After covering a mere 54,347 miles in about a decade, this 1973 Imperial LeBaron sedan in Show Low, Arizona drove into a garage that it hasn’t left in forty years! Listed by the owner’s neighbor, the long-parked classic comes to market here on eBay, where only a paltry $3995 separates it from new ownership. Three bidders have tested the waters so far, fronting just more than $200 in pocket change with over a week left in the auction. The seller has wisely avoided trying to start this sleeping beauty.
You had me at “white tufted leather!” Slip behind the wheel and the sofa-like command chair welcomes you like Mama’s bosom. Where should we go today, Mother Imperial? “Anywhere you want, my shining star!” General Motors produced some snappy white and black interiors, but this Imperial takes it to another level. Cruise control makes covering long distances even easier.
Pop the hood on a ’70s Imperial and you had better see a mighty 440 cid (7.2L) V8, though other engines became available in the next generation. Only the alternator shows signs of possible replacement. If the “parked in ’82” story holds water, you might find many original hoses and belts on this fine machine. The shocking whiteness of the firewall paint bodes well for this car’s quick return to camera-ready status.
The chauffeur’s view invites the imagination to wander. “Will there be anything else this evening, Sir? Shall I run over this peasant and extract its blood for a cocktail?” “Not tonight, Winston, thank you.” Whether owner or guest, LeBaron passengers enjoyed individual reading lights and pillows built into the C-pillar. The entry-level Crown featured a full-sized rear window while the LeBaron kept things private with the smaller limousine treatment. The H54 Dual Auto Temp II provides additional comfort to the rear while being notoriously finicky to repair. Thanks to the fender tag decoder at Mopar1 for some details.
Imperial fans can spot a LeBaron from at least one polo field away by the inset window trim, illustrated here with a hand gesture in the style of Vanna White. If someone nosy asks about the bullet holes in the trunk floor, just put on your best New York accent and reply “Dose are for drainage.” All joking aside, on a day when I didn’t have too many open projects including an Imperial of my own, I’d consider myself a buyer on this one. Could this be the world’s most original and well-preserved ’73 Imperial?
Didn’t the 73 Imperial get the longest car ever built in Detroit award? Just imagine how cushy and comfortable you would be driving this car. A true Lounge chair on wheels.
Yeah, if this car was local, I’d give $3500 for it. It’s so huge and outlandish in white, it would be a blast to cruise around in. All hail Elwood Engel!
“…welcomes you like mama’s bosom.”
Gee Todd, perhaps you might want to get out more often… just sayin’.
My Mom is 88….
HA! That’s a gem, Todd, well done. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a white Imperial from this era, I love it. It’s just one winning Powerball ticket away for me.
Thanks, Scotty. If it weren’t for the blessings of a long and happy marriage, I’d probably roll the dice on this one. Another day perhaps!
An hour plus from me and I just sold an 88 Mercedes and a 65 C10 so have the funds and space. I might just hook up the trailer and take a drive.
Wife = very understanding.
How understanding might get tested!
Whenever I’d come home with yet another car I’d walk in the house and ask my darling bride “How much do you love me?” Instead of saying something like “To the moon and back!” She’d say; “What did you buy now!?!”
Thankfully, she always got on board.
I surely miss that woman.
Someone snagged it, listing ended…
PaulG,
Do let us know if you end up bringing this beast back home, I know several of us here would be interested in what happens!
Looks like the ebay ad ended just about when you said you were considering it’s purchase, hope ya got it!
Kinda looks like that red hose goes from the water pump to… the water pump. Anyone want to estimate a heater core replacement?
Go for it PaulG! Sounds like your wife is very cool, and the BF gang is behind you 100%.
I’m glad to hear that Rex, I’ll let it play out a few days and see.
I love the challenge of bringing cars like this back to life and to drive another day.
Problem is the little things that become unobtainable after 40 years.
Now finding 4 tires and rims to get it on the trailer…
I’ll keep the gang posted.
There was no entry-level Imperial Crown in 1973.
Beautiful Crown . 3.23 ⚙️ gear and all the torque to cruise around.
This car reminds me of the song love shack and having a Chrysler as big as a whale
“It seats about 20; so come on, and bring your jukebox money.”
Back in 91 I was given a 73 that had been sitting under a cherry tree for about 15 years. Half the vinyl top was swept away along with the cherry pile on the roof but it started right up (after we set fire to the top of the engine) and on half flat tires and stinking gas we set off home. You can imagine how that went! Yes, there were cops involved…..
I’m just hoping when I click on the ebay link better photos will be included with this vehicle.
Love the “Camera-Ready” reference.