The seller of this rare (514 made) 1966 Chrysler Imperial convertible makes sure they don’t overpromise and underdeliver by making the statement, “Please don’t ask what works and what doesn’t, because I’m sure none of it works.” The car has an interesting history, including original ownership in Atlanta and then spending the last 40 years in a barn in Florida. It’s still located in Florida, in Ocala to be exact, and is offered for sale here on eBay with no-reserve bidding starting at $1,600 and a buy-it-now of $3,000. The original 440 V-8 is still in place, along with the air conditioning unit, although the seller isn’t going to see if the engine is free. The ad states no “rot,” but there’s certainly surface rust in a lot of spots and some accident damage to repair as well. I’ll bet this was magnificent to cruise in when new and I hope someone will return it to it’s former glory!
1958 Fury (Belvedere?) in the garage; clearly a MoPar Man!
Yes, quite the Majestic Cruiser, in its day, sure hope it gets another chance for more days in the sun…
I would have loved the opportunity to ride in one of these when new….(the front seat looks as though it was incredibly comfortable.)…
I’m no fan of these highway barges but I think it could be a fairly easy total resto if the lack of serious body rust does not have any surprizes. A week of massaging would make it look a whole lot better and the mechanicals may not be as bad as expected…it appears to be all there and I would be up for the challenge if it was closer to me….$2000 would be a steal..
Looking for the Love Shack. “Tin roof, rusted”. You will understand after seeing the attached video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SOryJvTAGs
I would have thought you “car guys” would pick up on the big mistake! In 1966 this vehicle was an “Imperial” nothing to do with Chrysler at all!!!!! In the mean time it would be beautiful when restored to original !
You want to run that by us “Chrysler” guys again? Imperial to Chrysler is like Dart to Dodge. There’s no separation of the two. By the way, if the guy is still around, in Moline, IL is an owner of about 20 Imperials from 1965-1970. He may just have a spare front clip for sale.
there certainly was a separation, at least through 66. I have 64 Crown Coupe and convertibles and 65 and 66 4 doors. The first one I got, California DMV changed the registration to Chrysler from Imperial. They are legally separate make automobiles and my insurance is cheaper than same year Chryslers. Imperials don’t dent as easily. I made them change it back. They were vastly different through 66.
Had a 1965 1 owner Imp convert that I bought on a three car only deal…all Chrysler’s….even running and cleaned up it was a hard sell in the 90’s….think I took $1400 with title and certificard….
Yes, the Imperial was indeed a separate make produced by Chrysler from 1955 to roughly 1975, even though it was a Chrysler Imperial from 1926 through 1954. Chrysler sought to market the Imperial models (Custom, Crown, and LeBaron) to compete more effectively with luxury makes Cadillac and Lincoln. Chrysler Corp went to great lengths to differentiate Imperial from anything else they produced.
Outside of the 440/727 power-train on this 1966 Imperial Crown, you will not find so much as a lug nut or dash knob that fits another Chrysler product. Even the rim’s bolt pattern (5 on 5.5) fit no other Chrysler car. All Chrysler products adopted Unibody construction starting in 1960; not Imperial, which retained separate frame construction through 1966. Even the 67-73 Imperials had a different wheel/bolt pattern and wheelbase from their lesser New Yorker brethren .
Here’s a pic of my 65 convertible.
Most people did not realize the Imperial and Chrysler letter 300 (engines from the Imperial line) engines were not the same as used in the rest of Chrysler corp, there is different engine metallurgy for a stronger engine
So Gentlemen. Sam wasn’t too far off when he said they were different (Imperial/Chrysler). Bryan explained the difference nicely. Thank you for all the comments guys, always interesting. John, Canada.