For all you fans of “package deals,” here’s a pair of Chrysler Imperials from the same model year. One is a 2-door hardtop (3,235 built) and the other is a convertible (577 built, so pretty rare). Both need work and the seller concedes that the drop-top could be just a parts car. Both are holed up in a barn or garage in Greenfield Center, New York. They must go together and are available here on eBay for $9,000 (Buy It Now). Offers will also be considered.
The Imperial name would be a staple in the Chrysler party from 1926 to 1983. At times, the car was a brand of its own with no Chrysler badging (to better compete against Cadillac and Lincoln, or so they said). The vehicle usually came in third behind its two major competitors, such as in 1967 when just 17,614 copies were built, a fraction of its peers at GM and Ford. The 1967-68 models would be all-new cars, switching from body-on-frame construction to the unibody platform shared by the Chrysler New Yorkers and others. That would enable them to save money on tooling.
Both of the seller’s cars look to have been sitting for some time, especially the convertible. We’re guessing the seller is a fan of the Imperial as there appears to be at least a third one in the mix, but no mention is made if it’s up for sale, too. We’re told these automobiles moved into storage under their own power. The hardtop seems to be the better of the two and the body seems okay from what we can tell. The interior is another matter and has been disassembled. If the components in the convertible are in better shape, maybe you could transfer the set from one to the other.
Both Imperials should have a 440 cubic inch V8 under their hoods and – given the current state of the autos – it’s doubtful that either would run with just fresh gas and a new battery. The hardtop appears to be complete, while the drop-top has parts missing, at least in the back half of the machine. The seller won’t consider breaking the pair up, even if you only wanted one. So, if you bought this duo, would you restore just the hardtop or try to do something with the convertible as so few of them are still around?
Brings back memories. I had one I found half out of a barn owned by an old timer. He brought it from the west coast, and still had service card and manuals. I had it repainted, and worked hard to get the suspension level, safe, and comfortable. The 440 and trans were rock solid. My boys laughed at the idea, until they rode in it, and had the experience to recondition the disc brakes which I was lucky enough to find a be build kit for in a surplus auto parts store in Milwaukee WI. I believe it was the first year for this car to have disc brakes. My recollection is this 2 door had a nickname in the industry. The Admiral, not sure why. I was at a molar show recently and no 67 admirals seen. Very cool find.
This sounds like a smokin deal providing the paper work is legit and in order. Get the Coupe road worthy & safe and then work on the convertible at your leisure. Providing of course they are not rusted underneath.
The hardtop would sell quickly if that basket case convertible wasn’t included. Better hurry, there are only 27 days left to buy them!