1955 IMPERIAL - THE LIMOUSINE

Imperial was the Chrysler Corporation's luxury automobile brand between 1955 and 1975, with a brief reappearance in 1981 to 1983, and a second reapearance from 1990-1993. The Imperial name had been used since 1926, but was never a separate make, just the top-of-the-line Chrysler. However, in 1955, the company decided to spin Imperial off as its own make and division to better compete with its North American rivals, Lincoln and Cadillac, and European luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Imperial would see new body styles introduced every two to three years, all with V8 engines and automatic transmissions, as well as technologies that would filter down to Chrysler corporation's other models. For the 1955 model year, the Imperial was launched and registered as a separate make, apart from the Chrysler brand. It was a product of the new Imperial Division of Chrysler Corporation, meaning that the Imperial would be a make and division unto itself, and not bear the Chrysler name. Chrysler Corporation sent notices to all state licensing agencies in the then-48 states that the Imperial, beginning in 1955, would no longer be registered as a Chrysler, but as a separate make. The 1955 models are said to be inspired by Exner's own 1952 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton show cars. The platform and bodyshell were shared with that year's big Chryslers, but the Imperial had a wheelbase that was 4.0 inches longer, providing it with more rear seat legroom, had a wide-spaced split eggcrate grille, the same as that used on the Chrysler 300 "executive hot rod", and had free-standing "gunsight" taillights mounted above the rear quarters, which were similar to those on the Exner's 1951 Chrysler K-310 concept car. Gunsight taillights were also known as "sparrow-strainer" taillights, named after the device used to keep birds out of jet-engines. Such taillights were separated from the fender and surrounded by a ring and became an Imperial fixture through 1962, although they would only be free-standing in 1955 - 56 and again in 1961-62. This Imperial shown here is one of only 127 examples made for 1955. Under the hood lies a 331 cube Hemi V-8 with a Carter four-barrel carburetor and a 8.5:1 compression ratio and coupled with a Powerflite two-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and power brakes were standard on all Imperials and also a four-way power seat. Inside, the black leather seats are in good shape, with front bench split 70/30 driver/passenger. The textured black vinyl roof is intact and in excellent condition. This very rare '55 Imperial limo is an original survivor with just over 66,00 miles. Thanks very much for viewing this 1955 Chrysler Imperial Limousine.

[@stephenhavenner6954]

Beautiful!

[@55lincoln]

It's beautiful and a rare one also. Thanks for liking.

[@kennethhoskins1647]

I always loved both the '55 and '56 Imperials with the gunsight taillights but especially liked those gunsights in '55 on the rounded rear fenders. In '56 the fenders started growing from a subtle squaring off into the huge fins of the next five or six years which, to me, never seemed quite as classy as the original '55 and '56 iterations.

[@55lincoln]

What a rare find this one is. I too like the looks of the mid fifties Imperials especially with those gunsights on the 55 models. Glad you like this video Kenneth and many thanks to you for watching and your comments.

[@steelman86]

Even after i bought my first 1954 Cadillac limousine with division glass, i still wanted one of these! I think the design of this year imperial was just rolling art!

[@55lincoln]

I agree. And this Imperial limo is so rare. I was fortunate to see it. Thanks for viewing and enjoying this jewel.

[@graemedurie9094]

A dignified and attractive looking car, well furnished - and that interior trim looks high quality.

[@55lincoln]

I agree. This Imperial is not only rare but in original and excellent condition. So glad you enjoyed this and many thanks to you for viewing and commenting.

[@johnmaki3046]

I owned a '66 Imperial! This was a GREAT VEHICLE! I heard that the '55-'56 Imperials were BETTER, but I CAN'T IMAGINE HOW! The '66 Imperial Crown was THE ULTIMATE RIDE OF MY LIFE!

[@55lincoln]

John, I love the Imperials of the sixties so much that if I could own one, I surely would. To me, they are a work of art on wheels. Glad you watched this '55 example and many thanks.

[@josephmckoy6923]

What’s that little two door coupe next-door?

[@55lincoln]

Joseph, I think that was a newer Volvo. Thanks for watching this Imperial.

[@Porschedude8]

Somewhere between this model and the Lincoln, I think some Soviet designers took note to emulate a few of these features. Those tailights would be hypnotizing driving behind them on a parkway. Very nice! Thanks again...

[@55lincoln]

There were very few of these Imperial limos built so coming upon this one is a real treat. Lincoln I believe stuck to sedans and coupes during this time so the Imperial was the leader in limo construction. Glad you like this and thanks loads !

[@VitoBertaudeau]

gracias y compartido

[@55lincoln]

Thank YOU !

[@FLPAN1993]

That was the time when Chrysler really made cars. Not the plastic thin metal they make today.

[@55lincoln]

The Chrysler Corp. did very well in the fifties as this example can show. It has been a troubled company for many years now but thanks for watching this Imperial and for your comments.

[@dlwatib]

Very rare car, intact original condition!

[@55lincoln]

Yes, this was quite the find. This was the first time I saw one of these in person. Thanks for enjoying.

[@williamg2552]

Not a Chrysler. Just I M P E R I A L . The Imperial ceased being a Chrysler and became it's OWN make and division in 1955. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_(automobile) REPLY

[@55lincoln]

You are exactly right William. For a while the Imperial was an upgrade Chrysler but eventually became it's own brand sort of like the Lincoln Continental morphed into the Continental being its own brand but briefly. It can be confusing to some but not to us two. Many thanks !

[@danconlan64]

Crown Imperial

[@srercrcr]

If the Imperial introduced features, whereby they flowed to other divisions, I would expect to see the pushbutton transmission here. BTW, very nice example of 50s luxury. Perhaps used by the bank President?

[@55lincoln]

I know that the Mopar cars had push button transmission selectors but amazingly enough, I don't see that on this Chrysler Imperial limo. hmmm. Usually those push buttons are located on the dash to the left of the steering wheel. Maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe the push buttons appeared in 56 because I know I've seen them on 56 cars. This limo I'm thinking had to belong to a wealthy person. Probably a company CEO. Thanks for enjoying this rare limo and for your comments.

[@midnightryder611]

Push button started in 56. This is correct in having the dash mounted selector.

[@55lincoln]

Yes, I think you're right. It was part of that Forward Look with Exner designs for Chrysler cars. Thanks.

[@nephi5059]

What's all the noise. Sound director doesn't get Oscar.

[@rickey5353]

It has Virgil Exner written all over it.

[@55lincoln]

Yes it certainly does. Like you, I'm a fan of Exner. Extraordinary creations from him still shine. Thanks.

[@34Packardphaeton]

I'm very much a fan of quality American four-door cars.... but limos don't do anything for me. I prefer the "owner-driven"... which was often exemplified by two versions of the same car: one with a divider window... and another 'without'. The latter would have the same upholstery as the rear seat, whereas this limo is like the real limos of previous decades... or even 'town cars' which had an open-to-the-sky chauffeur's compartment in leather up front... and usually a wool broadcloth in the rear.

[@55lincoln]

Limos like this have a limited market and limited usage. Wealthy patrons and funeral cars are usually the most purposed vehicles. And, you don't see many of these as time goes on. When was the last time you saw a stretched Lincoln limo that was a night on the town party car ? A treat for me anyway, to find a vintage limo like this. Thanks so much for your comments.

[@johntechwriter]

Another mystery video with no narration.

[@55lincoln]

My narrations are stated as a description attached to the video. Can you read ?

[@TheItsmegp46]

Beautiful car, with factory air conditioning to boot. I hope someone takes this old girl home and restores it to its original glory.

[@55lincoln]

This is a beautiful rendition of a rare Imperial limo. I'm sure some new owner will take it home. Not much to restore because of it's excellent condition. Perhaps new paint. The interior is well preserved. Thanks for enjoying.

[@CrazyBritishbitch33]

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[@mikevale3620]

A Max Sennett production...

[@55lincoln]

Yes, I suppose so. Thanks Mike.

[@chucklambooy8457]

The car is amazing. The person doing the video is pretty lame

[@55lincoln]

Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@califdad4]

not many of these Limos were made. My Family Doctor had a black 2dr coupe Imperial, I think a 55 and did his house calls in it! He replaced it with a 58 or 59 Thunderbird

[@55lincoln]

Yes only 127 of these Imp limos were made this year. Yes, when doctors made house calls. What a better way than to show up in a black two door Imperial. Looks like Thunderbird won again.

[@califdad4]

Yes he kept that Tbird for years, much longer than he had the Imperial

[@clarkeshivers7036]

As much as I love squarebirds, that Imperial seemed to help get the job done

[@califdad4]

for a couple years, never heard why he only kept it for a couple years, ( I was pretty small but I do remember T birds were very poplar) but he kept that gold 58 Tbird a long time. Replaced it with a late 60's Pontiac Ventura, by this time he was getting older in his 70s and I think he even bought the Pontiac a bit used as he wasn't driving a lot

[@55lincoln]

I like T Birds but I'd prefer the Imperial. I wonder if he had trouble with the Imperial for to keep it for only a couple of years. But then, maybe the popular Bird drew him to that brand. A sixties Pontiac preowned was most likely a smart choice.