This 1966 Imperial LeBaron Four-Door Hardtop was Chrysler Corporation’s “most luxurious automobile” according to its sales brochure, which also called it “a quiet place to go after work,” and “your own private island.” Yes, with a list price of $6,540, a full $396 more than the Crown Convertible, the LeBaron was about as good as it got for the executive-type Mopar fanatic, a haven from the realities of the high-pressure job that allowed them to afford such niceties. This example on craigslist in Livermore, California, was brought to us by Barn Finds reader Barney. With an asking price of $12,900, the Imperial hasn’t quite kept up with inflation, but it will make a solid driver for any Mopar fanatic of today, regardless of whether they have a high pressure job or not.
The 413 of prior Imperials was banished to truck and RV duty after 1965, as the Imperial was promoted to the new 350-horsepower 440, whose 480 lb.-ft. of torque helped get the 5,065-pound Imperial moving with aplomb (yet in a dignified way). It was backed by the time-proven 727 TorqueFlite automatic, and with only 92,800 miles on it, this Imperial should whisk its lucky buyer around in luxury for years to come. The seller mentions that the air conditioning “needs [a] charge,” so you know that repairs will be required in that department.
The seller refers to the Imperial as a twenty, nay ten-footer, so it’s not a show winner. It has been repainted at least once in its life, and it appears that the lower color is Persian White, and the roof may be painted Ruby Metallic. The interior looks original, and while the leather upholstery may be past restoring to like-new condition, it doesn’t appear to suffer from many deep tears. It’s implied that all the electric gadgets, including the electric vent windows, are operational.
The dash pad has seen better days, but the “claro walnut paneling” on the dashboard (which averaged 100 years of age, according to the catalog) appears to be holding up nicely.
The seller of this LeBaron points out that 1966 was the last year for the Imperial as a standalone platform, and it’s true that in the years to come they slowly became something more akin to a glorified Chrysler than a true independent luxury make. Fortunately for those who like their Mopars exclusive (only 1,878 LeBarons were built in 1966), their prices have remained reasonable. Being a solid example that runs and drives well means that you’ll have people looking at you with envy from the moment you get behind the wheel, just as they did in 1966.
This is a pretty nice example of a mid 60s Imperial, but the only problem they had was they were up against the much more attractive Cadillac. Someone should buy this car and restore its interior at least. And whoever put that air cleaner on the engine in a car like this, pullleeeze!
I beg to differ.
The Lincoln Continental and the Imperial were much more stately.
The Cadillac sold more because it was a Cadillac
My exact thoughts, Jack. Side by side, the Imperial is far more classy looking than the Caddy. And I love Caddy’s.
But for me, nothing looks as classy as an Imperial in that period.
Its either a hard top (no post) or a sedan (post) it can’t be both,,I’d say its a 4 door HT.
Yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking there; I’ve updated the title. The LeBaron was not offered in a pillared sedan bodystyle.
My dad bought a new one of these… black with white vinyl top…. same white leather interior with the crests on the seatbacks. Reverb radio… I was 16…. didn’t like black cars then and still dont.
This white one is a much prettier car….
My father bought one – a 66 Crown, all white, less than a year old. Was a trade in from someone who bought a new, white Imperial every year. Beautiful, unforgettable car. My father passed away shortly after, never really got to enjoy it. My mother sold it as I was 14. I still recall the fast talking used car dealer driving off with it, having paid her a measly three grand for it.
My landlord in college had one of these, black on black. He was a custom metalworker and would tow a trailer with his railings and gates, which could weigh thousands of lbs., with it.
One interesting note about Imperials of this vintage is that (when they were used up), they were usually banned from demolition derby competitions because they were too strong.
Probably the only 1966 American car still sporting a 1950s-style wraparound windshield.
So True! Never noticed till you mentioned it.
Lot of car for the asking price.❤️❤️❤️
Along with AC, cruise, power windows, and all of the rest of the usual power options/gizmos, it has one that wasn’t ordered very often, kinda rare. That thingy on the dash in front of the driver is an automatic headlight dimmer; that was a big deal ‘back in the day’. I had a plain old 66 Crown 4dr years ago…great car. Smooth, quiet power. GLWTS!!
The 1966 Imperial was the last of its kind in several ways. It was the final version of the original Elwood Engel design. It was the last Imperial that rode on a separate frame. After 1966, the Imperial became a unibody car. And finally, as Aaron notes in his excellent write up, this was the final year for the Imperial as a standalone marque…..it was known as a Chrysler Imperial from 1967 on.
I agree with Terrry….the air cleaner has no place under the hood of this or any Imperial.
Imperial remained a standalone nameplate through 1975 (and in the ’81-’83 Cordoba-based revival), though the public always seemed to refer to them as “Chrysler Imperials” in any case regardless of year.
lot of these lost their lives for the 440s in them back in the 70s and 80s
The original Carter AFB carb likely replaced by a modern Edelbrock copy not compatible with the original OEM Imperial air cleaner’s base plate. The single snorkle top would fit on top of that open element job, but then you’d lose a bit of that great 440 Mopar unsilenced sound of air being sucked out of ten counties @ full throttle…
Yes, I am very late to this Imperial party. I’m surprised I didn’t comment on it 2+ weeks ago, as I love this model. In fact, last Friday the 13th was my lucky day when I acquired one of these, the 1965 car pictured above. I am sorting it as we speak, and hopefully it’ll be back on the road in a couple of weeks.
Rex…….beautiful Imperial! With the Newport and now the Imperial, you have hit the mid sixties Mopar jackpot!! Congratulations!
Thanks SAABGirl. Don’t forget my 65 New Yorker! I don’t go looking for these Mopars, they just seem to find me!
That’s right…forgot about the New Yorker! Beautiful car, Rex!!