“The incomparable Imperial for 1964 is more than a new car. It is a totally new concept of what a fine car ought to be. It is the largest car built in America – and it has comforts, luxuries and owner satisfactions to match.” So says a brochure touting the luxury and refinement of the 1964 Imperial Crown. This example is posted here on craigslist in Union, Missouri, and the seller is asking $5,550 or best offer. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
At around the price of most Yugos that we see here, you can have a ’64 Imperial Crown hardtop sedan. They’re different cars for different buyers (although, I’d like to have both), but I’m taking a wild guess that most Barn Finds readers would much rather have this Imperial.
The second-generation Imperial was made from 1956 for the 1957 model year until the end of the 1966 model year. The design went from a very 1950s-looking car to a very 1960s-looking car and both are well-suited for your $3,000,000 midcentury-modern house in Palm Springs. Why not just get one of each, it’s only money. Having been born in the 1960s, I gravitate toward cars from that era more than 1950s cars, but as with most Barn Finds readers, I like anything and everything. That being said, if I had to choose just one Imperial, it would be an early to mid-60s model, maybe a redesigned 1964 model with much cleaner lines.
The seats were clearly redone to the taste of an owner rather than being anything that Chrysler would have done. They look a bit bright, and the white trim brings them back to the 1950s, not to mention that they look like vinyl. There’s no mention of them but they don’t match the otherwise darker green body color at all. It would have been nice to see the front seating area without all of the “stuff” on the floor, but other than that, and some scary wiring hanging under the dash, maybe related to the installation of a Bluetooth stereo, it looks nice inside both front and back. Well, other than the turquoise seats in a dark green car.
The engine is Chrysler’s 413-cu.in. OHV V8 with 340 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, badda-boom! It sends power through a dash-shifted push-button automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The seller says that the engine turns but is tight and it ran before “starting to lock up”, so I’m not sure what that could be but it sounds ominous. Or, maybe it’s just the starter, who knows. It has a new carb and aluminum radiator so there’s that. Hagerty is at $5,700 for a #4 fair-condition car and $12,900 for a #3 good car. What’s your offer on this Imperial?
I absolutely love the 64 but I’m always leery when I see nonsense like clutter and crap that would take 2 minutes to clean up. Guessing no AC which would really make it great. Sadly, the price seems ok but if ya can’t take the time to make it look presentable then I ain’t got the time to make an offer.
I believe if you look at the top of the dash, you’ll see pop up AC vents. Doesn’t mean AC works 🙄
It has A/C – have a look at the engine pic, above. The V-2 compressor is sitting high and on top of the engine at the front.
There is an A/C compressor as well.
Richard, if you click on the seller’s craigslist ad, they mention AC, and the compressor is shown in the engine photo. But as RICK W says, just because it’s there doesn’t mean it works.
The 64 Imperial definitely shows influence of Engel, recruited from Ford, responsible for Lincoln and Mercury. Although I have a love for Exners fabulous finned fantasies, the 64 Imperial is truly INCOMPARABLE, as advertised. Always preferred LEBARON with limo like roof, but this is a fairly good value IF it doesn’t need maximum repairs. If I am correct, looks like roof is PAINTED, which is strange because I believe all 64 Imperials had vinyl roofs. If I had the time and energy to restore it, I’d buy it. Maybe it would make a statement parked in my front yard as a lawn ornament! 🤔 Someone please save this MONUMENT to luxury that will never be built again! 🏆
A full fifteen minutes to remove all that crap from inside. Another five minutes to hide those wires hanging down so they no longer hang down, although trying to figure out why might just take a little longer. .
I’m a bit disappointed, the author, a fanatic on classic TV sitcoms, didn’t mention the Imperials of Milburn Drysdale, the banker from Beverly Hillbillies. Go ahead and laugh, it was THE most popular TV show for almost 9 seasons, 1962-1971. It’s the 1st thing I think of when seeing a car like this. This is a great example of one of the most fantastic road cars ever built, neglected and reduced to beater status, when nothing could be further than the truth. Most younger folks will be astonished we actually drove these things around, and I wonder if these cars will ever have the prestige they once had. Of course it used too much gas, but at .32/gallon, what’s the fuss? Horribly out of date for today, or the future, for that matter, I still say, some sort of economical motor would transform these into a more usable car, but let’s face it, at 9 city, 8 highway( these actually got less mpg on the highway) Mr. Drysdale knew what to drive, but being a banker, didn’t care about the cost of driving it. I’m sorry, I just don’t see any attraction today for cars like this anymore.
Did you notice the windshield was removed on the Drysdale Imperial to avoid glare from studio lights? Oliver Douglas Lincoln finish was dulled for the same reason. Mrs Drysdale referred to the Imperial LEBARON as a limousine, and rightly so. Today’s young folks have been led to have not a thought about beauty, comfort, and Luxury on this grand scale WE appreciate. Just. Look at the glorified trucks and melted jelly beans masquerading as Luxury vehicles.🤮
Good point, actually most Hollywood “action shots” from the hood, had the cars windshields removed. Adam-12 was another. Same reason the police cars on Andy Griffith had dull finishes, the cars were merely props, not the stars. We’ve moved beyond from when the car trip was the preferred way of travel, demanding cars like this, to today, where all that’s needed is an economical way to the airport.
I believe Drysdale had a 62 LEBARON and later a 64. Dash Rimrock (Larry Pennel) drove a Crown convertible. Miss Jane drove Plymouth or Dodge. Automobiles were provided by Chrysler Corp as indicated in credits. Back then, many auto manufacturers did this to advertise their products.
I always thought that the dull finish was to avoid the reflection of the cameras, etc.
Right on, right on as usual, RICK W! One of the very finest cars to ever be turned out of a US plant.
I also recall one episode of Green Acres when their Mercury had the windshield missing. I also notice on many movies and shows that the wiper arms are gone and sometimes the rear view mirror as well.
Would be a perfect candidate for an e-drive conversion.
Hell NO! 👎
no way!
Thumbs down to ThisGuy.
Unfortunately, at this price this car will probably be a demolition derby car. These things were pretty much indestructible and diehard derby guys will pay top dollar for them. I hate seeing classics like this and the GM clamshell wagons destroyed but I guess if you have the money to buy them it’s your business what you do with them.
I AGREE! Why would any lover of vintage cars ever do that?
You are correct about buyer’s rights. BUT too many have already been lost to demo derby events. Understand Imperials have been prohibited from such. Hopefully someone will save this MONUMENT to excessive luxury. There will never be anything like it built again. If I were younger, I’d be after it right now.
(I meant to refer to Rick W’s post.)
Paint it black. Then all you need is Kato.
Great idea! Holy Chrysler, Batman. But the top is already a Green Hairnet! 😁 🤣 😂
Holes poked into the side panels under the dash for speakers? Oh lord. No telling what sort of Frankenstein contraptions have been added to this car. My guess is that there is $25,000 of work to return the car to fine form (I’m assuming that includes a paint job and vinyl top). This would have to be a labor of love.
To the seller: You’re kidding right?
I have loved to LOOK at these — this one, and the 1962, both beautiful classics. But the sheer guzzeline one would drink would put me off. And if I had the money, and still wanted one, I’d look for a virtually-pristine, low-mileage, museum-quality unmolested all-original immaculately-kept survivor, not a “beater” which has had untoward things done to it back when these cars had nearly no value in any condition. Hello again, RICK W!
The imperial an elegant luxury car for Chrysler to complete with GM. The later addition 440 engine gave it the power. Now if l could Find the one Van Williams drove in the Green 🍏 Hornet I’ll buy it.