although granted standalone marque status in 1955, it is fair to say that Imperial suffered an identity crisis. The buying public perceived it as a luxurious Chrysler model, an impression heightened by the fact that, unlike its opposition, Imperial didn’t utilize a standalone dealership network. Instead, it was sold from Chrysler showrooms, which negatively impacted the sales potential. This 1958 Imperial Southampton is a genuine survivor that has been part of the same family since Day One. Its condition is exceptional, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking a slice of 1950s luxury motoring. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning classic listed here on Craigslist in Christiansburg, Virginia. You could fly in and drive it home after handing the seller $35,000.

You don’t have to look very hard to see Virgil Exner’s hand in the design of the 1958 Imperial range. From the low rear deck and fins to the sweeping expanses of glass, this Imperial perfectly encapsulates his “forward look” philosophy. This Southampton is a stunning car that has been lovingly maintained by the same family for its entire life. The seller states that around 75% of its Mesa Tan and Ermine paint is original, although they don’t specify which areas may have received a refresh. Its presentation is first-rate, with the paint shining beautifully, and no evidence of the rust that sometimes plagued these classics due to the company’s quality control issues during that era. The chrome sparkles beautifully, the glass is clear, and it seems only fitting that a vehicle of this caliber rolls on wide whitewalls.

One area of this Imperial that is totally original is its interior. Its condition is particularly noteworthy because there is no evidence of wear or other deterioration. The seats are trimmed in Gold leather and Gold and Black cloth, with the same materials found on the remaining upholstered surfaces. There are a few minor dirty marks that accumulate with age, but nothing justifies any form of restoration. The dash is excellent, and the wheel is almost a work of modern art. One rather funky feature is the control for the turn signals. Imperial located this item below the transmission buttons on the dash, when most manufacturers had standardized these on the steering column. This Imperial doesn’t score power windows or the new-for-1958 cruise control, but buyers contemplating long journeys will welcome the AM radio.

Imperial offered 1958 buyers a single mechanical package, comprising a 392ci Hemi V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 345hp from the Hemi, although, with the car weighing in at almost 5,000 lbs, it needs every pony it can get to provide respectable performance. Potential buyers will welcome the news that this Imperial is mechanically original, retaining its numbers-matching drivetrain. It is also in excellent health, ready to provide the buyer with immediate classic motoring joy.

You only need to examine the sales figures to realize the scale of the mountain that Chrysler faced with the Imperial brand. Figures from the era reveal that only 16,133 Imperials left the showroom in 1958, with 1,801 of those the 2-door Southampton variant. Meanwhile, Lincoln sold 29,684 cars across all models in the same year, while Cadillac’s Series 62 found homes with 105,127 buyers. Part of the problem was the price, which, when combined with the mistaken perception by some that the Imperial was a range-topping Chrysler model, hurt sales. This 1958 Imperial Southampton is an absolute gem, and the seller’s price looks extremely competitive at a time when values are climbing steadily. That makes this Imperial worth a close look.