The Imperial was Chrysler’s weapon in the luxury car war with Cadillac and Lincoln. And it typically found itself in third place in the sales race between the trio. In 1957 to 1959, none were more futuristic looking than the Chrysler entry, looking like something out of a Hollywood “B” science fiction movie. The seller has not one but two of the ’59 Imperials for sale, and one has the rare stainless-steel roof. Located in Peterborough, New Hampshire, this dynamic duo is available only as a package deal here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,500. Thanks for the cool tip, “Paul in Ma.”
Chrysler spun off the Imperial brand in 1955 to distance it from other Chrysler products and make it seem more important. Yet the car continued to share Chrysler engineering, manufacturing, and dealer network. And Cadillac and Lincoln still sold more cars, so was the effort worth it? In 1959, the Imperial was in its third year of Space Age looks, thanks to designer Virgil Exner, the architect of Chrysler’s “Forward Look” program. Changes were few but noticeable over the ‘58s, with big news coming under the hood: the Hemi V8 had been replaced by a 413 cubic inch “Wedge” engine that weighed less and put out more horsepower.
A new option was the “Silvercrest” roof, which deployed stainless steel instead of regular sheet metal. It’s said to have been rare then and now – and one of the seller’s cars has it (the red Imperial). Another new option was swivel seats, but we don’t know if either machine here is so equipped. 8,339 Imperials were produced in 1959, and 56% of them were 4-door hardtops like the ones pictured here.
We don’t know much about these two cars, such as why they are together and why the seller isn’t interested in selling them separately. A package deal usually limits the number of interested parties. No mention is made as to whether either car runs or what each needs to be roadworthy. The seller does suggest you may come out of this with one “mint” car, or one driver flanked by a donor (we assume the red Imperial is the best of the pair, but that’s only a guess).
Can’t really tell which is “the best of the pair” from the limited pictures on BF but that assumption seems to come from the stainless steel roof option.
Over $10,000 for two cars that we basically know nothing about. Do they run? Does ONE run? We don’t know.
As far as forward look Imperials go these fantastic spaceships were definitely a run for the money against Cadillac. It has been said that Imperials fins were 1 inch higher than Cadillacs but for 1959 Cadillac get all the attention……. even though Imperial came out with this design in 1957 and I personally believe Bill Mitchell copied it from Imperial. Ford always danced to a different drummer with its small fins all throughout the fin era.
The front of the ’59 Imperial always looked heavy to me with the thick chrome grill bat and massive bumpers and recessed headlights, but, Cadillac also had a heavy look with it’s huge front bumper, recessed parking lights and grill bar.
One thing I’ll say for Exners cars were the futuristic dashboards. The best in the business, IMO, but I’m in the same Land Yacht boat as Rick W, too much is never enough.
I could drive and look at those dashboards all day.
All in all I feel Imperials of the late 50s & early 60s have been ignored and overlooked, back then as well as now. Pretty much rare cars but rare doesn’t always equate to $$$.
This calls up a variation on the old W.C. Fields joke: “First prize, a 1959 Imperial. Second prize, two 1959 Imperials!” (The youngsters are saying, “W.C. who?”)
Or “Lavatory Meadows” (stolen from The Goodies TV series)
I have driven by these as I live close by and they have been sitting there for quite a while.
Imperial was its own car line until 67 when they shared alot of components with Chrysler.. Talk to guys in demolition derby they outlawd them
One simply can’t ignore how far we’ve come and the stark difference from that econobox next to the black one. Very few of these were seen in public, almost below the owners to be seen in “regular” traffic. Most for the boss mans wife and didn’t go far.
In the 70s, I mentioned before, my old man had a warehouse space, and shared by a few others. His partners had 2 fire engines( a Seagrave ladder and a Mack) .In the warehouse were several cars, one was a white Imperial like these, and yes, it had the stainless roof. It had suffered an engine fire, and I couldn’t imagine trying to rewire a car like this. Doable today, but at the time considered a total loss. That back bumper always reminded me of the guy with the billiard balls in his mouth. While the Imperial is most notable as Mr. Drysdale’s ride, in the pilot, he was driven around in a Caddy. Sadly, I just don’t see much appeal for cars like this today.
Morning Angel! And everyone else too. Like all of you, I like these too. Even had a ’58 4-door for awhile and like you said Angel, it felt like you were sitting in a spaceship. Mine had the 392 hemi, the stainless steel roof,
and a leather interior too. And a small golden eagle ornament on each
front fender. Bought it for $600 in ’74.
Got it running, cleared it up, and sold it at a loss to a lady whose husband
had owned the car from New.
After he passed away, she sold the car because she couldn’t bear to look at it. After a change of heart, she wanted the car back and couldn’t find it until I bought it. A lot of folks razzed me about losing money on it, but to me, it was the right thing to do.
Some things are worth far more than money.
I love these Imperials. They are magnificent.
Wasn’t there some year of Imperials that had “floating” headlights and “microphone” tail lights (mounted on the top end of the fin)? If not an Imperial what car am I thinking of? Or am I dreaming?
Whatever it was to a young kid in Arkansas it truly was a spaceship.
You’re thinking of the 1962 Imperial.
Thanks Dave! I didn’t look newer than 1960 in my search as I was sure that they got stodgier as they got newer. So much for my thinking. :(
Just the car to drive to a funeral in. Or perhaps, ride in the back in. These were gawdy and over the top. Ugly and creepy at the same time. Just goes to prove, put a big enough price tag on something and rich people will come out of the woodwork to own one just so they can show off.
Yes, that’s called the “Veblen Effect”; when something sells BECAUSE it is expensive!
Well Jerry, I’m not rich but if I had the scratch I’ld buy the pair in a heartbeat. To each his own, but I would be proud to show up at cars and coffee or dinner at a friend’s house. Or anywhere else.
Kenn, the next time I show up in something like this, I assume I will be in a box and not care all that much. I am not sure I would even accept this as a gift.
AndreofAfrica, sad, but oh so true.
I continue to mourn the selling of my ’60 Imperial. A one-family-owned creampuff, it turned heads everywhere it went. Sigh……
My dad bought a 4-door Crown Southampton new in 1960 that served as our family car for nearly a decade. “Airtemp” factory air, leather upholstery. Incredible highway cruiser.
Wow what a beauty
I also live about 15 minutes from where these cars are and they have been here for about four years now.
Both of them are going to need a lot of work…..what you can’t see in the photos is that the cars are sitting on their axles. It’s possible that they both have air suspension and that the suspension has, over time, deteriorated to the point where ther really is no suspension any longer.
Great cars, but you would need to hope that the trunk of one of these cars is loaded with hundred dollar bills…….
The last time I saw one of these on the highway was around 1998. Before that time was in the mid 1970’s, when most of these were already rusted out hulks in the midwest. These cars were huge, with undersized tires that made them look even more ungainly. JimZ’s blue 1960 Imperial is the exception, and that’s how I remembered them as a ten year old kid. Thanks for posting your photo, Jim.
Literally the last time I saw one of these was at a demo derby. It was awesome in that capacity. There it behaved like the monsters it reminds me of.
God these are ugly
Don’t worry George, there’s a cyber truck out there just waiting for you, with your name on it.
Yeah, not awe-inspiring like the Ford Focus. ….
I think they’re cool You won’t see another 1 like it at any of the car shows. The only problem I see Spending 4 times what the car’s worth To make it presentable. Yes I know I’m strange for liking these But I Dare to be different.
@Bob
Dare to be different!
I love these old land yachts too. Unfortunately I really didn’t give Mopar much attention growing up. What a fool I was!
But, if you’ve read any of my previous posts you know I’m a bit of an oddball myself.
I love the ’57 & ’58 Packardbakers. They look like catfish from the front. A little like the ’59 Imperial rear. The ’64 Barracuda, ’65 Marlin, 60s Metropolitan, 70s 2 door
Matador If it’s odd, I love it
I’m odd,,,
Me too! :-)
Hey, I have Saabs…the poster child for quirky and unusual…..
Howard, that goes without saying….. 😘
Moparman, I don’t know you very well but I’ll take your word for it.
Saabgirl900, you win! You don’t get much quirkier than Saab, maybe Citroën, but I’m a big fan of them, also!
Angel, Angel, Angel! Just when I figure out what you like , you throw me a curve ball. But that’s okay. It just shows me that there’s more to you than Cadillacs. Its good that you have a wide variety of interest when it comes to these old boats. And yes dear, its just like going to your local Golden Corral. You walk in, and all that food is spread out there for you to choose from.
Its the same with BF. These folks put out a veritable feast of of classic cars to admire and dream of every day. All this reminds me of an interview I granted to some high-school kids in 1999.
I was going on 45 back then and they all wanted to know how I
was able to keep up with running a store at my age. I told them that age is a matter of mind over matter–if you don’t mind then it
certainly didn’t matter. And it was the last question they asked me that landed me in hot water with the principal of Winter Haven High. One of the students asked what I enjoyed most about being in my 40s. Without thinking, I answered the question in a very candid way when I told them “A great meal and great sex. And lately, all I’ve getting is the good meal”
Well, it wasn’t long before I got a call from the principal, who was a friend of mine. He said he liked the article the kids wrote except for the part where I mentioned sex. I replied “Aw for cryin’ out loud Dean, let ’em print it. They know more than we do
when it comes to that anyhow!” He let ’em print it as I told it and
I bought him lunch the next time I saw him. Okay folks, story time’s over. Gotta get back to work on the Skyline GTR. Bye Angel! Catch you all later!
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Thank you, Angel! I’m happy that you’re here…not too many lady Gearheads out here!!
No, there aren’t. You should become a member, we need good representation.
I’ve learned quite a bit from these knowledgeable guys and a couple have even learned a thing or two from me. And Norma. She’s a pistol. Anyway, don’t be a stranger. You’re input is always appreciated.
I will look into becoming a member. I love Michelle’s writeups and I also enjoy Norma’s posts.
I’ve worked in a dealership service department, I’ve appraised cars for a rental company that shall remain nameless and now I’m an adjuster for the largest underwriter of private passenger cars in Massachusetts. So, I’ve been in and around cars most of my life. It’s been a learning experience every step of the way, and in many circumstances, I was the only member of the skirted persuasion in the room. So, I relish the chance to talk to another woman who loves cars (the quirkier the better) as much as I do…..
Angel, Angel, Angel! Just when I figure out
What you like, you throw me a curve ball! This site reminds me of the Golden Corral I
had lunch at today–they serve up a lot of great finds, and there’s always something for
everyone. I’m beginning to see that there’s a lot more to you than just Cadillacs. Reminds me of the time I granted an interview
to some kids from Winter Haven High school.
They had a school newspaper and wanted to do a story about me and what it was like
for a man my age to run around around the dining room for 10 hours a day. Now that was
1999 and I was going on 45 back then. And folks lemme tell ya,those kids had a boatload of questions for me too. I did my best to answer them as best I could. I told them that age was a question of mind over matter–
If you didn’t mind, it really shouldn’t matter. And that’s when they asked me the BIG question. They asked me what I enjoyed most about being a man in my 40s. I thought about it a minute, scratched my head, and then I gave them their answer; a good meal and great s@x. Well, later on that day, I got a call from the school’s principal. He said he liked the article that the kids wrote and could they please leave out the part about the great s@x. Now Dean Triplett was an old friend of mine and a regular customer too. We talked about it until I told Dean
“Oh for cryin out loud Dean, let ’em print it
And besides, they more than likely know more about it than we do!” He did and I was a little less frank about things in the future.
Sorry folks, kinda got off track there, but the story wouldn’t wait. Say! That’s
not a bad idea! Barn Finds Bar & grill
or Barn Finds Buffet! Either way,I’d be there every day keeping the place tidy, talking to the guests, and even playing music 🎶 every once in a while. And that way,I might get to meet all of you too. Is that different enough?
Angel, Angel, Angel! Just when I figure out
What you like, you throw me a curve ball! This site reminds me of the Golden Corral I
had lunch at today–they serve up a lot of great finds, and there’s always something for
everyone. I’m beginning to see that there’s a lot more to you than just Cadillacs. Reminds me of the time I granted an interview
to some kids from Winter Haven High school.
They had a school newspaper and wanted to do a story about me and what it was like
for a man my age to run around around the dining room for 10 hours a day. Now that was
1999 and I was going on 45 back then. And folks lemme tell ya,those kids had a boatload of questions for me too. I did my best to answer them as best I could. I told them that age was a question of mind over matter–
If you didn’t mind, it really shouldn’t matter. And that’s when they asked me the BIG question. They asked me what I enjoyed most about being a man in my 40s. I thought about it a minute, scratched my head, and then I gave them their answer; a good meal and great s@x. Well, later on that day, I got a call from the school’s principal. He said he liked the article that the kids wrote and could they please leave out the part about the great s@x. Now Dean Triplett was an old friend of mine and a regular customer too. We talked about it until I told Dean
“Oh for cryin out loud Dean, let ’em print it
And besides, they more than likely know more about it than we do!” He did and I was a little less frank about things in the future.
Sorry folks, kinda got off track there, but the story wouldn’t wait. Say! That’s
not a bad idea! Barn Finds Bar & grill
or Barn Finds Buffet! Either way,I’d be there every day keeping the place tidy, talking to the guests, and even playing music 🎶 every once in a while. And that way,I might get to meet all of you too. Is that different enough?
Gotta keep you on your toes, Kenneth. My passion is of course, land yachts, specifically Cadillac, Lincoln & Imperial. Followed by Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac & Chevrolet. Then Chrysler, etc.
But, you know I’ve owned a 1972 MG Midget, a car small enough to fit in the trunk of a land yacht. And a 1984 Chevrolet Camaro. Would you believe I traded in a 10 year old Mercury Grand Marquis for that?
I’m unpredictable. Odd and a little quirky, just like my taste and preference for cars.
The seller is obviously not very interested in selling. I have contacted him with my phone number and told him I am interested. I had a 1959 LeBaron Imperial, I think it was, but it was rusted out and sold it. Should have kept it. I have a 78 RR, a 59 Cadillac, a 1958 Isetta 300, a Lincoln Continental 1947 and a 1937 LaSalle. I like cars. But may be a good omen, from the comments I read, that these cars have sunk into the ground so may be just aswell, But I still would have liked to do a deal if I could. For now, I read all the comments
I like oddball too, but man, the variety in today’s Barn Finds has my head spinning!
Bravo!!!
@Wademo
I love the Spring! Everything comes out of the woodwork