Beating Caddy and Lincoln at their own game - 1958 Imperial

Big Luxury - 1958 Imperial
The Imperial name had been used since 1926, as a Chrysler luxury model, the Chrysler Imperial. However, in 1955, the company spun off Imperial into its own make and division to better compete with its North American rivals, Lincoln and Cadillac. Imperial would see new or modified 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 1957 model year, the Imperial received its own platform, setting it apart from any other division of Chrysler and shared the all-new "Forward Look" appearance. This would last through the 1966 model year. Imperials during this period were substantially wider, both inside and out, than other Mopars, with front and rear shoulder room equal to 64.0 in (1,626 mm) and 62.0 in (1,575 mm) respectively. The front seat shoulder room measurement remains an unsurpassed record for Imperial and would remain the record for any car until the 1971-1976 GM full-size models. Exterior width reached a maximum of 81.7 in (2,075 mm) for 1961-1963, which remains the record for the widest non-limousine American car. After Lincoln downsized for 1961, this generation of Imperial had no real competitor for the title of largest car for the remainder of its decade-long lifespan.
Styling changes for 1958 were limited to the front grille and bumper. Quad headlights became standard. The 1958 Imperial is credited with the introduction of cruise control, which was called "Auto-Pilot", and was available on the Imperial, and on Chrysler New Yorker, 300, Saratoga and Windsor models. Power door locks were another new option. Sales slipped to 16,133 in a recession year. Dealers were frustrated with buyers referring to the cars as a "Chrysler Imperial", which inhibited sales as Chrysler was not seen as having Cadillac or Lincoln's prestige. It didn't help that Imperial continued to be sold at Chrysler dealerships, instead of standalone dealers, although it did have a separate "Imperial" dealership sign.
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#Imperial #TwoGuysandARide #Chrysler #VirgilExner #Mopar #ClassicCars

[@andydanko7074]

Just watched a 4 door single headlight same color example of this model in beautiful original condition here on KZbin. Beautiful

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

We love the styling and yeah it’s a beautiful car. Thanks for watching

[@hildablanco1591]

When a car of that year passes by you salute to a well made all American car

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Agreed!

[@rickey5353]

Like cruising about in mid-century Dusenberg. A fine example of garish rolling jewelry. I love it.

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Agreed

[@TheDejael]

Sweet! Exner excellence! Beautiful design! I like the 1958 better than the 1957 front grille, otherwise the two model years are almost the same, like Plymouth, Dodge and DeSoto.

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Love these finned cars from Exner

[@beaufubm5983]

Emergency terminal on the positive battery terminal.

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Good eye...thats gotta be Pep Boys or Advance Auto...Im sure locating the original cable is out of the question. Thanks for watching

[@bobgarner44]

Our's was a 58 crown 4 dr hardtop sky blue. Someone shoul show that instrument panel at night. nothing like it,

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Thanks for sharing. The dash at night really is a work of art. Thanks for sharing!

[@joekauffman9690]

The 59 or 60 Imperial Leborn is similar to the cadiallic 59 or 60

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnellis2347]

Power windows standard on Imperials but you could special order manual. 392 also used on New Yorker. Ford and Chevy guys should avoid interviewing Mopars so we wouldn' t have to listen to all the golly gee comments.

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Golly Gee thanks for the advice. You be you, and we'll keep on doing what we do.

[@chuckhaugan4970]

Beating them? Chrysler Imperial and later, Imperial, was the most expensive car produced by the big three for more than 5 decades. There was a point in time when an Imperial was more expensive than a Rolls. If anything, the Ford and GM were trying to match Chrysler.... Until Exner went insane, in the early 60's and pretty much tanked Chrysler for a good 4 years of sales. That hick-up in cost Chrysler dearly in the late 1960's and is responsible for their innovation shortfall of the malaise era.

[@TwoGuysandaRide]

Great point. Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching