Every once in a while, a barn find surfaces that’s more than just a car, it’s a piece of history. That’s exactly what this 1961 Chrysler Imperial two-door represents. Listed here on eBay, this remarkable survivor wears its original paint, retains its numbers-matching 413 V8 engine, and still features factory air conditioning, power swivel bucket seats, and other rare luxury options. According to the seller, this car was special-ordered by Amon G. Carter Jr., a Texas icon whose influence helped shape the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
This Imperial was delivered new on December 12, 1960, through H.B. Ransom Motor Company in Fort Worth, Texas. Carter Jr., then publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and a minority owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team, reportedly selected nearly every available option for this flagship Chrysler. The equipment list reads like a dream sheet for collectors: power windows, power door locks, power vent windows, power steering and brakes, factory Auto-Pilot cruise control, and even the rare Texas rear air conditioning system—an option almost never seen on two-door cars.
The seller describes the Imperial as an “untouched survivor” with its original paint and no rust. It reportedly runs and drives well, wearing its 63 years with dignity rather than decay. While many cars from this era were restored, modified, or simply scrapped, this one appears to have escaped all that—remaining a genuine time capsule from the early ’60s. The seller also notes that the car’s history is verified by its original Owner Service Certificate, which lists the address connected to the Star-Telegram.
Carter Jr.’s legacy looms large across Texas, Amon G. Carter Stadium at TCU and Amon Carter Boulevard in Fort Worth still bear his name. His commitment to education, infrastructure, and the arts helped define North Texas culture, and owning this Imperial is, in a sense, owning a tangible piece of that legacy.
With its factory-original finishes, high-end options, and documented provenance, this Imperial isn’t just another barn find—it’s a museum-worthy artifact from the golden age of American luxury motoring.
Would you preserve this historic Chrysler just as it sits, or bring it back to its former show-stopping glory?
Aside from a few minor defects, the car looks to be in excellent+ condition.
I’d just repair some of the interior flaws, give it a thorough cleaning, and get a 10-gallon hat and go cruising.
To bad they didn’t show the barn it was sitting in when the Carter family was trying to sell it. It was a dang nice barn don’t get me wrong – but sit a barn. They were having issues selling it because of that, it didn’t run and looked run down. Looks like it’s back on it’s feet and the flipper is looking for a payday – which is okay. These years of Imperials require certain taste – grey popond anyone ?
This is a neat, historic find. I can’t get over the depth of the paint. I didn’t even know rear A/C was an option, let alone popular on 4 doors and not 2 doors. Its a beautiful color and I’m sure made a scene whenever it pulled up anywhere. I truly hope it leads a pampered life in its future and gets preserved. It deserves it.
Rear AC I usually associate with either limos or station wagons. This is the ONLY Chrysler product I’ve ever seen with that on a coupe! It’s really not needed as the single unit should be more than enough to cool this coupe. Me? I’d put on a set of period-correct Coker whitewalls, make sure it’s tuned and enjoy. Probably the nicest `61 Imperial survivor I’ve seen! GLWTA!
Going back to 1955 that trunk A/C was popular in those big Mopars – I’ve had a few and even a 1956 Correnet with a trunk air – same unit only smaller which I still have. My 1956 Windsor coupe…..also bought in Ft Worth has a trunk A/C as well. I’ve owned Imperials from 1955 way up into the 60’/70’s which were equipped with the optional trunk A/C.
Very cool with great local history! I wonder if stainless steel roof trim/swoop inserts were an option in 1961? I’d get it to an upholstery shop then enjoy carefully and at selective events/shows.
https://www.cartermuseum.org/about/our-story/amon-g-carter-jr-timeline
Dual A/C by Airtemp was a regular Imperial production option. Don’t know why the seller calls it “Texas rear air conditioning.” My dad test-drove a ’59 that had it and that was in Missouri.
Pointless to point out this is an Imperial, not a “Chrysler Imperial,” I suppose. And that was one of the car’s problems. When they tried to market it as a separate make beginning in 1955, the public somehow never got the memo.
Crown two-door Southampton (pillarless hardtop). 1,007 built. I think the ’61 styling works best on the convertibles, followed by the 2 door HT. Very cool example here.
Thanks for pointing out that this is an Imperial. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t catch that. 😔 No one would call a Lincoln a Ford Lincoln…
What a gorgeous original, and I just love rare options! Here’s hoping it finds a good home where it is as well preserved as it has been, it really does belong in a museum, but taken for a ride every once in a while!
The color might be same as original..but the paint isn’t the factory one any more
Power swivel seats, need you go further? I’d love to drive this car!
American automotive luxury perfection for 1961! A true museum piece, should be snapped up by the Texas Rangers baseball team before its gone…
American automotive luxury perfection for 1961! A true museum piece, should be snapped up by the Texas Rangers basball team before its gone…
Pretty clean Chrysler! Just needs some interior work and would make a nice cruiser and the price seems good.Another clean survivor!
Just 30 feet from being outside in the sunlight for pictures…
Sweet find! Always loved those separate headlights and unique taillights.
Very confused about the Texas Rangers baseball team comment. The old Washington Senators baseball team moved to Texas after the 1971 season and began in 1972.
So maybe Carter was a minority owner of the Rangers, but what does that have to do with a vehicle purchase in 1960?
Indeed, the Washington Senators should buy it for display on old timers day or 10¢ beer night…
OMG, this 1961 Imperial 2dr HT is just incredible. I’m looking for one like this, but only after I sell one of mine first. This beauty rings all the bells with all these options.
Wow this is a no reserve auction. I think someone is going to steal this thing!
Beautiful car! I especially love the 62s. Sorry to saw but, up in N Wisc, many Imperials are listed on C List and Marketplace as candidates for demo derby cars. Rare cars being destroyed for a days fun.
A great car from a great era when titans of industry contributed their immense wealth to education, infrastructure, and the arts to not only build a legacy but also help offset the enormous amounts of income tax they were subject to.
A truly beautiful Imperial. And that option list is off the charts. Interior needs a little work but otherwise a gorgeous car. I really hope it goes to a good home.
Almost the polar opposite of Moms 61 Plymouth wagon. 318, push-button auto, manual everything else, no a/c. How my mom handled that 2 ton+ beast with no power steering amazes me to this day. This car is the cream of the crop, I’d love to drive it.
What’s with the no full length side view pics! The beauty of this thing is lost in all the up close shots. Nice details sure, but … Step back and show what ya got.
What is the flipper thinking?
I’ve seen the swivel buckets a few times, but never power buckets I’ll add power locks and that cruise control for rarities too.
Wonder what the window sticker says.
Wow!
SOLD for $24,000
72 bids.