Big Finned Project: 1957 Imperial Crown

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Chrysler Corporation entered 1957 with a lot to be proud of: A completely new line of “Forward Look” cars shocked the industry and their new “Torsion-Aire” suspension proclaimed their technical prowess. In hindsight, we know that mediocre build quality and rust resistance swept the rug out from under those 14-inch tires just when things were getting interesting, but that doesn’t need to change our affection for cars such as this Imperial Two-Door Southampton. Yes, Southampton. Even the name sounds expensive. This Imperial will cost a fortune to restore, as the above image shows it in its best light, literally and figuratively. If you’re up for a complete restoration of a fairly rare luxury car, however, it’s here on eBay in California with a high bid of $1323 (and it has not met reserve).

This may be a more honest interpretation of the car’s condition. It looks like a barn find, or perhaps a field find. Even so, there’s no hiding the Imperial’s daring styling for 1957, with those crazy, space-age taillights and soaring fins. Look at the complexity of its roof design and the confidently huge “Imperial” badge on the decklid.

Only one engine was available in the 1957 Imperial, and it was a good one, the ultimate Gen I Hemi, the 392. With 325 horsepower in single-carburetor tune (a Carter WCFB, I believe), it had more than enough brawn to show those fantastic taillights to just about anything on the road. This one runs (if you feed gas into the carburetor with a water bottle); the seller includes a video, and the engine doesn’t sound bad aside from a little valve noise. Sadly, there’s no way to tell how stuck the valves were or how much rust was on the cylinder walls, but maybe the new buyer will get lucky. If not, the engine is just one expense of many that this project will bear.

The interior is another. There’s no easy answer for a full interior when you’re dealing with a Forward Look Imperial, so this will be an enormous expense. It should be clear to anyone who’s bothered to look at the pictures that this is not going to be a sensible endeavor. But if you like Imperials and you have the money to restore one, this one isn’t a terrible place to start. It looks complete, it runs, it’s the comparatively uncommon two-door hardtop, and it’s arguably an example from the Imperial’s greatest year. There, I’ve said it.

Even if the rest of the car wasn’t made from pick-your-jaw-up-off-the-floor charisma, it still has one of the greatest dashboards of the postwar era; the gauges alone are the biggest thing you’ve ever seen, and in my mind, that makes it the best. So, does this Imperial have a chance? I hope one of the moneyed readers on Barn Finds gives it a chance at a new life on the road where others can marvel at it.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. JimmyJ

    I love these 57 imperials they’re my favourite year too.but in a realist and id buy a restored one.

    Like 3
    • stillrunners stillrunnersMember

      Hard to find a coupe – think production was around 2500…..looks like a service man’s car with those base bumper stickers……and it RUNS !!!!

      Like 1
  2. Howard A Howard AMember

    This car can’t be a California native, as 4 headlights weren’t legal in ’57. A single headlight front end was offered and rare. I believe the 392 was new for 1957, highly underrated, and how it remained in this car during the peak of hot rodding will remain a mystery. 4 bids and hasn’t moved, pretty much tells the story here.

    Like 3
  3. Will Fox

    Wow………a BASE model with no Power windows or seats! You almost never find those!
    Howard, the four headlamps were STANDARD on Chryslers/Imperials after 1/1/57. The early models built in `56 had single headlamps. Before the `57 selling season was over, quad headlamps were allowed everywhere.

    Like 9
    • Phil Maniatty

      No power windows, but factory air. An unusual combination of options.

      Like 0
  4. Billyray

    For such a forlorn looking car, it appears to be all there and very restorable, albeit, not a cheap project by any means. Should look pretty spectacular when done, and being the two dr ht, will make it a good investment. I had a ’59, and these cars are real attention getters!

    Like 6
  5. RICK W

    It’s a mess! I confess 😳 BUT it is the first completely finned Imperial of Exners fabulous finned fantasies. While beyond my means, it deserves a complete restoration as a MONUMENT to an era unfortunately never to be seen again. Someone PLEASE save this Imperial 😭. BTW, the dual headlamps probably indicate it originally came from a different state.

    Like 2
  6. RICK W

    It’s a mess! I confess 😳 BUT it is the first completely finned Imperial of Exners fabulous finned fantasies. While beyond my means, it deserves a complete restoration as a MONUMENT to an era unfortunately never to be seen again. Someone PLEASE save this Imperial 😭. BTW, the dual headlamps probably indicate it originally came from a different state.

    Like 1
  7. Dan H

    That beast would look incredible restored with black shiny paint, a red interior and a 671 blower with 2 four barrel AFB’s sticking out of the hood!

    Or you could get it running as is and build a “sister” to the Crusher Impala.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsKvfqu6mRI

    Like 0
  8. Pete Phillips

    Restore this diamond in the rough and you can practically name your price when it is done. This is probably the most desirable, collectible Imperial there is: Two-door hardtop, Hemi V8, factory A/C, no annoying power windows to have to fix, fabulous styling. Every penny that is spent on it you will get back when you go to sell it.

    Like 3
    • Bub

      Sure, restore it and you can name your price. To either one of the two guys world wide who are interested. Oh, and one just died.

      Like 1
      • 370zpp 370zpp

        this again . .

        Like 0
  9. CarbobMember

    One major plus is the apparent lack of body rust. But pictures can’t substitute for a real inspection. If the underside is in equivalent condition then you would have a solid foundation for a very worthwhile project. And the engine runs. I’m curious as to what the reserve is. If this was in my possession I’d be tempted to get it roadworthy and consider a multi stage restoration as I enjoy driving it. GLWTS

    Like 1
  10. phil

    According to some details (door panels, seat sides, lack of crown above headlights, etc…) it is not a Crown but an IM1-1, called “Custom” in 1959, in short the entry level. So logical not to have electric windows, it was optional on this model.

    Like 0
  11. Steve Gravelle

    Is that the transmission to the left of the wheel, will heater control to the right?

    Like 0
    • Ed P

      Yes

      Like 2
  12. Robbert Smit

    An enduring classic that should be restored to its former glory!

    Like 0
  13. Joe Fay

    I own a 59, these Imperial are just awe inspiring

    Like 0
  14. Big C

    Didn’t they call that faux spare tire on the trunk, The Toilet Seat?

    Like 0

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