Rebuilt 440: 1966 Imperial Crown Coupe

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It can often be a case of mistaken identity. Many people would refer to this 1966 Imperial Crown Coupe as a Chrysler, but the reality was that Imperial was a separate luxury brand within the Chrysler empire at that time. In essence, Imperial was to Chrysler what Cadillac is to General Motors. The company produced its vehicles as direct competition to offerings from Cadillac, and this car has no shortage of luxury touches. The owner has decided to part with his Imperial, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Fishkill, New York, and while the buyer has set a BIN of $10,500, he is willing to listen to offers. Once again, Barn Finder Larry D has done an excellent job spotting a wonderful classic for us. Thank you so much for that, Larry.

Finished in its original shade of Daffodil Yellow, this Imperial cuts a dashing figure. Its lines are clean and crisp, and it’s hard not to like the vehicle’s styling. The owner admits that he treated the car to a repaint in 2010 and replaced all of the weather-stripping at that time. It continues to present superbly today. The paint holds a beautiful shine, with no evidence of flaws or blemishes. The panels are laser straight, and the gaps are as tight as you might expect on any vehicle that was the focus of the company’s unparalleled quality control program in 1966. Imperial was determined to lead the market in this area, and these cars were some of the first to feature computer-controlled monitoring through every phase of the construction process. The final step in this process was to subject the vehicle to multiple streams of water that pumped gallons of water across every surface of the car from all directions to ensure that the vehicle remained leak-free. The owner mentions no issues with rust in this Crown, and there is nothing visible in the supplied photos. The trim is in good order, as is the glass.

Imperial offered a sole engine in its 1966 models, but it wasn’t short of power. What buyers received for their money was a 440ci V8, while a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and 4-wheel power drum brakes were all part of this package. That mighty V8 pumped out 350hp in its prime, and this was a classic that needed that sort of power if it was to perform acceptably. At 5,225lbs, the Imperial Crown Coupe was a long way from being a lightweight, making the 17-second ¼-mile ET seem pretty impressive. The owner indicates that he treated that mighty 440 to a rebuild, so not only should its power figure now be at least 350hp, but it could be slightly higher. I can spot an MSD ignition system in the photos, and I believe that the carburetor might be upgraded. He also installed a stainless steel dual exhaust with MagnaFlow mufflers, so the improved breathing should bring measurable benefits. Unfortunately, he provides no information on how well the Imperial runs or drives, so potential buyers will need to hope that he is willing to answer questions on that front.

Now that we’ve considered the exterior and the drivetrain, the time has come to turn our attention to this Imperial’s interior. Once again, the news appears to be largely positive. There is one flaw that the buyer will need to consider, and it will require investigation. The leather upholstery, especially on the front seats, has begun to deteriorate. There are no rips or tears, but the finish isn’t consistent, and there are some cracks. The buyer might be able to source replacement covers, but I wouldn’t dive into that option too quickly. There are plenty of leather specialists across the country, and one of these might be able to revive the upholstery and return it to a suitable state for less than the cost of a new set. It might not be possible, but investigating the options on this front would cost nothing. The rest of the interior presents extremely well, and the owner has recently replaced the headliner. To gauge Imperial’s aim with the Crown, you only have to consider the woodgrain trim on the dash and doors. This isn’t any of your plastic faux woodgrain stuff that can fade and wear. Imperial chose to fit genuine 100-year-old Claro wood trim. That’s something that you might expect to find in a Rolls-Royce, but it was a feature that marked the Imperial as something special. That was the tip of the iceberg. The person who purchases this Crown will also receive air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, an AM radio, and a power antenna. The owner has also installed a CD player, but since this is mounted under the dash, the buyer could remove this if they are concerned about originality.

During the 1966 model year, total Imperial production amounted to 13,742 cars. Of these, a mere 2,373 were the Crown Coupe. That makes this a relatively rare beast that deserves a closer look if you are a person who finds a combination of performance, luxury, and rarity attractive. The low build totals mean that they don’t hit the market that often. However, tidy examples can sell for $15,000 on a good day. That makes the BIN price look extremely competitive. Is that thought enough to tempt you?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. FordGuy1972 FordGuy1972Member

    Seems like a lot of car for the money and it sounds like the seller may have more into the car than he’s asking. While it’s probably almost as heavy as a Sherman tank, that big 440 should provide reasonable performance. Besides, it’s more suited to cruising than hot-rodding anyway. It is a rarely seen car and the color suits it well so it’s sure to draw attention wherever you take it.

    Like 18
  2. Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

    As a kid I had a 1/24 model of this car modified into a Crownamino; loved the design ever since!

    Like 7
  3. alphasudMember

    Here again is another example to climb into a classic car that can be driven and enjoyed for a minimum cash outlay. This design is one of my favorites during the height of Chrysler engineering and design. I think the Imperial looks best in dark colors. Black being my #1 pick.

    Like 21
  4. Charles D Schultz

    Pull into any car show with this beauty and watch the crowd leave the rows of muscle cars to look at it. For half the cost of a repaint on a clapped out Charger you can get far more attention.

    Like 22
    • Billyray

      I’ll have to disagree with you there. I had a ’66 Crown convert. in Ruby red, White top, and black interior in much better condition than this car, and it attracted very little attention at car shows (10 yrs ago.) I supposed people didn’t know what it was. Truth is, in today’s world of muscle cars, hot rods, resto-mods and pick-up trucks, A classic luxury barge is left out in the cold.

      Like 7
      • Steve Clinton

        With all due respect, you are WRONG!

        Like 2
  5. 1-mac

    I had a 64 Imperial LeBaron. Had a 413 was indestructible built strong and was very dependable. MAny of these went to demolition because of their strength. I believe they are now banned.

    Like 7
  6. wuzjeepnowsaab

    Beautiful old Chrysler right down to the color. But 5200lb, drum brakes, modern day distracted drivers buzzing around you…what could go wrong?

    Like 3
    • Terrry

      A lot wrong for the distracted driver if you hit him.

      Like 25
  7. MLM

    Considering the expensive wrecks I have seen here recently,this is one sweet deal here. This is one beautiful car and I wouldn’t mind having it in my driveway.

    Like 14
  8. Terrry

    Maybe I’m wrong, but didn’t Imperial Crown Coupes have a partial brushed stainless roof? This car looks like a good buy nonetheless, though I personally don’t like what appears to be a greenish tint to the yellow.

    Like 5
    • Steve Clinton

      No, possibly the 67 & 68s did.

      Like 0
    • chuck dickinson

      That was several years earlier–59-ish–when they had the optional stainless roof panels. They were only used for a couple of years. What does strike me as strange about THIS Imperial is the lack of a vinyl top. Very few of these didn’t have them–same as a CDV, opt., but nearly always present.

      Like 4
  9. 370zpp 370zpp

    My Dad’s last car was a white, four door 66 Crown. As a kid, I watched the shady small town car dealer pry the keys away from my grieving mother for pennies.
    I love these cars. Small town car dealers, not so much.

    Like 8
    • Slantview6

      I don’t trust a lot of big city car dealers either.

      Like 8
  10. Hal Booth

    I had a ’73 Chrysler wagon with that 440 – probably equivalent weight and in ’73 there was lots of anti-smog stuff choking the engine. When you stomped on it, it MOVED, especially when those secondaries opened-up . . .

    Like 9
  11. That AMC Guy

    This has to be the last model sold in the U.S. with a 1950s-style wraparound windshield. (Doesn’t this car still use the platform of the ’57 Imperial?)

    Like 4
    • BobK

      The unique Imperial body continued through 66. Apparently altering the windshield and cowl area is deadly expensive.
      The 67 was a Chrysler New Yorker with different front and rear clips + interior

      Like 0
  12. HCMember

    This Imperial is a beauty and I’m sure he’s got more into it than his asking price, which is very reasonable. Especially compared with what others ask for an unrestored classic. Great find.

    Like 11
  13. Rex Kahrs Rex KahrsMember

    I love these C-body Chryslers, but it’s hard to understand why they didn’t sell better. These Imperials were extremely well-made cars….rock-solid, plenty of power, very high build quality, etc etc. Yet, only about 2600 examples of this car were built. Maybe Elwood Engel’s design was off-putting, but I think it’s really great.

    Perhaps it was Chrysler’s quality control issues during the Forward Look era that tainted their reputation. I recall being just a kid in the mid-60s and hearing talk of Chrysler products proclivity toward premature rusting. But I think that through the early 60s and then at 1965, Chrysler had really hit it’s stride with quality and performance. And design, thanks to Mister Engel.

    But, like all US car makers, by the early 1970s things got cheap, and nobody in the US was making a decent car.

    My point is that this car is of far higher quality than it’s Ford and GM counterparts of that ’65-’68 time frame.

    Like 17
  14. tom

    It will pass everything except a gas pump!

    Like 0
  15. Benjamin leighton jr

    The best demolition derby car ever built.

    Like 1
  16. Mike

    This thing screams executive’s car. I feel I’d have to wear a suit & tie and a hat to drive this boat. I’d also have be smoking a pipe too.

    Like 4
    • Tom Wasney

      Mr. Drysdale, Beverly hillbillies banker.. I think he had a convertible though…

      Like 5
  17. angliagt angliagtMember

    Imagine how classy this would look in black,
    or dark blue.

    Like 2
  18. HCMember

    I don’t think I would care that car show guys didn’t know what they were looking at with this Imperial Crown coupe. She’s a beauty and at a great price its probably already sold. Big block, Mopar Luxury cars like this are something special. Almost like you’d need wingtip shoes to drive her.

    Like 6
  19. Gerard Frederick

    The absolute best of Americana, right there with the Pierce Arrows or Duesenbergs of days long gone.

    Like 6
  20. moosie moosie

    A truly beautiful car, makes me wish I had the cash and physical ability to drive it,,,,,, it’d be in my garage. I remember being a 12 year old kid and my Dad coming home with his brand new 1959 Imperial, Southhampton. 4 door hardtop in a light blue metallic body and matching interior. I remember my Grand pa being upset that Dad bought it, he said that Dad was bragging to the world, Grandpa was a low key kinda guy but he sure did enjoy going for rides in that Imperial and waving to his buddies in the neighbor hood. Sweet Sweet MEMORIES.

    Like 7
  21. Richard MartinMember

    Any car dealer, anywhere, will only give you a few pennies on the dollar for any car. That’s how they make BIG money. And that is I try to sell my own.

    Like 0
  22. Tom Wasney

    I know the owner personally, he acquired it a few years back, very nice car and owner.. Good guy, has to reduce his fleet a bit due to loss of storage. If I had the room I would get it… I currently have three cars which all sit outside.. He’s always at our local cruise ins, he doesn’t tech it at all, lucky I can share pics with him on our phones… If interested don’t hesitate to contact him, sweet guy…

    Like 8
  23. PRA4SNW

    Every time I see a ’66 Imperial, I think of the Old Man on Pawn Stars, rest his soul.
    His was a convertible, but you couldn’t help but fall in love with that car.
    https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/pawn-stars-1966-imperial-crown-convertible/

    Like 2
  24. Gary Rhodes

    Nice old girl, drive it and fix things as you go. I’d love to own it but too many projects.

    Like 0
  25. BobK

    A bit of a correction:
    “Imperial was to Chrysler what Cadillac is to General Motors”
    Actually Imperial was placed above that, Just as Lincoln’s and Continentals were from 56 onward, Imperials were not close relatives of other Chrysler products. Cadillac shared bodies with the Oldsmobile 98 and Buick Electra (formerly Super & Roadmaster)

    Like 1
  26. Bill McCoskey Bill McCoskeyMember

    As many of you regular commenters know, I’m first a Packard car guy. But I have always considered the 64-66 Imperials as what Packard might have offered if they had survived to that point. I guess that’s why I’ve had several; 1964 Convertible in white, 1965 Convertible in black, 1965 LeBaron in black, 1965 Ghia limo in black, 1966 LeBaron in dark blue, 1966 Coupe in silver, and a 1966 Coupe in gold.

    In the early 1990s I sold the ’65 convertible to a guy out west, but it’s been so long ago I can’t be sure if it was “The old man” from Pawn Stars or not, but I think the chances are good because they are so rare in any color, and how many ’65 Imperial convertibles were triple black?

    Like 1

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