So, when is a Chrysler not a Chrysler but still a Chrysler? In 1955 (and for the years ahead), Chrysler Corp. took all Chrysler badging off the Imperials, hoping to better position them against Cadillac and Lincoln. It was a shell game because they were still built at Chrysler plants and sold at Chrysler dealers. This 1959 Imperial Southampton Coupe has an optional stainless-steel roof and needs interior work after being towed away. Located in Browerville, Minnesota, this big boat is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,500. An attaboy goes to NW Iowa Kevin for the tip.
Chrysler added some gap to the Imperial vs. other products in 1957 by giving the car its own platform. And when other Chryslers, etc. went to unibody construction in 1960, the Imperial stuck with body-on-frame. The Imperial solidified its position as the largest car built in America when the Lincoln shrunk a bit in 1961. Styling-wise, the 1959 Imperials (like the one here) only had minor appearance changes compared to the 1958s.
Unique to the Imperial in the 1959 Chrysler world was its optional Silvercrest roof, which was made of stainless steel and had a canopy over the rear. When you ordered a pillarless-door Imperial, the Southampton name was tagged on to it. In ’59, the car no longer used a Hemi, with the 413 cubic inch “Wedge” V8 replacing it, and we assume that’s what’s in the seller’s machine.
Details about this Imperial are few. It apparently does not run for whatever reason and must be towed away. The tires are good, as is some of the interior, though carpeting and a headliner seem to be lacking at 88,000 miles. The turquoise paint looks nice, and the swivel seats have a paisley upholstery pattern that looks more like something from the 1970s than the 1950s. Project, anyone?
…looking at those seats, gives me an idea 💡
Duct tape can fix anything 🤔
This 59 Southampton is a far cry from the 1960 listed for $38k earlier this week. The body looks solid, but it’s listed in Minnesota. Non running conditon is also a gamble. Those seats are painful to look at. And of course no engine bay photos. Buyer will be a gambler.
surprised to see an imperial with that pattern on the seats.
A Mod Top without the too!!
That is a lot of ugly. Worth cleaning and saving through
A lot of you would do well to Google “Dodge La Femme”. There were two years: I believe ’56 and ’57, each with it’s own color scheme and upholstery. As the name implies, they were geared to the ladies. A guy in our car club has one. It’s beautiful. As an aside, in 1965, a lady across the street had this same car in a yellow color. First time I ever saw a car with a stainless steel roof outside of a ’57 Eldorado Brougham. Yes, Cadillac made them for 2 years, and no, I’ve never laid eyes on a real one.
I thought it was a beautiful car worthy of BF readers’ distinctive tastes. Thanks Russ, for featuring two of my tips today.
Correct me if I’m wrong but due to the US economy being in the gutter, more and more great cars, tractors, trucks and motorcycles have been coming up for sale at reasonable prices.
Never saw that upholstery combo on an Imperial before. Methinks someone’s padded patio furniture went missing.
I love the Mopars from the 1950’s, especially the 1957 Desoto Fireflite. It is by far my favorite of all 50s automobiles; simply the zenith of the fin era yet so very well styled, IMO. However, the interior door panels in most late 50s and early 60s Mopars are almost always a disappointment. They seem to be molded and difficult to keep smooth-looking as they age, ending up looking wrinkled and unkempt. It’s already difficult to keep armrests looking good in 70-year-old cars, no matter how few miles are on these oldies. Add the aged condition of the rest of the door panel in the mix and it seems like nearly every jet-age Mopar can use a major interior panel redo, regardless of the condition of the car overall.