Copy Cat Continental

This 1965 Imperial Crown two door hardtop helps Steve describe how legendary stylist Elwood Engel left his mark on the 1961-1969 Lincoln Continental and its fierce competitor, the 1964-1968 Imperial. Hint: Engel designed them both. And what critical rear suspension component does the 1964 Dodge Custom Sports Special D100 pickup truck share with Imperial? This video tells the tale.

[@feelinfine1973]

God bless America and God bless the American car culture!! Remember our fallen Veterans today and Thank You Steve for another great upload full of knowledge!!

[@aaronpate6617]

My dad had a 65 crown coupe imperial, in dark green. He bought it in 70. I was 7, at the time, and remember sitting on the fold down arm rest, next to him, so i could see out. The speedometer was unique, with the red line that went from left to right, following the numbers. Iirc, the cruise control unit in the engine compartment, had a tag labeled, auto pilot. He was 5'8", and could lay down sideways in the trunk. I always thought the gas fill was cool, with access behind a chrome flip down eagle, in the center of the rear bumper. Right after buying the car, he drove it to my mothers work place, and the employes there thought the president of the company was pulling up, lol. My father always said, that was the best car he ever owned. God rest his soul.

[@hortenseplaceg9740]

I’ve never seen anyone so knowledgeable about vintage cars as you, and I knows alot about old cars!

[@ddellwo]

Those early-60’s Lincoln’s with the square bodies and suicide doors are simply stunning. A guy in my town owns a convertible model and you see him out cruising in it occasionally - what a head-turning automobile!

[@rhiannonbittle1454]

That inside door handle is the coolest.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

That's definitely something to look for when building a custom car.

[@b.abrackus6403]

Definitely looks like an Aircraft throttle..

[@rhiannonbittle1454]

@@b.abrackus6403 That's what I thought.

[@rhiannonbittle1454]

@@The_R-n-I_Guy Yep.

[@CM-sy6ud]

Thank you Steve for continuing the junkyard videos, I was sad to see "junkyard gold" go away

[@ExilefromCrownHill]

I owned a '64 Imperial convertible bought in 1972 in NH and enjoyed it for three years. It was black with a maroon interior, parade boots and all. This car never needed anything, other than a headlight switch, and air shocks to keep the body up. Drove it to Arizona with 277,000 miles on it, and sold it there. I've looked at countless '60s Mopars, always checked the "Dealer's Certicard" attached to the radiator support. It was for service validation. It showed the original buyer's name. I went by the man's house in Townsend, Massachusetts and he waved me down. In his garage was a '57 Chrysler 300-C ragtop, and a 59 300-E, also a ragtop. Awesome!

[@timothyharrison8953]

Those old Imperials make superior derby cars! A neighbor near the civilian home I grew up in in Virginia after my dad retired from the air force had a nicely restored black '64 Crown two door. Such beautiful cars! Walked by it on the way to school for many years until I left to join the air force.

[@DSchea]

They're banned in most derbies now

[@guitarhole]

The demolition derby's worst nightmare . The full frame Imperial .

[@levic9787]

61-66 all the same frame 57-60 are real close i have a 61 that was junk that has 17 derbys on it

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I remember the first derby that I ever went to started with something like around 100 cars and at the end only 8 made it to the final event all Imperials. The Imperials still looked relatively unscathed at the beginning of the final event. During that event with the Imperials all destroying each other it sounded like hell's fury had been unleashed as they crashed into each other.

[@daddysbrokegarage]

Ever seen a 03-11 crown vic.... nose.to nose impdont stand chance

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

@@daddysbrokegarage a hammerhead with a pointy bumper will split a vic in two. You're funny.

[@levic9787]

@@daddysbrokegarage i have and it all depends on the rules cuz 03-11vic if not pressured fold and the imp stays straight

[@TheBrowncoat2112]

That prop rod is enormous. Could you imagine putting that in position every time you needed to check the oil?

[@1987glhs]

I'm a big fan of Elwood Engle's style. That Imperial would have been stunning when new!

[@tobyvincent9190]

Only channel I give a thumbs up before I watch

[@nifvisionquest5317]

Part of my adult education habit. Love this channel.

[@charlesdalton985]

Even as a kid, I thought the rear bumper on these was beautiful and distinctive. This one might be too far gone to restore, but there are many good parts to save another. Thank you - love your channel.

[@tdtvkc1]

I am a blessed person and the reason I know this is because, when I was a kid my father was a so called traveling salesman and of course a family man. He drove a lot and was a big man in stature, so he wanted a big car, big enough to hold his family which consisted of my twin brother and older sister and of course mom and dad. In 1964 my dad comes rolling home in a 1962 Lincoln Continental complete with air conditioning, power windows, power locks and plenty of power and not to mention great styling. It was a black car with white leather interior and had the electric eye on top of the dash for automatic lights dimming. Remember that it was 1964 and all of these luxury features were new to me and the family and I must say pretty fancy. Now I must state that we were middle class at best and the only reason we could afford a car like this is that my father's job gave him a car allowance or they would lease him a car. He always took the allowance and bought what car he wanted. Like I said dad drove all over a four state territory and put a lot of miles on his cars and usually wore one out after a couple of years. So when the Lincoln was getting a lot of miles on it and It seems to me having some mechanical problems. Dad went searching for his next car. I really loved that Lincoln, but I guess Dad found a deal on a 1966 Chrysler Imperial Crown Coupe. It was white on the outside and wine colored interior and of course it was loaded. Dad loved this car except for one thing, it was a 2 door, and with 3 kids you can see it being a problem, but one we dealt with. Anyway long story I know but this video touched on both of these cars, so thought I might share the story. My father fell in love with Chrysler and never bought anything else, thanks for the video's Steve, keep it up.

[@privateprivate1865]

Steve, I really like you show❤️

[@ericking954]

Steve, I miss my Car Craft magazine.

[@84GordonShumway]

Again Steve, you are a national treasure on an incredible amount of Automotive Information! Always enjoy your videos!!

[@paulpeterson4311]

National treasure of MISINFORMATION.

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Great door handles! Like a jet/boat throttle , cool 🇨🇦👍

[@ddellwo]

I can’t even imagine how rare a ‘65 Dodge truck with a factory 426 Wedge and bucket seats is today - probably “single digits” of them left……😮 I guess this is the truck that morphed into “The Dude”, of which I’ve seen one or two at car shows over the years…….🤔

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I've get to see a dude, except in pics ,and growing up in the late 70s a neighbor had a his and hers lil Red Express trucks ,2 of em in the same driveway. What a rare lil beastie that dude is.

[@nsidor1234]

Thanks Steve, your expertise is appreciated. Despite the advanced level of decay, if that car were put onto dry storage now, it could be a desirable candidate for resto in 5 to 10 years. Especially if a 4door donor car could be found.

[@matthewrowe8033]

Another outstanding video!!

[@gregkistner1955]

Always learning something with his videos!

[@mountaincat2001]

Thank you Steve.. love the show

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

Folks bought a good used 65 Imperial Crown Coupe. What a car! Smooth, rock solid ride, cruised just fine at 85 mph. Went on my first date in it.

[@paulviles8587]

You think you know something about antique and classic cars until you listen to a few posts from Steve!

[@michaelguinn5736]

Morning Steve, great video!!!

[@ricksaint2000]

Thank you Steve, Get well soon.

[@LuciFeric137]

Steve, thanks for all the interesting content. You are a great storyteller and i love how you weave all the skeins together. Keep plugging. This channel should be 250k minimum.

[@jellymagoo8310]

Great video, Love the old magazines and brochures! You work them in perfectly.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man no wonder I always thought that the Chrysler imperial always looked like the Lincoln! Wow! I guess you always learn something new everyday! That’s one beautiful car, I always thought! Love the styling! Lol 😂 still has the air freshener hanging!👌😂👍thanks for the history Steve! Great video!😎👍

[@bazilwreckerloughead]

Another great one professor Magnante. I couldn't take my eyes off of that white Dodge Monaco in the background though!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks Steve. I never noticed the Conti similarities until this video. I also did not know that this was a full frame car! I guess I still have more schooling to learn!

[@davebarron5939]

Love the new "prop" the pointer stick, class is officially in session. Great stuff Steve, I am embarrassed how poor my knowledge is. Thanks

[@77yogurt]

I wouldn't say your/our knowledge is poor. I'd say that Steve Mags is a virtual encyclopedia of automotive knowledge. The man is a frikkin genius.

[@davebarron5939]

@@77yogurt "Survey says!" We have a consensus. LOL

[@thomasconnolly7452]

Great video. I am getting motivated to have my rebuilt 440 put back in my 66 Crown Vert.

[@majortolleson7976]

You sir are a true American Historian. Maybe there are others out there that know as much or more than you, but there can't be many. Thank you for sharing the information. I am melancholy when you refer to Detroit in the present tense, because I believe the page has been turned on the days of great design and innovation from Detroit. Not to say that automotive innovation has died, the reliability of some of today's cars are fantastic, and the safety is unbelievable. Thanks again for sharing these history lessons with the whole world!

[@eugenepolan1750]

Bryan Nesbitt designed the Chrysler PT Cruiser and then went on to design the Chevrolet HHR. A stylist will tell you they are totally different, but a mere mortal would say they look the same.

[@thefordmaniac]

All garbage looks the same lol

[@jimpatnode4445]

What a beautiful car in its day. Still working the algorithm Steve 👍

[@misigis]

Such precision, 86.9%! Gotta love Steve's videos.

[@tony66au]

Absolute gold there Steve, I was an MTOD subscriber for a few years and enjoyed your Yard series but these are way way more engaging. The issue for me is that im doing the math on buying a Mopar import as im selling my Aussie A body stuff and every time you do another Mopar? My goals change :-D

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

As always - well done!

[@UberLummox]

'61 was the 1st. year for the slab side Lincoln, Steve. Great video!

[@troyallen3427]

These cars were beautiful.

[@johnkranz4004]

Very Interesting Steve

[@allanharris4281]

There was a mint 'gold on gold' four-door model of the Imperial close to a Cinema that I frequented in Vancouver, BC, Canada, back 20 years ago. It was obviously a well-loved survivor that saw ''summer month duties' only. I had never seen those thick glass headlight covers, until seeing that car.

[@jerryfarmer5989]

My grandparents had a '65 Imperial Crown Royal and man it was a nice ride. Had more than enough power to go anywhere and fast if ya wanted. Comfy oh man it was comfy.

[@grosseileracingteam]

We restored my friends 1964 Polara 500. 383 car w/factory console and floor shifter. Had a 727 cable shift with a cracked housing. Took him 3 years of going to the Mopar Nats and $500 back in the 1990's to find a good used housing for a rebuild. Had factory power windows too. Now it's a built 440 powered car.

[@MrBubbashow]

The use of the stick as a pointer was great!

[@vettekid3326]

If you want to see some of those on film from that time period Chrysler was one of the sponsors of the "Beverly Hillbillies" and the show's character banker Milburn Drysdale and his wife rode around in Imperials. Also the Chrysler Turbine cars looked strangely like the third gen Ford Thunderbirds as well

[@SteveMagnante]

Hello VetteKid, YES!!! I am 57 (don't tell anyone) and I used to like how the Beverley Hill Billies used Chrysler Corporation vehicles. Whenever they showed a car rolling up to the front door of the Clampett Mansion, I paid attention. Especially when Jethro or the Banker Guy was in it. Jethro would be in a Coronet 500 and the Banker would be in some slick 2-door convertible. As for Ellie May, she looked good just walking around! Texas Tea!!! THANKS for writing, Steve Magnante

[@jeffreysproul9110]

Steve you are an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to vehicles. I would like to have at least one tenth of your knowledge. Would love to see you do a dual podcast with Adam of Rare Cars even though you are successful with your own videos. Did see you when Hoovie brought has Plymouth Superbird to a show and I remember Hoovie saying your were the Mopar expert. You are truly an expert.

[@markbattista6857]

Good morning Steve , At the introduction of this video before you introduced the vehicle I wasn't sure what it was and not until looking at the side of the windshield did I recognize it. Working in a car wash when I was 14 -15 I hand dried several of these absolutely awesome cars . Thanks

[@izzydizzy1115]

Yeah man, those were some BIG cars. I'll bet you didn't finish drying it off until you were 35! LOL

[@peterdaniel66]

In so far as engineering, personally I think Chrysler blew the doors off of Lincoln and definitely Cadillac. The imperial was as fine of a car that you could buy. It’s a shame that the public as usual doesn’t recognize superior work when they see it. Truly a magnificent car in every aspect

[@seed_drill7135]

I think it hurt that they shared their engines with regular Chryslers.

[@paulpeterson4311]

Read the old road test.They all complained about the inferior quality of the Imperial all through the 60s.

[@donlemme898]

Another great video Steve. Looks like a ‘68 Monaco in the background? Being older is rarely a plus, however, I feel fortunate to have owned some of these wonderful cars that you show us.

[@bartscanland9415]

"And about 86.9% of all Imperials in 1965 got air conditioning." 7:52 Thank you Mr. Spock, but I have to question that rather specific number when 85-90% would not have raised my ears.

[@jaygorveatte7955]

There's a nice on going continental restoration going on at cold war motors channel as well as some great fury's. Enjoying all the great information you share, keep it up.

[@larrykroger3100]

dude..its the Green Hornet car..

[@mrblack6467]

Excellently narration. I like the shot of Lebanon Valley Speedway at the end. Where’s the usual intro?

[@ronaldgochnour5327]

Had a 65 Imperial loved it.

[@muntasirali6057]

Always great information

[@lukehall3914]

I saw a ford courier in the back ground a couple of videos back. Any chance of " American " mini trucks in the future. Love the channel.

[@richardgraham6836]

I had a 65 Crown Coupe triple black, beautiful car. Steve you should have pointed out that the front end is all one piece, I always thought that was cool,

[@googleusergp]

The trim tag shows the detail, and the VIN (can be figured out) for the win: Y for Imperial, 2 for Imperial Crown, 5 for 1965 model year, 3 for Jefferson, MI assembly and the rest is the production sequence. The missing engine would have been a 413 V8 with a Carter AFB-3871S four barrel and rated (gross) for about 340 HP and 470 ft-lbs. of torque. Compression ratio was about 10.1:1. If you had to ask fuel economy numbers, this wasn't the car for you. Although, gasoline was pretty cheap in 1965. Of the 16,422 Imperials made for 1965, about 3,974 of them were Crown coupes like this one. Price was about $5,930 which is over $54,000 in 2022 as this video is being shot. The original Jefferson plant that assembled this car was operated by Chrysler from 1925 to 1990 and today Stellantis operates "Jefferson North" which is adjacent to the site that built this car. With limited information, we can partially brag on the tag: Y22 for Imperial Crown, M9X for black leather interior trim, SO of 527 should be a schedule date of 5/27/64 which was a Tuesday, and even though it's cut off due to rust, it should be code "K" Silver Turquoise exterior paint, 1-2 should be LH outside remote mirror, 3-9 should be variable speed wipers, 6-5 might denote a black vinyl roof (which may be gone completely by now), 7-2 should be a "sold" car, D-5 is automatic transmission, E-1 is AC and heater, F-1 is power brakes, G-4 might be power seats on both sides, H-5 is power windows, J-6 for power vent windows, M-9 for power door locks, N-8 for rear defogger, among other options.

[@ExilefromCrownHill]

Chryslers had serial numbers that were raised, except for the first three digits which were crudely punched in. I got nailed by the cops for an "altered VIN" and they took the car and impounded it. They came back to me with egg on their face and apologized for their ignorance.

[@googleusergp]

@@ExilefromCrownHill Yup, back then, things were loosely stamped. I had gotten a Craftsman toolbox from someone and I was curious to find the stamping date. I had to use a wire wheel on a drill and some yellow crayon to "raise" the lettering to find what I think is "5-81" for May 1981 production. I know what model it is and all of that, was just curious if I had the date range right (I did).

[@robertchristie9434]

My aunt worked at the Chrysler Engineering center back then. In July of '63 she gave my Dad some tickets to see the executive preview show of the '64s at then Cobo hall in Detroit. Ironic that Steve called this episode was the same comment that my Dad & I had when we saw the '64 Imperial. Starting in '63 it looked like Chrysler was getting away from the outrageous designs of the previous years. Common parts were constantly being considered & utilized when I worked at the Engineering center in the mid 70s to save tooling & production costs. The bean counters ran the show for quite a while. Lynn Townsend a former accountant was CEO from '62 to '75 & kept a close eye on expenses.

[@gibsonfenderbacker2374]

My first car was the white Chrysler in the background. 383 2v carb. It was that 60s lizard green color with a black vinyl roof. It was given to me for helping some folks move out of a house in Nahant MA. They gave me 10 dollars with the car. This was in 1983.

[@djadventurespratt-michigan8139]

I have an Uncle that has a Dodge Custom Sport Special pick-up as mentioned at 3:32. It has been featured in a NAPA Auto Parrs calendar.

[@thedelawareranch2379]

Nice green carpet, this might hurt a bit but derby guys love these cars they are tanks .

[@jeffwext6633]

Steve: Can you do a piece on what designer came up with the Dodge Sweptline shape? Once trim is gone, the curves are just wonderful in a SWB.

[@mikesr3407]

Funny how trim is a love hate , I started driving in the eightees and everyone was just starting to Smooth all the trim and monotone everything ! I love both , cool seeing the old cars regardless.

[@REGROY1913]

Great video!

[@hughjass1044]

Those styling similarities are so obvious, I wonder why I never saw them before until Steve pointed them out.

[@bradkay4794]

Really outside of bright trim on the tops of the fenders running the length of the car what is there? Well like wow both cars had headlights in both cars had wheels. Actually the copycat here is when the 70 Lincoln came out and looked like the 64 imperial, isn't it?

[@hughjass1044]

@@bradkay4794 The similarities and the reasons for them were extensively explained in the video. If you don't see them, fine, but there's no call to be snotty about it.

[@bradkay4794]

@@hughjass1044 Steve can "explain" all he wants but calling it a copycat car is ludicrous and an insult to Engel.

[@RC-cc4rv]

Get well Steve!!!

[@junkman7426]

It wasn't a '65 Imperial, but I've actually taken apart some power window switches like that on a 60s C body, cleaned them, and rebuilt them with success. The housing is usually crimped together, but they can often be salvaged.

[@izzydizzy1115]

Nice video as usual Steve. That Imperial weighed almost as much as the Queen Mary! LOL

[@bevierevans]

Another comment and like, thanks Steve!

[@Guns_N_Gears]

That truck in the brochure with a 426 wedge head would've hauled the mail!!!!!

[@scottbogfoot]

5:53 the hood is propped up by a prop shaft.... fittingly enough that makes sense.

[@GWAR1982]

Thank you

[@thomasdearment3214]

AHH power drum brakes barely tap them they would lock up, had to know how to use them

[@67L-88]

Isn't that the basis for the Green Lanterns car? I am not a Chrysler guy but find the Imperials interesting.

[@TRUCKOCD]

Our 66 Continental has lead springs in the rear, drums in the rear and disc up front.

[@camaross45thaniv51]

Hey guys, I absolutely love the content. I would like to make a suggestion. Recently, you have started adding text on your thumbnails in an orange color. That particular color is very hard to see and read. Again, I love the channel and thank you for all the great information.

[@jetsom1000]

good stuff thanks...

[@SteveMagnante]

@@jetsom1000 Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante

[@forthwithtx5852]

Very informative

[@talfacprez]

I remember the many years when demolition derby rules would not allow Imperials to be used because of how indestructible their frames were. Imperials kept winning so they poweres that be stopped allowing Imperials to compete.

[@jwrappuhn71]

Excellent.

[@UncleRobsGarage]

That is huge!

[@matthewtaylor3308]

I’d love to have one of those...

[@138152930]

Surprised you walked on by that super cool jet exhaust looking rear bumper and the t handle door handles

[@shelbylancer454]

Great video as usual Steve! 2 things I’d like to add, ‘61 was the first year for the slab sided continental. Also certain years of the imperial had the rare secretary’s work station ( passenger seat rotates around and a small desk unfolds I believe ). Chrysler always on the forefront of innovation, just curious how much that option cost? Thanks, John Knarr.

[@77yogurt]

Wow, I never even heard of that option. I wonder how many of them still exist today.

[@mikesr3407]

Wasn't there a Cordova year that swiveled ? Or did I see one repurposed ?

[@shelbylancer454]

@@77yogurt was actually called mobile directors option, google for pics. Jay Leno has one on his page I think.

[@77yogurt]

@@shelbylancer454 oh sweet, I will check that out. Thanks.

[@TheMotorman80]

Actually the Lincoln Continental had leaf springs as well. I had a 65 and it was very easy to lower!

[@installwebercarburetorsona6159]

Interesting as usual.. Best part might be the stick. Keep it for future junkyard crawls. :)

[@bobroberts2371]

1:25 What about the stove option?

[@brianyoung9014]

Coil springs are torsion bars twisted to take up less space.

[@GreyRockOne]

Thanks Steve! You forgot to mention the late great Lee Iacoccoa!

[@danw6014]

People were often jumping from one company to another. There were some engineers at Ford working on the Ford Select-O-Speed transmission for their tractors. Ford wanted to push it to market before it was ready so they fired some of the engineers trying to get Ford to wait. Those engineers were hired by John Deere and they developed Deere's PowerShift transmission which first appeared in the 3020 and 4020 tractors. It was very reliable and I have personally operated PowerShift tractors with 20,000 plus hours and the transmission has never been apart. Deere used it for years on the 20, 30, and 40 series tractors. Ford on the other hand, the Select-0-Speed was very problematic.

[@jacobeakright7834]

I'd love to see that fast top Chrysler in the back ground

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

$5930 bucks it might even weigh that much that’s a huge car.

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

They're 5500ish

[@Jupitermustangmike]

Banned from demo derbies in allentown in late 70s / mustang Mike's fun facts

[@ClaremontClassicGarage]

65-66 Imperials have fixed transmission yoke with u joints and 2 piece driveshafts. Can't speak for 64, but the 64 did still retain the tapered rear axles. Sorry, no slip yoke on these 64-66. The wheels are actually 5 on 5.5 So lots of wheel choices.

[@ExilefromCrownHill]

Yep, same as a Ford F-100 of the era.

[@rustyshackleford6811]

Wow my old 63 dodge 100 look just like that in a bone white 318 wedge p.b. auto..from tx. No rust guy here in town still has it for the last 20 years or so..

[@kennethsouthard6042]

Of those 16,422 Imperials produced that year, it would be interesting to know how many of those made to the Demo Derby circuit.