1955 Imperial Newport 2 Door Hardtop Platinum / Desert Rose & Ride - My Car Story with Lou Costabile

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On "My Car Story" we're in the Western Suburbs of Chicago IL on 6-22-24.
We're looking at a 1955 Imperial Newport 2 Door Hardtop Platinum / Desert Rose Paint.
The car comes with the 331 CI Hemi V8 engine and an automatic transmission.
The car's Owner is Kerry Joseph. Kerry’s had this car since 2002. He shared that he was looking for a Chrysler Windsor like his relative had, however found this car in CA. He called his Brother in CA, and he saw the car and told him to buy it. This is only the 3rd 1955 Imperial Kerry has ever seen, and the 1st one I’ve seen. Thank you Kerry for sharing, and singing a fun song too.
ENJOY!

[@loucostabile]

Hi, If you like this video, please click on SUPER THANKS ❤ with the $ in the middle which is the SUPER THANKS button under the video. Thank you! Lou

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

We need more characters like this gentlemen in this world.

[@loucostabile]

I agree.

[@kikijoseph]

Kerry is my father and for all those wondering if he'll ever take the plastic off the seats.... ha! The Cubs will win another World Series before that happens. On his newer car he insists on keeping the little piece of plastic on that covers the stereo. You know those pieces that most of us get pleasure from peeling off when buying something new! I've threatened to peel it off about a hundred times. It's been there for over five years lol! Great video Lou. Glad my old man got some screen time. He's definitely a character. Keep up the great work.

[@loucostabile]

"for all those wondering if he'll ever take the plastic off the seats.... ha! The Cubs will win another World Series before that happens." NICE! My pleasure sharing your Father and his great car with the Viewers on this Channel :-)

[@sallyj.8435]

This is my brother! Kerry Joseph! I'm so happy for him to be asked to do this! Thank you, Lou!

[@randyrobey5643]

He seems like a fine man. I bet he has many great stories.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Sally J., Happy to be able to share our fun time with you to watch again and again. You're welcome, Lou

[@geralddrury4829]

Your Brother is a Pistol!

[@classicmusclecarexhaust1988]

Lou, what screams 1950's more than plastic seat covers?!!! They were impossible to sit on in the hot weather, but boy did they ever preserve the upholstery underneath. So great to see an owner who knows the ins-n-outs of the car he owns. My hat is off to you Kerry, you're a man after my own heart. Great video Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tom (and JudyAnn), Stuck to those plastic seats the whole time riding on a hot day :-) I think they helped keep the upholstery clean. Glad to share this video with both of you, Lou

[@randyrobey5643]

When you got out of a car equipped with those plastic seat covers, they would shock the heck out of you when you touched the metal body on cold, dry days.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Funny owner. He's got a story for eveyrthing!

[@loucostabile]

Yes he does :-)

[@motorTranz]

Beautiful Imperial! 😍😍😍😍😍 Beautiful story! Beautiful singing! Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Beautiful x 3 = AWESOME! You're welcome motorTranz!

[@toddp5026]

Great way to start a Sunday morning watching this!

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@Art-is-craft]

That is one of the most beautiful looking cars I have ever seen. Who ever designed it must have had a vision of angels.

[@Vince_Parker]

One of Virgil Exner's masterpieces!

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@paralyzes]

55 Imperials are breathtaking!

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@danielulz1640]

Fabulous car, even better stories and the guy can sing!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the car & song too :-)

[@russelldaisey]

Love this car & the owner is a “Joy” His Singing ✨✨✨

[@loucostabile]

Hi Russell, Happy to read you "Love this car" and nice you enjoy the Owner too :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

I am enjoying your older car feature videos. These are before my time. I have never looked at the details of cars from the 50's. Thank you.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Stacy, Happy to read you're enjoying the older car videos :-) My pleasure sharing with you. You're welcome, Lou

[@johncaballero8013]

Love this car story and Carry also! What a wonderful guy. Carry knows his stuff! I could talk to him all about old cars and the good ole days. Really was a treat to watch this video. Thank you Lou! 👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Happy to read you "Love this car story" :-) Kerry is a FUN guy to be around. You're welcome, Lou

[@robgrear1142]

This owner is quite a guy! The love for his Impie is strong and true! Viva the ‘50’s!

[@loucostabile]

"This owner is quite a guy! " I agree.

[@JeffKing310]

What a great Imperial- simply beautiful! Thanks Lou for letting us see this classic.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff, Happy to read "simply beautiful!" :-) My pleasure sharing this classic with you. You're welcome, Lou

[@billmagorian490]

Kerry was the most interesting funny guy with a real gift of gab. Also a great singer. I love his Imperial but what I love more is his story. He is an amazing story teller. It's as if he time traveled from the 50's. I know he wants to keep it original but i wish he would take that plastic off the seats and enjoy the comfort of the fabric or leather seats.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bill, Happy to read you enjoy Kerry :-) Well maybe one day those plastic covers will come off, Lou

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

What a fantastic Imperial and a fantastic car story! I think this car was just meant to be for Mr. Joseph, and I'm sure glad we got to visit with him and this gorgeous car today. Thanks, Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi TheGunfighter45acp, "What a fantastic Imperial and a fantastic car story!" High praise. "I think this car was just meant to be for Mr. Joseph, " I agree. You're welcome, Lou

[@czechmate6916]

What a beautiful car Lou and I bet the owner is a great guy to be around great attitude. My dad was always a Mopar fan and so am I. He had a 1950 Plymouth he bought brand new and he sold it for more than what he paid for it new. It also had a six volt system and he changed it to an eight volt system for the same reason this gentleman mentioned. He did it himself and he never had anymore problems starting it especially in the cold weather. I wished I meet the owner that would be a hoot.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Czech Mate, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car, and yes Kerry is a blast to be around. Glad to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car. Thank you for viewing, sharing, and hope you meet Kerry at a car show soon, Lou

[@slicksnewonenow]

Luxury cars before the early 70s were so packed with presence and stature.... Things we'll never see again. And those old time Mechanics are disappearing... National Treasures in and of themselves.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Slick, "Luxury cars before the early 70s were so packed with presence and stature..." I agree. Good news! You're on the right Channel to see some of those cars you enjoy, Lou

[@larryborkstrom3580]

His stories are as great as this car and back in the day was the car of kings

[@loucostabile]

Hi Larry, I agree :-) Lou

[@jd4harley]

I found it rather amazing that it had a 9 V electrical system. I had never seen one nor ever heard of one. I will have to research that a little further. I’m surprised that has invaded me all these years. Thanks for another informative video. Good job Lou.❤

[@loucostabile]

Hi James, Happy to share this video with you. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@ASCAutomotivePhotos]

back when cars were rolling works of art

[@loucostabile]

Hi ASC Automotive Photos, Good news! You're on the right KZbin Channel for the cars you enjoy. Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@Philip-ll3ds]

Great car, and an owner whose a real classic. Very enjoyable!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Philip, Happy to read you enjoy this car and the Owner too :-) My pleasure sharing with you, Lou

[@KenanTurkiye]

One of the handsome cars of the 50's.

[@KenanTurkiye]

Yep, certainly a great car in the hands of a great man, very envious Mr. Kerry Joseph. :)

[@KenanTurkiye]

8:17 👌

[@KenanTurkiye]

9:25 yep more chrome the better, especially for the 50's cars :))

[@johncornell3665]

What a nice Newport. Back when a car was so much more. Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

You're right, this car has "so much more" :-) You're welcome John!

[@onemoremisfit]

What a car and wow what a guy!

[@loucostabile]

Win / Win

[@kevincostello3856]

Love the gun sight tail lights on these. These are literally rolling pieces of artwork. L

[@loucostabile]

"Love the gun sight tail lights on these." I think they're so cool :-)

[@Mike_Collins392]

" Chrysler FirePower " . 1955 saw alot of improvements in the engine ... cooling removed from the intake manifold , improved layout of the intake ports , separate water pump housing .

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and shairng.

[@JeffKing310]

Ok- a Car Story, Car review and a show! Talk about value.

[@loucostabile]

NICE!

[@stanmarcusgtv]

wonderful car also love the 1956 Chryslers, they had the best fins and taillights ever made in my opinion

[@loucostabile]

Hi Stan, Happy to read "wonderful car" :-) Lou

[@OldRustySteele]

Wow! What a character. I love him. You hit the jackpot with this guy, Lou!! Quintessential Chicagoan!!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi OldRustySteele, "Wow! What a character. I love him. You hit the jackpot with this guy" I agree. Lou

[@billace90]

Thank you a lot Lou! This has to be one of the most informative programs you ever uploaded. A stunning jewel of a car, with the bonus of a well informed owner! I enjoyed it very much. 👏🏻

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome Billace 90. Happy to read you enjoy this "stunning jewel of a car" :-)

[@blackscotydog]

Great owner! and caretaker of this rare car!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this CARetaker & appreciate the rarity of this car too :-)

[@garylewis3641]

Quite a car and quite a car owner, both very interesting and unique. Thanks Lou for the memories!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gary, "Quite a car and quite a car owner, both very interesting and unique" Win / Win :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@noelhastalis6785]

Love this '55 Imperial 'Newport' - Newport was Chrysler's name in '54-'56 for its 2-door hardtop cars. Lou mentions the Imperial's front end being similar to the Chrysler 300 - actually, the Imperial was introduced first, and the 300 hit the streets a few months later. These Imperials were carved out as a separate model line under the Chrysler Corp. umbrella, and not called Chrysler Imperials, but simply 'Imperials' as seen all the emblems on this beauty. Also the wire wheels were manufactured by Motor Wheel Company, and offered as a factory option through 1956. Though folks call these Kelsey-Hayes wheels, you'll never find K-H wheels on a Mopar. And, Lou, these Imperials and Chryslers never included 'Park' in their PowerFlite and cast iron TorqueFlite (thru 1961) automatic transmissions - its R, N, D, L on this car. Kerry's a real character - have enjoyed visiting with him at our local cruise nites over the past many years. On this Imperial, you'll notice one more famous Virgil Exner design element - the full radiused rear wheel openings, along with the front wheel openings - an iconic design feature that Exner used on many of his stunning Chrysler Corp. early '50s concept cars. In '56, these radiused rear wheel openings were gone.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Noel, Happy to read "Love this '55 Imperial 'Newport'" :-) Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@NofaceCat]

Beautiful car Now he’s the story

[@loucostabile]

Hi ChitownRon, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) I agree, Kerry is the story, Lou

[@patkane761]

Old time car guys are the best!!! Especially since I'm becoming one of them 🤣 Kerry is awesome and reminds me of a lot of the old guys when I was coming up. That Imperial is beautiful and the Hemi, well HEMI!!! This is one of your best interviews, I love that you just let him tell his stories 👍👍 As always, thanks for a great video Lou 👍👍😎💚

[@loucostabile]

Hi Pat, "This is one of your best interviews," High praise :-) You're welcome. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@matthewpaanotorres7309]

First year of Imperial being a separate company/marque. Last non-marque year would be 1954 and first would be 1926, so for around 28 years basically. Changed their design and code once a year, each selling only around 10,000-20,000 units if not more per year, had real powerful engines such as the 413, 426, and 440 "TNT" V8s, and had unique styling/coloring, just like every other American brand plus Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Jensen. It is very sad automobile variety is slowly no longer becoming a thing.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Matthew, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Good news! All the cars in the past that "are a thing" are all right here for you to enjoy, Lou

[@BIGBADWOOD]

SWEET 5 STARS

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@1966-Charger]

Just WOW, what a beaut! As an Imperial owner, I believe 1955 was the first year that Imperial was a stand alone brand, becoming Chrysler's luxury division.

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@opera93]

Yes, Thanks… Interestingly, the 55 CHRYSLER 300…. (I heard, ) had the Imperial Fr@me/ brakes/ tires for high speed …. My Grandparents 1963 New Yorker , was their Joy ( their last Car).etc…..

[@stevemurphy6352]

The 55 imperial was one of the prettiest cars ever made, I had a 55 Chrysler crown imperial 8 passenger sedan (had jump seats that folded into the back of the front seat) it has a limousine body but it’s not a limo. They only made 45 of them. It’s the C70 body, the car was long and black. !!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Steve, "The 55 imperial was one of the prettiest cars ever made," High praise. Glad to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@r8140]

LOL LOVE LOU MITCHELLS!!!

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@alexkalish8288]

Un-restored survivor very very original. I don't think the paint job does anything but add to this. I think the 1955 Imperial is the most stylish Imperial in the line-up. The front is classy European/300 styling and the rear unique but bizarrely beautiful tail. I have a 1955 Custom Constellation, it was a good year for cars -

[@loucostabile]

Hi Alex, Happy to read "I think the 1955 Imperial is the most stylish Imperial in the line-up." :-) Glad to read you have a fun car too, Lou

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️THANKS LOU,KERRY ,FOR SHARING THIS AMAZING 🤩 SURVIVOR AND THE STORIES 🤗 KERRY IS A DELIGHTFUL CHARACTER 🤗 AND THE COOL 😎 BONUS ENDING 💚💚💚

[@loucostabile]

Hi Budget Audiophile Life-long, Happy to share this car with you :-) Yes, Kerry is FUN to be around. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@soyounoat]

Lou, you have featured countless cars I admire on this channel, but this is possibly my favorite. The factory chopped top, the original 331 hemi with that medium rise intake, the chrome, the menacing grill. Gangster, badass, cool... and the owner is just as classic as the car!

[@loucostabile]

soyounoat, "you have featured countless cars I admire on this channel, but this is possibly my favorite." We have a Winner!

[@yoregano]

Of all the videos on this channel, this guy is about as live a wire as they come. 😄

[@loucostabile]

NICE!

[@citibear57]

This Imperial has presence! It is every bit as beautiful as Cadillacs at that time, if not more. Cary, thanks so much for sharing this beauty with Lou, and in turn with us!

[@loucostabile]

Mike, Happy to read "This Imperial has presence! It is every bit as beautiful as Cadillacs at that time, if not more" :-) NICE! You're welcome, Lou

[@stevebyrne4235]

Truly great; interesting owner. Thanks

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome.

[@gracefulworks_by_kk]

Interesting, funny and heart warming interview with Mr Joseph and his Imperial!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this video Katie :-)

[@leroycaudill96]

A beautiful old time machine thanks Lou God Bless.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Leroy, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) You're welcome. Blessings received. God bless you too, Lou

[@nudaveritas6322]

STYLE !!!!!!! ELEGANCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHARM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@loucostabile]

This one has it all :-)

[@nudaveritas6322]

@@loucostabile 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zach_diecast_mansur]

Absolute art on wheels. Heck, the wheels are art too, so it's absolute art on art!

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@ivanjones1804]

One of a kind Gentleman, One of a kind Ride that 1955 Imperial/Newport 2Dr Coupe Fully Equipped, Fully Loaded Fully Powered. What a Gem 💎 of a Great 👍🏾😊😌 Ride and Great😌😊 👍🏾 Gentleman, Great Owner and Great Preserver of such an absolute amazing,awesome,beautiful,magnificent,spectacular,splendrous and wondrous masterpieces of that decade. Kudos to the previous owners of that ride as well which is very well preserved and to his mechanic that not only schooled him on the voltage regulator and upgrading his battery from a 6 to an 8 but keeping up on the preventive maintenance,service and upkeep on his ride. Lou Kerry is right about several particular issues one is finding and having a really good👍🏾😊😌 mechanic and having a special relationship with said mechanic and one that stands behind takes pride in their work ethic. People like 👍🏾 his mechanic that worked on Kerry’s ride is rare very, very, very rare indeed just like 👍🏾 the owner of that Ride. Lou you out did yourself on coming across an individual like 👍🏾 Kerry and his 55 Imperial/Newport built,created, made and manufactured by by Chrysler. You two had more than a blast 💥 talking about and riding along in that Chrysler, my hats 🎩🧢 off and two thumbs 👍🏾👍🏾 up to the previous owners of that Gem 💎 of a Masterpiece and Preservation of that Ride and to Kerry on the continued maintenance preserving, service, dedication, appreciation and success with that 1955 Imperial/Newport. Again Lou you just don’t see that kind of artistry, effort, ethic, commitment, dedication and passion in that type of building, creating, making and manufacturing 🧑‍🏭👩‍🏭👨🏾‍🏭 👨🏼‍🏭👨🏻‍🏭🧑🏾‍🏭🧑🏼‍🏭👩🏻‍🏭when it comes to Rides like that 1955 Imperial/Newport by Chrysler , Ford and GM “aka” The Big Three. Sincerely Yours Truly Ivan I J 👨🏾👨🏾‍🦱👏🏾👍🏾🤵🏾‍♂️🕺🏾

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ivan I J, "One of a kind Gentleman, One of a kind Ride" I agree. Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@tommygtr3571]

Stunning automobile!

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@brianmoore6306]

I'm a huge fan of the 1955 Imperial. To me, Chrysler lost it's place in 1957, as the 1957 looked too similar to the Dodge/DeSoto/Plymouth siblings. But this one in '55. You knew it wasn't one of those other Chrsyler products or a Ford/Chevy. This is class all the way. Love this color combination too - rom inside and out! Eveything BIG and beautiful in '55! What a character! Loved his stories!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Brian, Happy to read "I'm a huge fan of the 1955 Imperial" :-) Glad to read you enjoy the stories :-) Lou

[@MrTrack412]

Kerry Joseph is the definition of CHARISMATIC! That final scene just made me cry and this guy is a story waiting to happen every five seconds. Lou, I often wonder how you are going to come up with more and better words to describe the vehicles on My Car Story. But your enthusiasm was also obvious in this episode which really made it fun! I would like to connect with you on LinkedIn someday and I might even be able to help the company when we connect. I will mention this episode when I write you in the near future. I am from the Upper Midwest. I do not have any old cars but you never can tell. Thank you for showing! Your Sportswriting Friend!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jed, "That final scene just made me cry and this guy is a story waiting to happen every five seconds. Lou, I often wonder how you are going to come up with more and better words to describe the vehicles on My Car Story. But your enthusiasm was also obvious in this episode which really made it fun!" NICE! My pleasure sharing with you, and you're welcome, Lou

[@jonathan_nc]

Lou, this may be the most beautiful car you've ever shown us. The colors, the styling and the originality are off the chart! And Kerry the owner is a hoot and does remind me a little of Jerry Vale. Those taillights--Uncle Tom McCahill called them Sparrow Trainers or Sparrow Strainers in his articles in Mechanix Illustrated. He was also an Imperial man to the core. Thank you for showing us this stunning Imperial. The only place it says "Chrysler" is on the engine.

[@loucostabile]

"this may be the most beautiful car you've ever shown us." High praise Jonathan NC.

[@davidfrania8990]

Wow! Lou, what a car and what a character! Kerry would probably be the best friend and neighbor anyone could ever have! His car is two years younger than I am and it's still going strong, just like I am trying to do. I keep saying, "don't stop!". With care, I feel that is true for both cars and people! Take care, Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi David, "Wow! Lou, what a car and what a character! Kerry would probably be the best friend and neighbor anyone could ever have!" High praise. You keep going strong too, Lou

[@michaelburley9479]

One of my favorites! The 55 & 56 Imperials were among the best styled cars of the 1950's. The 300's were a very close second. I would describe Carey as an extrovert!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, "One of my favorites! The 55 & 56 Imperials were among the best styled cars of the 1950's." High praise. Yes, Kerry is lots of fun and outgoing :-) Lou

[@mirchshake50]

Best looking car besides Chrysler’55

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@stewsim]

Great video of a wonderful automobile…!!!

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@razvancalin6453]

Lou, this car deserves a black belt simply for existing. Off-topic question: what martial arts do you teach? Thanks!

[@loucostabile]

Răzvan, I think you're right about this car :-) www.TruePowerMartialArts.com You're welcome.

[@acatal2919]

What a beautiful 1955 Imperial Newport 2 Door Hardtop, I agree that you don't see them around and it is very rare car!

[@loucostabile]

Hi ACatal2, Happy to read you appreciate the looks and rarity of seeing this car :-) Lou

[@josephgeorge-fn2pl]

Maybe one of the greatest shows ever! Always great! The people you have are so different yet so alike. Keep up the amazing work

[@loucostabile]

"Maybe one of the greatest shows ever!" High praise.

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Awesome car, a true gentleman's automobile.... the only thing more powerful was the the 1955 c300 with 300hp 👍👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi Anthony, Happy to read "Awesome car, a true gentleman's automobile..." :-) NICE! Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@donaldthetruthseeker-es3nu]

Can't say I ever seen one. It's got to be pretty rare. Thanks for showing this beautiful car guys.

[@loucostabile]

First one for me too. SO HAPPY to share this car with you. You're welcome.

[@drcandor]

What a car, what a show, always a great intro, but this time an exceptional finale. . . :>/

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@wmalden]

I have never seen an 8 volt system on a car. I didn’t even know one could buy an 8 volt automotive battery.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to share this with you. I'm learning all the time from the CARetakers, and I find that to be so much fun.

[@ollienilson1644]

Nice car Lou. Love it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ollie, Happy to read you "Love it" :-)

[@paulm6481]

Beautiful and classy wow ❤️ I had no idea what it was. So far ahead of RS time.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Paul M, Happy to read "Beautiful and classy wow" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@seed_drill7135]

More appropriate to say the 300 looks like the Imperial as they borrowed the Imperial grille and put it in a Chrysler shell.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing.

[@Scalihoo]

Time capsule survivor thats for sure, fun video Lou. 😀

[@loucostabile]

Hi Florida Alan, Happy to share this "Time capsule" with you :-) Lou

[@HappyHands.]

This beauty just screams 1950's US post war prosperity

[@loucostabile]

Nice :-)

[@OldRustySteele]

Love the filler cap for the gasoline. Many of the mid and late 1950’s cars had hidden fuel fillers. My dad’s ‘56 Chevy Bel Air had the gas cap hidden behind the left taillight! And, oh, those sticky clear plastic seat cover. During our notorious hot, humid, sticky St. Louis summers, you’d have to peel yourself off that stuff! (The neighbor lady even had that on her living room sofa! Ugh! 🥵).

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the gas cap location, me too. Ahhh, that sticking to the plastic covers over the seats in the summer, I've been there before.

[@iswc27]

Hi, Lou! Kerry is a very fortunate man to have found a car even better than what he was looking for! Also, his recently departed mechanic that he found "by mistake" was from Abraham Lincoln's birthplace! The 1955 Imperial was the first as a make on its own, as opposed to being the top series within the Chrysler brand. Chrysler Corporation made this move so it could more seriously rise up against Cadillac, but somehow that message didn't quite get through to everyone, because for years afterward, a lot of people were still calling them "Chrysler Imperials". That fact more than anything else made it harder to compete with those rivals. Would Imperial have been more successful if it had been independent from its beginning in 1926? It might have been a challenge for it to survive the Depression, but that message probably would have been more effective in the long run. Thank you, Kerry and Lou for this memory-evoking ride! May the Eagle fly high this Independence Day!

[@loucostabile]

Hi iswc27! My pleasure sharing the "for this memory-evoking ride" :-) You're welcome. Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@TheopolisQSmith]

As the owner of a 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook my interest in 50’s Mopars is evident. I am north of Chicago. This car is beautiful. And with even a reasonable amount of care will run reliably forever.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff, "1952 Plymouth Cranbrook" You don't see many of those. If you see me at a car show, show me your car. Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou

[@jaygatz4335]

More sedate than the '57, but it shines in its quiet elegance.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for viewing and sharing what you notice.

[@NVC1019]

kerry is awesome he's a real throwback a classic like his car he reminds of my late great uncles hard working italian americans with a zest for the simple things in life...bravissimo!!! God Bless

[@loucostabile]

Hi NVC1019, "kerry is awesome he's a real throwback a classic like his car he reminds of my late great uncles hard working italian americans with a zest for the simple things in life...bravissimo!!!" NICE! Blessings received. God bless you too, Lou

[@NVC1019]

grazie lou such a sweet ride those 1950's cars just classic automobile design that will never go out of style!! ...ciao amico

[@loucostabile]

You're welcome NVC1019. My pleasure sharing the "sweet" rides with you, Lou

[@bighank796]

Baby lou is always true when it comes to classics. I am not sure i heard about a 55 newport. Reminds me of a 300. Love it

[@loucostabile]

Big Hank happy to share the classics with you :-) I can see why this one reminds you of the 300. Glad to read "Love it".

[@bighank796]

@@loucostabile oh, I hope you know when I am joking when I call you baby lou etc. I actually think you are a nice guy

[@philipdrake6]

Hi Lou, what a great looking car, it is in really good condition by the looks of it, that guy is a very lucky man to own such a great survivor, it might be a little heavy on gas, but its a winner.👍👍.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Philip, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this "winner" :-)

[@truebetold65]

Absolutely gorgeous.❤

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "Absolutely gorgeous." :-)

[@vrubiera]

The Chrysler 300 used the Imperial front end an the rear end from thr Chrysler New Yorker

[@loucostabile]

Hi ky_charlie, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@airosasco3639]

Rolling art…simply beautiful

[@loucostabile]

High praise.

[@Iraqkingdom1921]

Yes,piece of art....

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this "lovely car" :-)

[@donhathaway3234]

God, those are beautiful cars!!

[@loucostabile]

AMEN!

[@gene978]

What a Great Guy!

[@loucostabile]

I agree.

[@richroggio]

I love that Imperial Newport Lou, it reminds me of a De Soto 👍 I love his stories

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rich, Happy to read "I love that Imperial Newport" :-) NICE! Lou

[@plymouthduster225]

Beautiful car Lou, my grandparents had a pink and white 1956 model, too my knowledge that was my grandpa's only car with a Hemi. (He was mostly a Ford guy) the 56 Imperial and a 1966 Plymouth Baracuda were the only Chrysler products he owned.

[@loucostabile]

Hi PlymouthDuster225, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Grandparents car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@plymouthduster225]

@loucostabile my pleasure Lou. I showed the video to my dad this morning and it brought back some good memories for him. I guess he would have been about 6 years old when they got it, he said that he can't remember what happened to it, but he remembered the fold down center armrest in the backseat, it probably got traded in for a newer model car eventually. Grandpa tended to trade cars every 3 or 4 years.

[@MensAsses33]

Love this guy, he's fantastic!

[@loucostabile]

"Love this guy, he's fantastic!" NICE!

[@sinbad2969]

Another classic story from you big Lou where ya been big guy

[@loucostabile]

Ohhh, I'm right here on the Channel waiting for you to see one you like :-)

[@danam0228]

The horn cracked me up. Love how the engine idled so quietly, but when revved sounded like a sports car. Loved the story about changing the 6 volt system to an 8 volt system

[@loucostabile]

"The horn cracked me up." Nice. You're right, very smooth engine idle, and happy to read you enjoy the rev :-) I found that interesting on the 6 to 8 volt system.

[@danam0228]

​@@loucostabileso many great stories

[@kipbrown1549]

Cool car and guy !!! I would love to talk to him all day !!!

[@loucostabile]

NICE!

[@jaygatz4335]

Whose pipes are better - the car's or the owner's?!

[@loucostabile]

Hmmm, I think it's a photo finish :-)

[@cjdesign5700]

Very great Survivor...the First year that IMPERIAL was a stand alone Model...no Chrysler badging...Thanks Kerry (a great man) and Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Hi CJ Design, Happy to read you enjoy this car and Kerry too :-) My pleasure sharing with you, Lou

[@tombrown1898]

Hodgenville, KY, is supposedly where Abraham Lincoln was born, but that has never been confirmed. Long story behind that. I've always loved the 1955 Imperial. Virgil Exner at his best! The wire wheels are NOT Kelsey-Hayes. They were made by Motor Wheel and Rim, which Chrysler always used.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Tom, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@TheDejael]

This car make and model is actually a production version of Virgil M. Exner's 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance luxury sports concept car, designed by Exner, and built by Ghia in Italy.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@morganjatkwicz9171]

I had a 55 Newport Widser 2 door. Dash is the same . My first car in the 80s. That imperial is stunning. My dad work for chrysler in 56and 57. He had a 56 Windsor convertible. Pink and white. He used to brag about prepping the new imperials.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Morgan, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car and your Dads cars too :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@andydanko7074]

Beautiful car and great owner, just one question what was that vent scoop right in front of the windshield?

[@loucostabile]

Hi Andy, Happy to read you enjoy this car & the CARetaker too :-) Hmmm, not sure about the vent scoop, Lou

[@kikijoseph]

That vent is what let air into the car and through the vents along the baseboards for heat and I believe, air.