With Chrysler’s “fuselage” styling, this generation Imperial polarizes luxury car fans into love and, well, less-than-love. Count me in the Love camp, and this 1972 Imperial LeBaron looks ready for takeoff. The claimed 71,000 mile classic in Burlington, North Dakota may not be perfect or perfectly original, but the “dream to drive” classic will turn heads everywhere. This specimen of Chrysler’s top luxury offering comes to market here on Facebook Marketplace, where $18,995 makes it yours.
The tufted Gold leather looks great, without the wear often seen in Imperials parked outdoors or otherwise neglected. A cracked steering wheel betrays decades of differential coefficients of linear expansion between its metal and plastic parts. Standard air conditioning keeps all Imperial owners comfortable, though its operational status, and that of many systems, escaped the spartan description. Dual arm rests keep the peace between Skipper and First Mate.
Straight and shiny, this land yacht looks completely ship shape, and credit the seller for the splendid pictures, a tall order these days. If the four-door hardtop looks long, would you believe the two-door uses the same wheelbase? Yikes. Four golf bags drop into the cavernous trunk with a mere echo from hitting the bottom. “That all you got?”
The titanic engine bay makes the standard 440 cid (7.2L) V8 look small. The body looks like Sahara Beige, but… is that Sun Fire Yellow on the core support? Check the color chart at lov2xlr8 and render your opinion in the comments below. Even this smogged-up 440 will have merge this fast frigate into jumbo-sized freeway berths with adequate thrust. Warm it up with some bolt-ons and higher numerical rear axle gears and you could build a real sleeper, but that seems 90% unnecessary.
Bulbous lantern-like end pieces add visual heft to the full-width hidden headlight grille. The first two years of this body style, 1969 and ’70, wore a more delicate treatment. Do you have room in your garage for this fat ride? Serious question: not everyone can jam a 230 inch (19 ft, 2 inch) motor launch in their garage and close the door. If you prize exclusivity, consider Cadillac built almost 268,000 cars in 1972 compared with about 16,000 Imperials. Wow. I’ll take the Imperial. How about you?
But wait! there’s more and it’s lemon twist.
“A cracked steering wheel betrays decades of differential coefficients of linear expansion between its metal and plastic parts.” Probably the best sentence I’ve seen in a Barn Finds write-up in a long time. Hats off to you Todd.
As for the Imperial, I had zero interest in them back in the day. Today, I think they are wonderful representations of a different time. Something to be said for a quiet, comfortable, effortless drive in a spacious, luxurious environment.
👍. With age, comes wisdom and a different perspective. Unfortunately the time of magnificent automobiles like this is Gone With the Wind. Wonder how today’s young folks will view the current crop of SUVS, crossovers, and melted jelly beans as they mature 🤔
Thank you, Bob_in_TN! I hope to own one of these someday. Until then I will admire them from afar.
I LOVE mid 60s Imperials (64-67) but I LOVE Cadillacs from 64-68 just as much. Not a fan of 69-71 Caddys ( except Eldorado). The early 70s Imperials with the fuselage look not so much. Huge and imposing but the front just looks blah. My neighbors had a 73 and it had every toy available but put it against a 72-74 Caddy I’d pick the Cadillac. Nicely preserved car though!
We have more in common than first names. I also love the 60s Imperials (especially LEBARON) and have owned 89 Cadillac Brougham deElegance and 93 Cadillac Brougham. Sadly Imperial is gone and Cadillac no longer builds a traditional Luxury car. But apparently in the 70s, more people chose Cadillac and Lincoln.
The Incomparable Imperial! Ultimate dream car is a black 61 LEBARON, Grand finale for Exners fabulous finned fantasies for Chrysler. Although not a lover of the Fuselage Chrysler Corp styling, this is a great time capsule, well worth the price. Truly a MONUMENT to the era of the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT! Low production numbers make this a rare survivor, especially in this condition. If I were younger and looking for a Sunday driver, I would have cash in hand NOW! Someone is going to get a Bon Marche.
😉 It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! Other cars part like the Red Sea to get out of the way! OTT excessive luxury! Devine Decadence! I LOVE it! 😁 🤣 😂. On to VERSAILLES! The peasants are revolting! I said let them eat cake AND ice cream! 👸
Good one Rick W. Reminds me of Mel Brooks in History of the World Part I. “It is said that the people are revolting.” “You said it; they stink on ice.”
Todd, I am truly honored 🎖! Wonder what Mel would come up with in History Part 3? Always seem to have High Anxiety and appreciate Frau Bluekers great Knockers. Well, I still enjoy Puttin On The RITZ! Truly enjoy Barn Finds! 👍🏆 👍 .
That’s one nice land barge!!
Not my favorite year for the Imperial, but this one looks nice. I don’t see the Sunfire Yellow on the core support, unless maybe you’re referring to the factory sticker that is starting to peel off on the passenger side.
I had two of these back in the 70s. That color was very popular on Imperials then. I had a triple black coupe, and a burgundy 4dr ht. The coupe was my favorite. To experience these cars back when they were new was unforgettable.
These slab sides Chryslers sure have presence.
I also see a Superbird or Daytona in the garage in the add in the background!!
Damn!! Todd could sell ice cubes to Eskimos
So is this an Imperial LeBaron, or a Chrysler Imperial LeBaron? Sources, including the current issue of Collectible Automobile magazine, claim that Imperial was rolled back into Chrysler for 1971, allegedly because Chrysler executives didn’t want to see it at the bottom of the sales charts anymore. The fact that there was no separate Imperial brochure for ’71 & ’72 seems to support this. However, Imperial enthusiasts are adamant that Imperial remained a separate marque through the end in 1975. Which is it?
Believe you are correct. The 71 and 72 Imperials were included in Chrysler brochures. But if I am correct there were separate brochures for 74, 75, and 76 before New Yorker inherited Imperials body. Thinking 🤔 Imperial by Chrysler.
Wow, what a HUGE beauty!
The Knockers were Eva’s not the Frau’s!
“Hop in my Chrysler, it’s as big as a whale and about to set sail!” These cars were almost like a caricature of what big cars were like then. What a joke.
they are banned from the demolition derby