A Last Hurrah! Chrysler Copies Cadillac With the 1974-1975 Imperial

[@_Peremalfait]

I had a 77 New Yorker. It was a four door hard top. How great was it to cruise around with all the windows down. What a boat. Last generation of true luxury cars.

[@LlyleHunter]

@_Peremalfait I had one for a while too that I bought, worked on and made mint and drove until I found the Volvo that I wanted and sold for a profit when I found my Volvo. The New Yorker was magnificent. It rode incredibly well and handled beautifully for such a big car and the interior was just beyond luxurious. It felt like a luxury hotel room

[@michaelplunkett8059]

Mine was a '77 Landau Coupe Brougham. The Lean Burn was bad, but the 440 purred great. Miss the floor button to change radio stations. Boy were those Corinthian Leather seats soft and the doors l-o-n-g.

[@_Peremalfait]

@@michaelplunkett8059 The 440 had some get up and go out on the interstate, but it wasn't the most aerodynamic car. The best was slow cruising on a summer afternoon with all the windows down. I felt like I was the coolest thing next to Muddy Waters.

[@Henry_Jones]

It is so sad when you compare todays mopar lineup to 1998 when they were an independent automaker. Plymouth gone, dodge just 2 discontinued muscle cars and an suv, chrysler just a minivan. The jeep lineup is unaffordable. RAM trucks are blingmobiles for office dads. Just a sad time for mopar fans.

[@UhOK327]

You are so right! Rented a Compass this week. I was amazed at how cheap and cheesy this “Trail Rated” SUV. No spare tire: just an “inflator kit” that rattled around. Mileage? 1,285. 🤬

[@jeffshadow2407]

​@@UhOK327Jeep Compass is a POS made in Mexico.

[@johnz8210]

You're so right. People used to put up with the cheap materials and less than stellar reliability issues because most of the time Mopar made an attractive product people wanted to like. Plus the price was OK for what you got. Not anymore. Chrysler is dead, so is Dodge. I think the whole brand is going the way of Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Mercury, AMC, etc.

[@MarinCipollina]

Not sure what anyone expected.. This is what happens with foreign ownership.

[@mwilliamshs]

​@MarinCipollina this is what happens with government bail-out and restructuring after a business completely fails financially. Mopar lost brands. GM lost Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn... It's a pattern. These companies financially should not be in business. They couldn't afford to stay in business but the government propped them up and what's left now is what they chose to keep.

[@nickeyharry3605]

I can imagine pulling into the MGM Grand, Circus Circus, The Las Vegas Hilton and so on, in the middle 70’s with one of these beautiful vehicles. The opulence, luxury, lights, sounds of laughter and slot machines and the smell of Vegas at night.

[@JackF99]

Don't forget the mobsters and prostitutes.

[@zelphx]

"Circus Circus"... seriously?

[@martinliehs2513]

At first, I read "imagine pulling the MGM Grand....." and thinking, yep, this car could tow...

[@mikes-wv3em]

cups full of dirty quarters!

[@wtharris2343]

when you mentioned this all i could think of was wide lapels, bell bottoms, and copious amounts of terrible polyester fabric patterns

[@solemandd67]

The front design of these Imperials, and subsequent New Yorkers, reminds me of the handsome 1969 - '71 Lincoln Continental Mark III. Both cars possess an elegantly purposeful presence. Thanks for posting the design proposals. They are very interesting. 👍🏾

[@NBZW]

Exactly! My choice was the 76 New Yorker Broham, it lasted for over 200.000 miles.

[@solemandd67]

@@NBZW Amazing! That's a testament to the investment of exemplary engineering that went into these beautiful automobiles. 👍🏾

[@tombrown1898]

In early 1976, Newsweek magazine had a cover that featured Jimmy Carter's toothy smile, and the headline "Jimmy Who?" The accompanying article had a picture of the Carters' modest house, and the unmistakable rear of a 1975 Imperial sticking out of the garage. I've never forgotten that.

[@rudiknaus4139]

Oh Jimmy Carter is responsible for downsizing US Cars, a bad idea.. 😳

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

@@rudiknaus4139 I agree that it was completely pointless. Now, here we are half a century later and most vehicles are bigger than ever. It's not how I thought it would be. Cars were getting 50MPG in the 1970s!

[@alantrimble2881]

@@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL No gasoline powered American production car was getting 50 MPG in the ‘70s.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

@@alantrimble2881 Where did I specify American gasoline cars? I was thinking of the Diesel Rabbit. Suzuki made a 3 cylinder gas car that got 50 MPG that began selling here in the early 1980s. A Honda Civic also got 50 MPG at that time.

[@franciscodanconia45]

@@alantrimble2881pphhhh my 1980 Chevy chevette got about 50. At least 46-47. Couldn’t get out of its own way but it was damn good on gas.

[@clapolla]

Top of the line Chrysler. Beautiful car.

[@michaeloliver2337]

First car I ever drove when I was 16 was my mother's '74 Imperial 4-door. My dad used to get me up at 0700 every Saturday morning to help him wash and dry that beast. Once a month we would wax it as well. Pretty much an entire morning endeavor. Took the only driver's license tests I've had to do in that car. First time was in S.F. on those hills. Talk about nervous, especially parallel parking that thing on a hill. Second time was in Tacoma. Had to do that one twice because the first examiner was a woman who hated teenage boys. Second time around was an old guy who was really impressed with the car and only took three points off. Go figure. Loved driving that car, with it's smooth, gliding ride. Lot of torque in that engine! Several have mentioned the 4 wheel disk brakes, which weren't mentioned in the video, but the rear brake was shown in the picture of the rear suspension. At the time, the Imperial and the Corvette were the only American cars that had them.

[@trudygreer2491]

I'm from Tacoma, and lived in SF several years~ I got fairly good at driving a stick on those hills. I can just imagine the angst as a student driver in a big ol' Imperial, rolling down those hills, with the road disappearing under that huge front end at every crest in the road, until the car "leveled" out!

[@gerardcousineau3478]

Yes 4 rotors was very rare. In sixty eight on the New Port disc brakes were optional in the front. 😊

[@eyerollthereforeiam1709]

Adam, I always used to think these big 70's land yachts were ridiculous. But somehow, you've made me nostalgic for them!

[@ChezJohn]

I grew up with these types of cars, (born in 61) BIG Buicks, Cadillacs, Chryslers etc, cars back then from the 30’s to the 70’s were rolling pieces of art. Cars these days have no style, no soul, back in the day you could pick out any car on the road and know what it was, now they’re all cookie cutter plastic pieces of crap. Get yourself an old car, even if you have to fix it up some, you’ll see what I mean. Thanks for letting me vent a little lol. Have a great day. (John from California)

[@eyerollthereforeiam1709]

​@@ChezJohnWell said.

[@ChezJohn]

@@eyerollthereforeiam1709 thank you very much. 😁

[@alantrimble2881]

@@ChezJohnit’s so nice to see positive interactions in the YT comment section. YT comments are too often a cesspool of vitriol and hate.

[@ChezJohn]

@@alantrimble2881 Thank you brother, yeah I agree, some ppl just like to get on here and bully or fight. I don’t have time for that. Have a great day my friend, and thank you. 😁

[@craigster1234]

The 'family car' for a few years was a 1973 Imperial Le Baron. When the 1974 version came out.... I thought I died and went to heaven. My dad loved the car too, but he couldn't afford it. [I found out years later] If I could go back in time I would buy my dad that car.

[@stormythelowcountrykitty7147]

Yah, they are gone too soon.

[@dermotthompson2115]

He could by 1976 when the same car was de-contented a bit and made more affordable

[@ce9345]

The picture of that black 75 Imperial with the CA license plate HC AC was Harold and Agnes Carpenter. The singing duo Richard and Karen Carpenter's parents. There is a KZbin video of that car. Also, the 74-75 Imperial had 4-wheel disc brakes and platinum tip spark plugs.

[@trudygreer2491]

Wow, cool! You might say, that figures... Richard is quite the Mopar man, owning many great ones. Pictures of several of his have been in Collectible Automobile over the years...

[@flubberlane8437]

I’m learning a lot about the older cars from your channel. 😀

[@jimlubinski4731]

@@jamesbulldogmillerI disagree. He does know what he's talking about. There were no Imperials for many years, until Chrysler reintroduced it as an independent marque in 1955. I think that's what he meant.

[@grassblade63]

I had a yellow '77 Chrysler New Yorker 4 door hardtop, which was essentially the same body. Man, that was an enormous car, but what a luxury ride. Acres of plush yellow leather interior, and that waterfall grille. Man oh man, what a car.

[@davidcchi3373]

Such a sinister looking car. Love it.

[@JFPickus]

GM totally ripped off that grill design for the 76-77 Olds Cutlass Supreme. My mother had a 77 and wow the grill was almost a cut and paste from this Imperial! Your videos are awesome Adam.

[@MNBluestater]

‘76 Grand Prix

[@LlyleHunter]

Though this grill premiered in the 74 Imperial which was earlier. If anything the grill was derived from the 1969 Mark III Continental

[@laserwizard2]

That was a beautiful body style. Always have liked that even as a teenager when those were new. Love the dip in the character line at the lower fender going into the fender skirts. Very classy!

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

That "dip" into the skirts is one of my favorites (among many) of this car. My all time favorite though is the character line "bulge" over the skirts of the '71-'76 Olds 98 - very well done and added a lot of style to the side of the car.

[@LlyleHunter]

@TomSnyder-gx5ru. Of course Imperial competed with Cadillac and Lincoln however during the sixties and seventies Chrysler competed with Oldsmobile while Buick competed Mercury in GM’s lineup. I thought I’d mention this since you saw the similarities.

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

The preproduction artwork and clay models you include in your videos are fascinating and greatly appreciated Adam. Superb, as always!

[@morthedgebuckle227]

I loved these cars back then as a little kid and I still love them now as a 60 year old antique

[@trudygreer2491]

Referring to yourself as a 60-yo antique? (cuz this Imperial is only 50..🤔😀 )

[@carlobasta]

These Imperials also had 4 wheel disc brakes, standard. Everyone thinks our 77 New Yorker Brougham (the same body) is a Lincoln from the front and a Caddy from the rear. In reference to the lower side body line, I don't think it was copied from Ford. It's pretty much identical to the 1968 Chrysler. And FYI: Chrysler actually sold a kit to replace the lean burn on later models. The Mopar Performance Electronic Ignition Kit actually had instructions specifically for lean burn conversions. I did it to 3 of ours, and it resolves the issue. Overall, thanks for the review!

[@freeandresrivera]

Adam has a video on how he worked around it on the Fury. Would be cool if he got his hands on one of those kits for the Fury or another lean burner in his stable.

[@johneckert1365]

Back then, local junkyards were full of Chrysler products with the correct components and wiring harnesses to go back to 72-up Chrysler Electronic Ignition. Looked like factory after you swapped everything. Richening up the carb a little bit helped out immensely as well 👍

[@LlyleHunter]

I miss the days when you could interchange parts on cars from within any of the big three brands from decades of manufacture and keep your cars on the road. My sister’s Ford Focus has been as reliable an anvil for the last twenty three years. She’s only needed batteries, tires and brakes until a few months ago when needed a fuel line that ran from the fuel pump at the gas tank that leads to the front of the car’s delivery system. The part is no longer in production and she needed to search the internet to find the exact part to repair her car. She lives in NY State and found the part in Colorado. Three weeks later the car was fixed. She said that the next time that she needs a repair she’s going to have to buy a new car. This where we are today. It’s a new level planned obsolescence when parts aren’t available on the supply side. Years ago parts were manufactured for decades and technology changed more slowly so that the cars parts were made the same way for more years. She’s not crying because she’s gotten more than two decades out of her car but we both remember people who restored cars with little trouble and that’s the shame of it. I’d really to get my hands on a 92 Fleetwood Brougham which was the last year of the traditional 77-92 full sized straight lined Cadillac but if parts will be a problem I wouldn’t want it even as a weekend car.

[@M10000]

You forgot to mention 4-wheel disk brakes with a drum and shoes inside the rear rotors for a parking brake that does not creep! I had a '75 and used to tease passengers about when I should put on the brakes. When they started screaming, I loudly shouted over them, "Relax, we have plenty of time," and then just stopped and proved it. Any 1973, 74, or 75 Chrysler Corporation product is the best car anybody could hope for!

[@markbehr88]

A big dose of Lincoln in there too. 👍

[@MarkWG]

I Don't know what 1974 or 1975 Imperial Le Baron you tested or drove, but I had the privilege quite often to drive a gorgeous 1974 Imperial in light blue with dark blue velour interior. My very best friend in High-school managed to save up enough money in 1975 to buy a 1974 model with only 1200 miles on it from a Chrysler dealer here in North Texas. We went everywhere in that Imperial! Many trips to Oklahoma, Houston, Austin, etc. I drove the Imperial often. My friend Michael and I spent a lot of time in that beautiful Imperial. Despite you saying the ride was harsh, I beg to differ! That Imperial was a born boulevard cruiser! It floated like a cloud. It also had 4-wheel disc brakes that were standard that you fail to mention in the video. I made a panic stop in that car once. It simply hunkered down to the ground with absolutely no dive. Wonderfully handling automobile. That 440 would rumble and cruise at 80 mph on the interstate all day long, even though speed limits back then were 55 mph! The Imperial was always whisper quiet. Michael kept that Imperial until 1981 when he traded it in for a 1981 Cadillac Seville Elegante'.........that he deeply regretted Sadly, my dear friend passed away in 1987 from cancer at only the age of 27. We both had gasoline in our veins and never missed a classic car show. Never met anyone like him ever again. We had been friends ever since the sixth grade.😢 Wonderful memories of that beautiful blue '74 Imperial.

[@RareClassicCars]

What a sad, yet beautiful story. Thx for sharing.

[@johneckert1365]

Sorry about your friend ❤

[@Simone-Bucn]

So, he bought the car when he was 15?

[@LlyleHunter]

@MarkWG I think that he was comparing the ride of the Imperial with the ride ea Cadillac or a Lincoln Continental of the same era both of which were demonstrably softer to the point of being much less road worthy in handling. I would say that the Imperial rode and handled characteristically somewhat in between the other two Detroit luxury cars and the Mercedes 450SL of its time and neither of the other two Detroit models were very capable at emergency braking either. In fact I know that the Cadillac would weave sideways in emergency braking tests.

[@LlyleHunter]

Also both of the other two domestics leaned a lot in handling through curves at speed

[@sebastian0107]

Perhaps not as dramatic as the Fuselage Imperial, but I love that waterfall grill!

[@plap.]

The tire chatter impression was exactly as I imagined it to be. It was then placed into the naration perfectly, right when I needed to hear it. Very accurate and precise indeed. well done!

[@Sedan57Chevy]

These coupes were handsome, but I think the hardtop sedans were the real lookers. One of those, with the big button tufted seats and the full battery of air vents, would certainly be one of my favorite Chryslers of all time.

[@adamtrombino106]

Even though the NY Brougham would take on the old Imperial body, many things that were std on the 75 Imp, were now optional or N/A on the 76-78 NY. 1 major thing was the 4 wheel disc set up, with optional Sure brake abs, was dropped for 76. That padded roof design would be optional as well, now called the St Regis package for 2 drs only. The gauge package would become optional as well. 75s were basically re-vinned 74s with the updated emissions requirements which lopped 15hp off the 440. Big wonderful driving cars that didn't handle too badly given their weight. The black example in the vid is to die for!

[@OLDS98]

Appreciated and informative.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

You gotta get one of these, Adam! Underrated, highly collectible, classy, elegant and solid! Beautiful swan song for the marque…

[@nickolaslewis1560]

The Mopar full size cars of the period, 1974-1978 were very GMish, right down to the windshields. The bodies of Plymouths resembled the 1971 full size Buick, and the Dodge looked like the 1972 Buick full size.

[@darrylskerman6808]

Thanks Adam. I've always loved the shape and styling of the '74-'75 Imperial and '76-'78 New Yorker Brougham. I have a '77. BTW - As a bit of trivia, I understand that the black '75 Crown Coupe you showed was actually owned by Richard and Karen Carpenter's parents (Harold and Agnes: HC AC).

[@bc5441]

These last Imperials were my introduction to the marque. They were beautiful, and it’s unfortunate that Imperial was never able to attain a solid share of the luxury market.

[@billsoltys7611]

The last version of the Imperial was the 1990 to 1993 model, which was based on the K car platform. These had a very boxy look when most auto designs were trending toward a more rounded, aerodynamic look. There were only about 37,000 produced from 90-93.

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

I've owned a few Imperials by Chrysler Corporation. I first purchased the fuselage body of a 1969 LeBron Imperial. Four-door. In 1975, once again LeBron Imperial. Four-door. 1981 Imperial two-door coupe. It had electronic fuel injection. At the time Chrysler had no idea how to make that work. They converted to carburetor at their expense of $2,000. In 1990 they tried to make a comeback with a k car. I was foolish enough to buy one. The formal roof inside the back doors you could see how it was put together. It was no Imperial. If they made today, I probably would go buy one. Currently 2018 XTS by Cadillac division. It is a wonderful car. My first two imperials, we're fantastic automobiles. It's error gone by unlikely to repeat. I would like to say to the gentleman that owns this channel. Young man you have a remarkable channel and knowledge. And your car collector. From Miami Beach Florida. Good day.

[@LlyleHunter]

I had a ‘78 New Yorker of the same body style that I absolutely loved. I bought it used and only had it for about nine months while I shopped around for my first Volvo which I also loved and when I sold my New Yorker I made a nice little profit from it. I always felt like royalty during it.

[@jakereal3604]

How come you only had it 9 months ??

[@LlyleHunter]

@jakereal3604. I was looking for a Volvo and found the New Yorker which need a little minor work when my Ford was on its lasts so I bought the New Yorker as an in between car an fixed it up to perfection. I found the Volvo wagon that I needed and wanted which used a lot less gas and had a lot of nice features and sold the New Yorker at a profit.

[@RokuOne-n7c]

Really enjoyed this video. I have a 76 2 door New Yorker. Great cars.

[@mcy1122]

Adam’s analysis is insightful, as usual. The gradual transition Adam refers to is visible in my 68. The ‘67 unibody change was the biggest, but use of more Chrysler parts/ cheaper parts (not always the same thing) started earlier. It continued through the end of Imperial. That is, the transition was not sudden. In my 68, for example, it was cheapened by less than $100 in cost compared to the 67 (seat trim, etc.). The car has some elements that are absurdly over-engineered tanks from earlier years, combined with cheap more recent components. That was increased in ‘69 when the bodies were shared with Chrysler behind the K member, then again in the 70’s when the wheelbase also was shared with Chrysler. This is all relative, of course; all Imperials are worth owning based on personal taste (for me the exception is the ‘61-‘63 design. But those too are solid well-built cars!) Thanks for the great content!

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

Except the Chrysler imperial was introduced in 1926, 29 years before the 1955 model

[@edwardpate6128]

Beautiful cars!

[@thomaslindholm4104]

Shout out to Mt. Hawley airport Peoria, Illinois And squircal is my favorite new word

[@MillerMeteor74]

Definitely one of my dreams cars to own some day. That or the NYB 1976-78. Back in the day my parents had a 1975 3-seat Town & Country. It had the optional 400 and no Lean Burn. I remember by the time it was 2 or 3 years old it started rusting behind the front wheels. Oh well. I'd like to have one today.

[@TheTPAL]

Reminds me of a 1976 riviera

[@DocBBR]

Very heavily Cadillac influenced for mid 1970s. I remember my uncle had one of these. He thought it was solidly reliable, Was happy that it looked much like a Cadillac. Gotta give the customers what they want.

[@oceanlinerkid]

I LOVE your videos! I remember seeing some of these Imperials as a kid. I think you should've been a car designer. 👍 you know your stuff that's why this is one of my favorite KZbin channels! 👍👍👍👍

[@machpodfan]

I still think the fuselage body era is the most memorable and iconic, post 63 or so, but...geez, these later ones do grow on you!

[@hildablanco1591]

Its still a beautiful design today and the dash is stunning

[@vulcangunner58]

These big slab-side mopars were the land yachts I always liked, but I just didn't understand a luxury cruiser with leaf springs!

[@alanblanes2876]

Thanks for a great report, Adam. The Imperial door gaps at 2:44 are horrific.

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

Definitely one of you best episodes! History, photo's, drawings & more !

[@JxT1957]

Beautiful puffy soft leather seats. Would be nice if they put seats like those in todays cars instead of the hard flat seats.

[@toirmetalshaping]

My 1977 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham is the same as the Imperial except for the 4 wheel disc brakes and the rear quarter badge lighting. Its a little lighter by 50lbs or so. . . .that bottom body line as well as the pointy front grille was taken from the 67-68 New Yorker. . . . love the channel!

[@gordonborsboom7460]

The sketches of the rear proposals may draw more from the 1964 Imperial than the Cadillacs of the day. Copying older versions to link the past to the present

[@trudygreer2491]

I was thinking that too, wondering if the Eldo/Toro took some inspiration from the 64 Imp!

[@arlynking1300]

I don't see a lot of Cadillac styling here really, I think it was very much in line with what they'd been doing , I think it was great they ditched the horizontal bar grille styling from '73. Very beautiful cars offering lot's of car for the money, and pre -Lean Burn engine can't go wrong there. Chrysler was in it's hey day here making great cars.

[@colibri1]

That 1974-75 Imperial body was continued through 1978 but under the Chrysler New Yorker name. My grandmother had a beautiful dark brown 1976 New Yorker Brougham sedan that I liked to think of as an Imperial Lebaron.

[@Cadillac61]

Another great video Adam! I don’t know that I agree with you in Chrysler copying Cadillac. I’ve always felt that Imperial 0:07 always had its own look and a great alternative to Lincoln and caddy. It’s sad the way the car was treated. FYI I also liked the front drive k car imperial. Imperial was always a top notch luxo cruiser!

[@Slimjim260]

Hidden headlights were the best, on all makes and models !

[@ayryz1]

A great video once again. I owned a 1974 Imperial Le Baron 4-door hardtop and I have to say it was to this day the most comfortable car I've owned. A couple addendums for you- The hi defrost setting on Auto Temp II was just that- HI defrost. Highest fan speed, maximum heat. My 72 is the same way although the 74 and up system components are mostly different. The rear springs and panic stops- The 1974 and up Chrysler rear leaf springs are pretensioned unlike the flat installed 73 and down. This eliminates almost 100% of axle hop upon lockup. Unfortunately I know this from experience after obliterating the rear end of a stopped 86 Olds 98 with no brake lights during said panic stop. The 4-wheel disks performed flawlessly but noway to avoid it. My 73 New Yorker Brougham indeed experienced the axle hop in locked up situations but only when the wheels locked. Fortunately My 72 Imperial hasn't been in that mode under my ownership. Thanks again for all your great videos and not leaving us Mopar guys out, Especially we Imperial fans!

[@jimrotharmel]

Your videos are always entertaining and educational. I enjoy all of them

[@StressLessCamping]

I am really enjoying your channel. Also am a Mopar guy and appreciate this take on these Imperials.

[@marko7843]

God, I just love that giant coupe at 2:14 !

[@Obamaistoast2012]

I had a 74 Imperial, I absolutely loved it!

[@lessbs]

I loved my full-size New Yorkers of this and the 60s era. I had Lincolns too. You could not take a Lincoln on a windy road like you could a Chrysler. Fast stops, fast starts, and windy roads are where Chryslers lived. Torsion bars were great. So much better than GM and Fords at the time.

[@br.martindallyosb1147]

I just love this style of Imperial. It is stunning, to say the least. And what an awesome interior! Chrysler went through a period of designing the roofs of their top of line cars to mirror various British cars (Rolls-Royce Silver Wraiths for this Imperial, and Jaguar sedans from the 50s and 60s on their later cars). They actually did a good job of making these roofs blend in with the given cars' design. But then, Chrysler always had interesting designs (some better than others).

[@chipps1066]

My mom and dads' best friends bought a brand new 75 Imperial that was white with a red leather interior. Mom and Dad had a new 75 Bonneville.I remember the Imperial was so much more comfortable and quiet than the Bonneville.

[@jamesmyers9285]

My Grandmother bought a 1974 Imperial LeBaron Coupe with a full vinyl rood in Moonstone (Grayish-Tan), and Parchment (Interior/Vinyl Top). My Dad inherited this car when my Grandmother stopped driving in 2003, the car is flawless, beautifully kept, and maintained with an original 27,000-mile North San Diego County car. He still has the car and drives it once in a while to keep the battery charged, and again showroom condition. I love that car, it is gorgeous. The dealer installed real wire wheels and Vogue wide whitewall tires with a gold band, and my Dad just replaced those Vogue tires with a new set.

[@pcno2832]

10:42 It's amazing that the rear bumper on this Imperial met the 5 MPH standard; it looks much more refined than the bumpers Cadillac introduced for 1974.

[@ayryz1]

They were amazing! I was rear ended by a 76 Nova while sitting still in a turn lane. It pushed the bumper in 2 inches and over 1 inch. Both were moved back with a cum a long and oak tree. The tail lamp and fender extension did have to be replaced though. The Nova went to a salvage yard

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

Totally agree, I never liked the rear end of the '74-'76 Cadillac with those HUGE rubber bumper fillers on each end that have proved to be troublesome and very expensive to replace over time. To me it looked very "took the easy way out-ish" and thought they should've invested more time/money/thought in something more stylish. The '74-'76 Buick Electra rear end being a good example, beautifully done with those little backup/running lights, you can see there was some thought/money put into that and it looked great for being a 5 mph bumper compared to the Cadillac.

[@RichardQuitel]

Imperial has always been the very best of the three luxury models 👌 Best style, best engineering, from 1955 to 1975. Unmatched engines and transmission 😊. Better workmanship.

[@Htfsik]

Really appreciated this video as a Chrysler fan. The pre production sketches were fascinating. Also realizing how far in advance they worked on designs. Thanks!

[@chadglass7705]

I'd much rather have this than the Cadillac.

[@steves9905]

I had a '75 4 door, triple blue with a factory sunroof. It had the amazing sybaritic velour bordello pillow interior. I thought these cars were beautiful...massive but athletic at the same time. Great cruiser. A significant difference between it and the rest of the Chryslers was its exclusive 4 wheel disc brakes...it did stop very well. An unfortunate shared feature tho was the dashboard, which was cheap, cheap, cheap. I'd love one of the coupes now, which I think was one of the best styled cars of the era.

[@stanmarcusgtv]

agree Chrysler usually made great instrument panels but starting w/ the 1969's they got really cheap

[@sethedgarde5789]

You mention the AM/FM radio around 14:05, but there is also a slot for an 8-Track-a common feature in the 1970s. It’s not clear if the sound system is stereo or not, but by ‘74, it probably was.

[@gm12551]

Just looked like an AM/FM but it could be the multiplex radio too. Also gone over the 73 and before Imperials is rear AC.

[@solemandd67]

Prior to '74, in addition to AM-FM Stereos w/8-Tracks, Imperial offered an under dash, Panasonic cassette recorder, w/hand held microphone, which played back through the cars four speakers. It was marketed for dictating yet if you had a cassette recorder at home, you could record albums and play them in your Imperial. This eliminated storing bulky 8-Tracks. They were very advanced automobiles.

[@garyszewc3339]

Early 70s, you could get an AM 8 track, but the AM/FM 8 thanks, were stereo.

[@garyszewc3339]

​@@solemandd67I've seen the cassette, as late as 77, before they changed to AM/FM/Cassette radios.

[@myronfrobisher]

I owned a 1959 Crown Southampton 4 dr - the interior & dashboard design was spectacular . I also owned a 1967 Crown Coupe - by then they were homogenizing everything with the last 4 or 5 years of Imperial's run New Yorkered into sameness.

[@timbullough3513]

Imagine an alternate reality and an R Body Imperial for 79 ... more chrome, more wheelbase, still 400 cubes, crystal Imperial logo within the pentastar. If only ...

[@ianjay5301]

Nice underhood access to the ballast resister.

[@mattycharles3284]

I always felt that Chrysler tried to combine styling from both Lincoln and GM. The 74-78 had Cadillac style taillights a Lincoln waterfall grill slightly split and going into the top surface like an Oldsmobile with hidden headlights like Lincoln. By the 81 Imperial it had the Seville style bustle back with again Lincoln style hidden headlights. You missed the ball coolers it has 8 vents.

[@bobtepedino5661]

Hi, Matty. It had 10 vents, as each "ball-cooler" was equipped with a sliding tab that directed air out of the bottoms toward the footwells.

[@garyszewc3339]

I really miss the ball coolers on Mopars. Cooled seats, just aren't the same.

[@jayweiss4378]

These videos are short and so well put together making them enjoyable to watch! Great work as always 😎

[@ScottAbgekurtz]

I thought these were beautiful cars, they certainly looked better than the Cadillacs of the 70's. The Lincoln Marks from '69 till the late 70's were, I thought, the best of them all. I currently own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0t AWD Black Label, I absolutely have loved that car since I bought it new, I wish however Lincoln would've kept the Continental and bring back the Mark series.

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

I got to drive a '57 imperial convertible a few times babysitting for some rich folk. the starter was in the accelerator pedal. it got totaled, not by me. shame. 1970. i remember major fins, lots of chrome and lines. beautiful to drive.

[@VB-bk1lh]

I've had a '63, a '73, and a '77 over the years. The '73 was my favorite, having bought that one in the '80's off an 85 year old woman who hadn't driven it in almost 10 years. It was like new with only 1,400 miles on it. It was by far the nicest ride I've owned. It was rough on gas but not as bad as you would think. It was no worse than my then 1977 Dodge pickup with a 318 in it. The 63 was a beast, it drove and handled like a tank and also was a low mileage car with only 44k on it in the early 80's or so when I bought it. I didn't drive it much due to me having five other cars then. The '77 was bought used with 88k on it, it was a lesser model but still a nice car but that one was really hard on gas, so much so I avoided driving it and sold it pretty quick. The emissions on it really killed the performance and mpg.

[@ddavidson5]

There was a period when the cars that came out of Chrysler sort of looked like warmed over 3 year old GM cars. I guess they figured they'd imitate what was successful but given the time it takes to develop new models they were always behind and, at the time, looked a bit dated on the day they were released. Looking back they are fine as we've lost the context of the era.

[@jamespn]

The side view of the clay model looks like 2 proposals at the same time, just like you see on some front and rear views of clay mock ups.

[@jerrycallender9352]

I had a 1977 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham, which was the re-badged 1975 Imperial Lebaron.

[@ThreeWheelFlyer]

That third proposal for the Imperial reminds me of the 1976 Cadillac. The production version looks more like the 69 Lincoln.

[@Hall102]

I currently own a 1975 Imperial Crown Coupe. It's a gorgeous Chestnut metallic. I sat in one at a dealership in '75 and always wanted one.

[@PocketChangeInspector]

Being a kid back then and remembering these cars you show makes me appreciate them so much more. Looking at the front of this one I see the grill of an Oldsmobile on a Lincoln. I do see slight hints of Cadillac looking at the side and rear. Still like it though. Thanks for these great presentations!

[@rudiknaus4139]

I like the Imperials very much for their majestic US Design, especially the late 70s.. on the red sketch paper i instantly noticed the low read ending like the bustle trunk models later ! Astounding!! 👍🏼 And the clay model with the edge on the rear door is 100 Prozent i3 BMW 😎 Btw why you didn’ show the last K Imperial? ✨

[@maxr4448]

I always loved the Green Hornets Imperial!

[@impsrule60]

Fantastic video as usual, Adam! I've always loved this generation of Imperial and the subsequent re-badged New Yorker Broughams. On my way to junior high, I would pass a beautiful mcm ranch home with a triple-white '78 NYB St Regis 2dr hardtop parked in the semi-circular driveway. It's seared in my memory as a singularly elegant design, even in the DC-area where Cadillacs & Lincoln's were common and Volvo, Benz, Jags had begun to proliferate. Later, in the late 1990's, I owned a '76 NYer 4dr (white/green leather). Gorgeous car. That being said: I beg to differ with the statement that the design "stole" from Cadillac and Lincoln. As the 60's ended and the muscle car era petered out for multiple reasons (e.g.: safety regulations/high insurance/OPEC...), there was a quick shift from an emphasis on sportiness to highlighting 'luxury'. There was an industry-wide trend towards "Classic" styling references. Chrysler was leaning into that cultural zeitgeist. But... to my eye, the '74-5 Imperial's vee'd, split waterfall grille is highly unique in execution. It looks nothing like Cadillac's signature broad egg-crate. Nor does it bear much resemblance to Lincoln's far more formal 'tombstone' grille (which, although it had vertical vanes, is not a 'waterfall' grille as some have asserted, as it doesn't flow into the horizontal surface of the hood). Chrysler Corp. had taken a highly individualistic path with the very smooth, contemporary (some would say severe) Fuselage look of 1969-71. Rather 'Danish-modern' in concept, their lack of gingerbread and gewgaws didn't leave a lot of room for the kind of brand identification hallmarks U.S. consumers were used to. So, between 1972-74, Chrysler designers saw the writing on the wall: the American consumer was not 'feeling' Chrysler Corp's "international style" modernism. They wanted "power dome" hood bulges, stand up hood ornaments, coach roofs, intricate body surfacing and character lines... Those were Classic-era characteristics that weren't exclusive to "Cadillac". Again, love your videos! Keep em coming!

[@michaelpfaff6009]

The front fender on the red sketching reminds me so much of your 1966 Toro!!!! The clay model front fender looks almost just like a '71 or '72 Eldo front fender!!!

[@natlee8947]

My dad had a 76 Imperial looking New Yorker, beautiful car.

[@loveisall5520]

I was in college and remember these well. Thank goodness it didn't jump on board with the silly 'opera' windows. I remain confused, still, at how Cadillac could leap from the sleek and starkly elegant first gen Eldorado to that bloated, clumsy second gen. I thought these last Imperials looked better than the 'fuselage' cars before them, but never was a fan of the poofy seats. One of my relatives had an Imp with those in leather and they seemed to be dust catchers.

[@pcno2832]

16:25 Consumer Reports always gave better ride ratings to Chrysler cars than their GM and Ford competitors because they'd test them loaded up with 6 passengers and 200 pounds of luggage, which tended to squash "advanced" coil springs more than it did leaf springs.

[@johnplovanich9564]

Great video Adam.I am a huge Mopar fan from the 50's thru the 70s.Here on Eulethra we have many classic cars.I know of and have ridden or driven two of them.A 66 coupe,67 convertible and 73 sedan.I have ridden and driven the 1st 2,but not the 3rd.I see the gentleman and his wife driving it around.Beautiful cars and still quite affordable.I love your content and research.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,and as always cheers from Eulethra.

[@tedampazis9806]

The black 2dr Imperial used to belong to the Carpenters parents. Richard had bought them that car.

[@MarkWG]

Cool to know. I knew Richard Carpenter was a Mopar fan.

[@tonytrotta9322]

Nice cars! The 1974-78 Chrysler Newports and New Yorkers front nose piece was made by Budd co and LOF plastics. I saw the dies at LOF in Detroit formerly Woodall Industries. The spark plugs can be change in about 15 minutes from under the car. I have a 74 New Yorker with 34,000 miles new car smell too. Also I know of someone who has a 78 New Yorker with less than 200 miles. Thanks for your video. Ps never had problems with brakes like you mentioned maybe your emergency brake is not releasing all the way. Take care!

[@RichardQuitel]

The most beautiful imperials were the 1957 to 1961 models, with those high flying tailfins. Finest expression of the Forward Look by Virgil Exner.

[@teds7379]

Legend has it that this is the best car to supervise a trailer park with.

[@marko7843]

Actually, that rear end at 7:41 screams Toronado to me... Also, the contemporary Lincoln sedans & coupes did have gauges, and the 2 settings for the windshield were Defog and Defrost.

[@kazumakoga3066]

We had the '76 New Yorker Brougham identical to the '75 Imperial save for the marker lights.

[@michaelmihalis9057]

Adam,love your videos.Your sound effect was just like Jay Lenos describing the same thing.Mike the Greek

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Love these sketches. I really want a classic car. Something from the 60s to 70s would be great. But I definitely wouldn't turn down a good 80s car

[@GaryBoyd02]

Good video Adam. Chrysler was having trouble at that point and it shows.

[@garyszewc3339]

Chrysler was booming. The only trouble they had, was the UAW. Quality was terrible. Workers were sabotaging the vehicles. Same at the other auto companies. That's why foreign cars got a foothold. The worst quality came from the Lynch Road plant.

[@jimwest3748]

When I was a kid, our neighbor bought only full size Chrysler products because they were the only vehicles with enough headroom to wear his cowboy hat.

[@muckle8]

Dude sounded cool 😎

[@kevingardner653]

Loved this video! My grandmother had a ‘74 model, the four-door LeBaron hardtop. What was most amazing to me about this generation of Imperial were the rear disc brakes, while all the US competition was still only using drum brakes in the rear.