The 1981 Imperial by Chrysler was a Beautiful Malaise Era Luxury Coupe That Failed Spectacularly

[@povertyspec9651]

"This is gonna be a fairly quick review" 48 minutes, LOL Go Bill go!

[@hellcat9996]

I know. I'm interested in his cars sometimes but don't want to hear him complain about the weather and then a whole history of stuff.

[@BONNIE091059]

'it'll probably be real short this time... I know I always say that and then go on for 40 minutes...'

[@packard5682]

@@hellcat9996 That's what he does so live with it or press on to something else. The 'history stuff' is very informative and important to the description of the car.

[@jefferyrobertson7520]

1981 Chrysler Imperial Frank Sinatra edition with Glacier blue exterior and interior color famous blue eyes soul 👍

[@dougpowers1965]

My first thought upon that his utterance of that statement LOL

[@patrickallan481]

Whenever I hear "Imperial" I think of the mother-in-law's line in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.": "We're the ones in the Imperial and we're running last?"

[@michaelwhite2823]

Love it!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Great movie!!! 👍👍

[@douglasb.1203]

Patrick Allen for the win! Anyone who can quote Ethel Merman bitching out Milton Berle gets respect Such a great movie that has the capability to melt snowflakes.

[@shakhcm11]

Totally remember that!!!!

[@rodferguson3515]

Patrick Allen... Trivia ...in the Flim" It's A Mad,mad, mad, mad world" The Man who played the Blond woman's husband was comedian Milton Berle and the woman who played the bothersome, quarreling mother-in-law was an Early 20 th century burlesque Singer named Ethel Merman😊

[@johnnymula2305]

I was always surprised this car failed. These cars were absolutely gorgeous! And still look amazing today.

[@marcusdamberger]

It was in a competitive market, Cadillac offered something similar for less and for a little bit more you could get a Mercedes 300. I guess once the word got out from owners of how unreliable the EFI system was, potential buyers quickly decided not to deal with Chrysler unreliability for that steep of a price. Too bad, if they had gotten the engine right from the start, it probably would have had a slightly longer run with the J-body, or at least the 25k cars they anticipated building. However all the other coups that used the J-body ended in 83', so maybe it was inevitable that it ended so quickly. Personal luxury cars were quickly becoming a thing of the past by the mid 80's.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The only one I saw actually running was converted to carb, that was a real issue

[@patrickflohe7427]

I’ve always been a GM guy, with a love for certain Ford products like Lincolns….that said, I love this car. I’ve always thought it was a nice looking car. I think it has class. I’ve liked a lot of the imperials and Newports, Charger & Challenger, Barracuda…..

[@bongodave13]

They were thirsty, slow, and not particularly luxurious. And dangerous af to drive. It was all we had back then, but this car's a relic, and not as comfy, fast or reliable as your sister's Focus S.

[@lessbs]

Imperial ran from 55 to 66. Always had a different frame than other Chrysler products. When Chrysler switched to uni-body in 1960, Imperial remained as a body on frame construction. Starting 1969, they began using the Chrysler platform. Sharing sheet metal between the models. The Chryslers that I have owned had much better handling on the road because of the torsion bar set up in the front suspension. I only wish they had gone the Packard route and added torsion bar suspension to the rear at the beginning of 1957.

[@garysmith2674]

Bill, please don’t make them shorter. I love the detail you put in these videos. What a great source of entertainment and automotive history. You’re a true gem!

[@bongodave13]

Bill tells us who he is through his rants. I'm an old phart, too, and I'm not much like him, but we could talk cars all day long.

[@randolfo1265]

Bill says that a lot, 'Going to be a shorter one' But then he always comes through with the goods at full length. Never a disappointment

[@_gregc]

My Uncle was an executive at Chrysler. He always drove Imperials. Such magnificent vehicles.

[@e.f.clarke2041]

“But right now it’s hopeless, it’s miserable, and frankly I’d just like to go find a hole somewhere, curl up, and possibly take my own life...” - Bill from Curious Cars & Autohaus of Naples My senior quote, ladies and gentlemen.

[@Fla5thgenTryMe]

He needs to go back to new york with all of the other idiots that come here and ruin it.

[@alexanderryan1176]

The transition of American car interiors from chrome, wood, and shag carpet to cheap plastic because everybody loves Japanese cars will never not be a tragedy.

[@BradBolin]

I would phrase this much differently. The fact that American manufacturers couldn't give the American consumer what they wanted is a tragedy.

[@kevincostello3856]

​@@BradBolinMy humble opinion, you're both spot on. Well said

[@wmalden]

I have always thought that this was a beautifully styled automobile. Very rare then and now. Beautiful!

[@markwoodley712]

"The garbage truck Seville," best line since, "An attractive lady carrying a bag of dog crap."

[@codyluka8355]

Yeah! Both are great quips! 😅

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

I'll stop watching if you quit your rambling stories! That's what makes you great and worth watching!

[@kennethmoragne5870]

Right?! 💯

[@codyluka8355]

I just love the rants and ramblings! Gotta love it!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I'll drink to that.

[@hickhunter2303]

And I will just...agree

[@bigmedge]

Screw that rambling , it’s the guy’s 1 annoying trait . He’s very knowledgeable about the cars & relays their details very well , but all that boring & irrelevant nonsense about the birds & weather is annoying as shit - those parts are permanent fast forward

[@flstf96b]

Stored an 81 Sinatra edition over the 2020 - '21 winter for my brother, 65000 mile 2nd owner car, I can tell you honestly the nicest riding non - air suspension vehicle I ever drove. 318 carburetor engine was as smooth as glass. Interior was Mark Cross leather in "Glacier Blue" as was the exterior. The only color you could get in "fs" edition, supposedly the color of Frank's eyes. Thank you so much for sharing this video!

[@dannysdailys]

They didn't come with a carburetor, they came with the lean burn system which was garbage. Your brothers car would not pass inspection in NY.

[@flstf96b]

@@dannysdailys Yup, was converted from EFI long ago, virtually every single vehicle, by dealer, as per Chrysler recall. A true EFI Imperial of this vintage is very rare. Don't care about NY state inspection, our jurisdiction got rid of that tax grab years ago.

[@sneakerfreak2002]

@@dannysdailys are you not aware of the massive recall on these cars? To to remove tge EFI?

[@megadawg342]

A good friend had that same model. It was cool.

[@thomassilvestri2128]

Omg I love that edition

[@BlacKnightRising]

'ok and now onto the weather, what's it like out there in Naples Bill!' 'oh for the love of God!' 'thanks Bill and now a word from our sponsor.'

[@mikeware1002]

Lol! That’s awesome

[@BlacKnightRising]

@@mikeware1002 if 'oh for the love of God!' was on a bumper sticker I bet more people than not would know what it meant hehe

[@kevinlowercase]

Another rare beast. You're definitely on a roll Bill.

[@tonygalano6825]

Bill needs to see a psychairist.

[@egold2071]

@@tonygalano6825 Bill does plenty of venting in these near 50 minute, whiskey-inspired vent sessions. I'm sure he's pretty chipper otherwise! 🥃🥴

[@douglasb.1203]

@@egold2071 Chipper than, a Canadian?

[@egold2071]

@@douglasb.1203 If Bill were any more chipper, he'd get honorary royal citizenship from Canada! 🇨🇦

[@patrickflohe7427]

@@douglasb.1203 BAHAHAHA

[@lawrencer6328]

“Definitely gonna be a short video”… this is the longest video in months 😂 love it

[@C8sorbs]

Bill, you are a treasure. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face and these forgotten beasts.

[@JP4drumsFarrell]

"And now the weather with Bill" "This morning will be crappy, followed by early afternoon crap, with a real possibility of crap this evening. Five-day forecast, don't ask"

[@coffeefish]

It will be like that until after Thanksgiving.

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

My grandparents had an Imperial back in the late 80s, early 90s. When I was a kid I used to absolutely love this car, thought it was the ritziest car ever! Nice to see one in such great condition 👌👏

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

This is a very cool channel. Glad to see someone reviewing and giving the history of these cars. Happy new subscriber. Oh, my old man lives in Florida, forget that weather!

[@mikeskipworth9464]

Might I suggest the BMW i3 video. He’s absolutely hilarious when he doesn’t like a car.

[@BONNIE091059]

Bill must not be on blood thinners...YET!

[@fitfogey]

“PEAK SHIT WEATHER” - Bill. (we love you man)

[@michaelwhite2823]

"Hot as balls!"

[@michaeldavidson8971]

He isn’t kidding, the first or second week of September is peak hurricane season!

[@bentleynut1648]

I laughed pretty hard when he said that

[@seand2711]

That is definitely gorgeous. Iococa really loved that Rolls Royce style grille.

[@BONNIE091059]

If that is a Rolls Royce style grille, did you mistake the Ford Granada for a Mercedes Benz?

[@777jones]

That car symbolizes retired corrupt NYFD chief with a huge pension and a mild coke habit who retired to golf in Florida and died in 1984

[@MDavidG1]

What was his name?

[@curiouscars9282]

Brilliant

[@mattie3595]

@777jones: What a specific quote - hilarious……!!

[@tonygalano6825]

It is FDNY not NYFD if you mean New York

[@RJ-sc9ul]

I can see why! That dashboard is ideal for doing rails of blow.

[@pauldecker4077]

I have a 1981 imperial. Took it on the power tour in 2014 and had a great time. Still have it to this day

[@Kiwiv65]

I have to say your weather reports and Wildlife reports are truly some of my favorite parts of these reviews. Keep it up . Cheers mate

[@brianwells7641]

Florida Weather: *exists* Bill: "Frankly I just want to find a hole somewhere, curl up and possibly take my own life" It got dark real quick

[@michaelwhite2823]

SIGH Whay can you do?

[@henryroland2]

It's his shtick. Whachgonado?

[@rightlanehog3151]

This has to be one of the Malaiziest™ of the Malaise Era cars.

[@camotero1]

The 80s fixation with digital read outs really is something else. It looks like Space Invaders in there.

[@BizzLeVrai]

The 79 continental is hard to beat as malaise car.. But sure this one is close

[@danielj1063]

In hoping malaise era had ceased, I bbought an '05 Hemi Magnum with the idea it would be my last car. No, not to be. Trans replaced after one year, electrical was beginning to fail. Sold it to a Mopar nut, he didn't have much luck, either

[@egold2071]

Back to back uploads, a Tuesdee and a Weds pair? What a joy! Thanks Bill!

[@johnmills2134]

Good stuff, Bill, you lower my general life discomfort with every one of your episodes. You are never allowed to stop.

[@SimeonToko]

If Stellantis wants to succeed in America it needs to build future Chrysler models inspired by this car. Absolutely beautiful and uniquely American.

[@michaelwilliams459]

I love listening to this guy. Could have a radio show.

[@bruceshenkel6991]

I bought a new 1976 Plymouth Volare four door sedan with the 318 V8 and a four speed manual with the transverse torsion bars. I couldn't keep the car in line .Had the car's front end lined up seven times within the little over three years I had it . Within the first year I had the car Everything electrical failed on the car. The radio at fifty miles quit . The battery at 1500 miles .The starter,the headlights ,the backup light switch that operated the back up lights . The wiring harness shorted out because they routed the wires through the firewall across the clutch lever,and it rubbed through the harness,and shut the car down . The cigarette lighter wouldn't work from the start ,and I never smoked in the car. My wife went to use it after I had the car a year,and it wouldn't even heat up.The left rear leaf spring broke in three pieces. Now mind you ,I have always been very meticulous about caring for all my cars ,but this piece of a Chrysler abortion , I couldn't keep up with it however ,the engine, the transmission,the clutch , brakes ,and the rear differential I never had a problem with. One more thing ,it rusted right through the fenders within a year.After all that I can truthfully say ,I never had a problem with the dealer about warranty issues ,none. I ordered this car from the factory also.I ended up putting a little over a hundred thousand miles on it in almost four years ,but at what a hassle with problems . True story. Very nice Videos coming from you .Take care ,and stay safe ,and cool down there . I live in Port Clinton , Ohio...

[@michaelpfaff6009]

From 1955 through 1983, Imperial was it's own luxury division. I agree with you, Bill about the rear end of the Imperial. I also think the rear end was done better than the Seville .

[@erichiatt6119]

*’55-‘75. The Imperial car line was gone for 1976. In 1976 the flagship car for the Chrysler Corporation became the Chrysler New Yorker Brougham, which was basically just a rebranded Imperial LeBaron. There were no more Imperials until 1981-1983.

[@Rlotpir1972]

@@erichiatt6119 By 1990, the Imperial returned as a soup-upped 4-door New Yorker.

[@cjmarsh504]

That imperial looking mint! It's a beautiful car. It's Hot and sticky here in New Orleans! Mosquitoes are playing the second line band in my ear 4:29! You'll know when the boss came around back then!

[@ronmccullock1407]

Good evening Bill from Ron in Manchester UK, we have had rain all day. Sorry the weather is awful, I hate the hot weather it makes me sweat. What a fantastic car Bill

[@randolfo1265]

Only waited 19:22 for the Frank connection. What a story, and I don't just mean the Frank connection, but the whole story. Bill is my go to car historian. I just listen at work like its the radio or something!

[@dhranch4627]

Is there REALLY a Frank?? Or could it be Bill window channeling his own personal Tyler whilst roaming about after midnight in search of tallow, fisticuffs and the sweet release of sin(s) that only AC could quickly find its purchase. Things that make one go "hmmmm"..

[@randolfo1265]

@@dhranch4627 - I remember the Frank edition. Don't know if I ever saw one but there was a tv commercial

[@mikekitsune123]

"Peak shit weather". I spat my coffee everywhere when Bill said that. I still can't stop laughing.

[@robertvance1873]

Thank you Bill for everything you do to bring these classics to us. She giving all she had at 85 MPH beautiful Car.

[@davidfrania8990]

Can you imagine listening in on that phone call from Frank to Lee after his car died? I bet it was epic!

[@seiph80]

Ha! Right?

[@johndrake2729]

I'm sure he cussed him out ...

[@504RoadTrips]

I’ve always referred to Imperials as “Imperials”, rather than “Chrysler Imperial”. But earlier Imperials had model names like Crown, Newport, Southampton and LeBaron. This one didn’t have any model name, although Chrysler didn’t appear anywhere on the outside of the car. So this may be the reason for the confusion over whether “Imperial” was a marque or a model name.

[@EstormM8]

However it was marketed, the doors, front fenders and maybe the hood were the same stampings as for the Cordoba.

[@504RoadTrips]

@@EstormM8 bolt on front and rear. I had an 82 Cordoba and took the front header off once. Could’ve easily put an Imperial front end on it. I think the trunk lid was different on the Imperial.

[@bobtepedino5661]

The 1981 Imperial, at $18,400, had the highest base MSRP of any American production car - higher than the Seville/El Dorado, Mark VI and the Corvette.

[@adamtrombino106]

You would've thought Lee would've learned from the giant mistakes made at Lincoln when they price tagged the Versailles at over $20k in 78, and couldn't figure out why they wouldn't sell...

[@bobtepedino5661]

@@adamtrombino106 At a base MSRP of $12,500, the 1978 Versailles REALLY WAS a tarted-up Granada. The Imperial, although it resembled and was heavilly based upon the Cordoba, was hand-built, with hand fittment of body panels and interior assemblies. As such, the Imperial had truely astounding build quality for the time: when the two Chrysler cars were examined side-by-side, it was easy to see the superiority of the Imperial's door fit, panel gaps and trim alignment, for instance. Although well-trimmed, the Versailles is not substantially different from the Granada in this respect. The Imperial's quality was more expensive to produce, and that high price came with real, visible advantages, but the car's horribly unreliable fuel injection was unforgivable and ultimately its undoing.

[@chuckhaugan4970]

Well, I'm sure Iacocca was under the delusion people from the 40's through the 60's were still alive and carried the name.... Top end Imperials of that era were the most expensive US manufactured cars and stickered the same as a Rolls for a few years. LOL! talk about delusion.

[@bobtepedino5661]

@@chuckhaugan4970 I appreciate the sentiment, Chuck, but there was always a big price difference between those two makes, and it's widened over time. My fully-loaded '67 Imperial LeBaron, the most expensive American luxury sedan, stickered at $8K, about half of the MSRP of the cheapest RR in '67. By '75, my Silver Shadow (again, the lowest-priced RR) was $42K, compared to the fully-loaded '75 Imperial at $12K, about one-quarter the RR's price. The imperial's true price trended down throughout the '60s & 70s while RR's trended sharply up. As an Imperial lover, I'm saddened by the cheapening of the Imperial car and image that predicated this "bargain" pricing, something that RR never attempted to do.

[@chuckhaugan4970]

@@bobtepedino5661 I feel your pain!!! I'm a Chrysler 300 guy and consider the 65, "L" not worthy of letter series designation, as the performance options left the Chrysler line to compete with the pony cars. Sadly, the decline of Chrysler began with their modular design, back in the mid 60's. Let's face it, Chrysler built better cars, mechanically, than Ford and GM, but blundered with reliance of Exner's designs for a few too many years. By the time Chrysler righted the design department, in the late 60's, it was too late. My first car was a 66, 300, coupe, fully optioned. Wish I never sold it. And, my 300K, I bought years later. Those cars were quality built and had performance even for 4000 pounds, with the aerodynamics of a brick. I miss that era.

[@Pedroisanickname]

This was easily one of the best looking 30's throwback, luxury designs of the era. Would love to see you do a Dodge Mirada, the personal sport-lux car from the same early 80's press. Good stuff.

[@beezertwelvewashingbeard8703]

You're the Denis Leary of car reviewers. Love it!

[@traviss6564]

I literally snorted when you called it the "garbage-truck Seville"... absolutely perfect description. 🤣😂

[@klasseact6663]

This was an absolute treat thank you very much for the review it was very entertaining!

[@megadawg342]

My buddy Paul Kent owned of these new, a Sinatra Edition in Solana Beach, CA in 1980(?). Very luxurious. I had a 68 Eldorado at the time that was Olive green and was a diamond.

[@Stratoszero]

What a beautiful car, have wanted one of these since they first launched. As a teenager in rainy old England this looked impossibly glamorous, like a slice of Palm Springs on wheels. Those crisp fender lines, sleek grille and lights, and that nostalgic bustleback .... I had not seen the connection to the Daimler limousine until this video. A design triumph, what a shame it had so many troubles. I would have this today in a heartbeat.

[@gregcho2464]

Mid 60's Imperials, the 65 -66 in particular were built so well and so heavy that they had to ban them in the 80's on in demolition derby's because they were basically unstoppable. They destroyed everything.

[@christopherconard2831]

It has something to do with the frame. Lader style? It's the same system that was used in heavy equipment like fire trucks. The engine and all the important parts were protected inside the frame. If you ever see one with the original wood interior bits, there's a reason the wood has such a deep color. They were the last ones treated with whale oil.

[@bigmedge]

It was so effective at destruction derby in large part b/c the radiator was mounted very far within the hood, meaning that all the crashing didn’t impact the radiator & cause the coolant to leak out

[@hiitsstillme]

Great review of a rare car, thanks Bill! We read some time ago in what we think was an old 1971 New Car Annual, the issues that Chrysler had trying to buoy the Imperial in the marketplace. They did try to get some Imperial dealerships going; apparently only one took hold. Like you said, probably lack of funding resulted in the Imperial never being a serious contender in the luxury car marketplace.

[@MargauxMachek]

Never even knew this existed! Pretty cool. Not surprised nobody bought it.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

This is the definitive review of an early 80s imperial. The car certainly seems to suit you, Bill! That interior is the sort of old school American luxury that you just can't find anymore. I'd consider turning those seats into living room furniture... the exterior certainly is the most unique of the personal luxury cars, and I think pulled off the bustle back look quite well.

[@patrickpanda8374]

Thanks for all the great vids Bill. I binge watch them all the time. I really enjoy the history lessons. As a Gen-X I enjoy seeing lots of cars from my youth. Keep up the great work.

[@georgeloizou2484]

Thanks for doing the Imperial! Thankfully the antenna was electric , so that one has been retro fitted at some stage . Like you said it is a beautiful car

[@curiouscars9282]

Someone said earlier the cb option required a fixed antenna. Makes sense.

[@The_Jas_Singh]

You're amazing! Keep doing these intriguing videos. Love your insightful analysis with the spattering of dry humor involving your cats, various annoying birds et al.

[@katewhite2465]

Imperials, of any iteration, earn my interest.

[@avlogs2823]

You’re in the wrong business you would make one of the most funniest comedians I enjoy seeing your videos I enjoy the cars but I enjoy hearing you there is a one video where I don’t get a big laugh out of it it’s like a politician it’s rarer than a politician keeping it promise that keep me laughing for days

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Tell us all about the Rich Corinthian leather Bill.

[@curiouscars9282]

Mark Cross leather in this one, Paulie - Ricardo got the boot.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@@curiouscars9282 You got to do a Ricardo Montalban with the Cordoba Bill

[@eddugin8470]

You could be the only person in time showing nostalgicaly "cars at night"" bro serious business how fantastic is that? Cool huh!l

[@petesnyder9790]

I feel your pain, having grown up in the Philly burbs. But now I’m in AZ…except for the past two weeks our humidly, normally between 8 - 12%, has been in the 40% range, due to the monsoon season..

[@elonmust7470]

40% lol

[@robertbigbee8313]

It’s hot and wet outside right now I’m in Phoenix right now can’t wait for the summer to be over

[@GWWard-ne2xk]

Watching your videos is like reminiscing with an old and dear friend so please don’t change a thing.

[@wladimirnordemann5236]

One of your best Bill, very informative video, at full pace, wonderful experience wow

[@AmericanPatriot-cw9xe]

for the cb radio Channel 19 is the truckers channel n lots of other motorists use it to to talk with truckers n other drivers, channel 9 for help sometimes u can reach highway patrol

[@bradleypollack5658]

Bill you and I would get along wonderfully!! We are both negative as hell!!! I love it so much!!

[@RobertP-kk5ou]

Love the look. Great history, Thank you.

[@pdennis93]

There was a limo version that used dodge st Regis front doors and the imperial doors were used as the back doors. Burt Reynolds owned one and it was used as a military limo in cannonball run 2. Coincidentally, frank sinatra was in that movie as well in a dodge Daytona. In one scene Dean Martin and Sammy davis jr are supposed to cut off the limo in a C4 Corvette, but they accidentally used the Daytona. Another goof involved Homer Lyle, a Gomer Pyle parody played by the same actor. When they drop.him off on the side of the road and drive away, the car is a cadillac Seville bustle back. I guess they figured no one would notice LOL.

[@georgeloizou2484]

it was also used in the first episode of the A-Team , looks great too

[@braddietzmusic2429]

I’m not a fan of many chrome-laden cars from 1970s-1980s. I’m not a huge fan of personal luxury coupes. But these Imperials where and still are to my eye, one of the most attractive cars ever designed by any automaker, and certainly among my top 10 of any vehicle ever offered by the Chrysler corporation, as a production model or even concept.

[@MrJayrock620]

With all that deep pile carpet I’d probably be terrified to smoke in it too. That thing would probably light up like a dollar store fur coat if an ash ever hit it

[@CollinMacQuarrie]

dollar store fur coat 😂😂😂

[@LongIslandMopars]

Thanks for mentioning the NASCAR Imperial that Buddy Arrington drove. I remember the last race that car ran in. Dr. Jerry Punch covered it (if I remember correctly) on ESPN. It was the last Mopar to run in NASCAR until Dodge introduced the Intrepid.

[@Krunch7zero]

I remember this car, back in 81 I decided against it, bought the 81 dodge mirada instead. 20k vs 12k, I was only 17 at the time, 1st car so 👍🏼 light blue, slant 6, loaded,,, what a great car that Mirada was.

[@davidgarris2513]

That's the same as me! In Chicagoland and 17 couldn't get the financing on the Imperial so I bought '81, "82, & '83 Cordoba s. All 318's and slow as all hell. But loved the styling.

[@APA2Channel]

I had never heard the "Garbage truck" nickname for that bodystyle of seville, but Holy hell you had me in stitches with the accuracy of that statement!

[@LakeNipissing]

"You got your lights over here... you pull those they'll come on." The absolute best of Bill !!!

[@KTR2020_1]

Beautiful car. Can't say I have ever seen this one before though. Great job as always Bill!! Cheers Kevin

[@samsen3965]

The lamp covers are still functional... NICE ! ! !

[@curiouscars9282]

We got them going - needed a little tweaking by Keith the mechanic.

[@BillofRights1951]

Bill alludes to the Continental Mark III in "69 being built on a T-Bird chassis. I come from a Fords-only family... but mostly underpowered station wagons and Galaxies. When my dad bought my mom a brand new '68 T-Bird 2-door with the 429, loaded will all the options (thank God no vinyl top...it was white and very sleek as a result), that car was like no Ford I'd ever known. Total dream car with a killer ride. Miss those days. The only aftermarket we did was replace the squishy factory shocks with heavy duty Gabriel Steady Riders....didn't hurt the boulevard ride, but made the car amazingly stable, supple with bumps and dips, and nimble for its size. Total luxo beast. We love you Bill!

[@ATLcentury334]

We saw one several weeks ago, here in metro Atlanta, parked in front of a business. When we were driving back the opposite way, it was gone. We would have parked to look at it, it was the light blue color. These were beautiful.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Glad to see you back Bill, your Florida weather is making me jealous. I am enjoying Scottish Summer rain this week

[@curiouscars9282]

I would love some Scottish summer rain right now.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

@@curiouscars9282 We can swap lives for a week haha!

[@LexxAKonn]

I always thought these looked amazing. Still does!

[@KNS_Racing]

Possibly the best weather report intro yet. I have never heard someone describe so well how I feel about Florida weather this time of year. Seriously, well done.

[@TheJrj430]

Been waiting for this… finally. Thanks bill

[@curiouscars9282]

Very welcome - was happy to do this car, but it went way longer than I thought it would.

[@TheJrj430]

@@curiouscars9282 go as long as you want man. I will! When is the can am?

[@randolfo1265]

22:27 - Here Bill answers his own question about why this car was not more successful. Legendary Chrysler products (lack of) quality.

[@mattt198654321]

"This is going to be a quick review" Posts 48 minute review. 🤪

[@pcno2832]

18:39 "first Chrysler to use fuel injection", perhaps. The '57 DeSotos had Bendix EFI as a rare but unreliable option and I believe it was also offered on the Chrysler 300, but I don't know if anyone bought it. That Bendix system became the basis for the Bosch D-Jetronic system that was standard on USA-spec 1968 VW Type 3 Squarebacks and Fastbacks, and also used on a bunch of European cars during the 1970s. The Bendix EFI on the 1976 Seville and the 472, 500 and 425 engines with the EFI option was, from what I've read, based on the same architecture, but built with more American parts, which are now quite hard to find.

[@tasaab]

It was a beautiful design, albeit on an existing platform. I love the fact that it copies all the other luxury cars of the era, Lincoln nose, Seville back. A failure, but now…….look how good those lines are.

[@paulhillenaar8494]

Hi Bill, love the history lessons on your review of these beautiful cars. My Dad loved Chrysler Imperial cars and wish I saw this one for sale. I love the look of this beautiful car and hope you find another one in future so I can buy one. Thank you for your wonderful colourful entertaining video :)

[@ThePrissy11]

I love Bill’s attitude😊!!! I’m amazed this car only had a 318!

[@christopherconard2831]

I believe by 1980 that was the big engine for Chrysler cars. The 360 and up were for trucks or police spec vehicles only.

[@ThePrissy11]

@@christopherconard2831 I recall a 383

[@danielulz1640]

@@ThePrissy11 that was Chrysler's big engine prior to 1966

[@ThePrissy11]

@@danielulz1640 Yeah but by ‘81 they had the 383 and even a 440

[@ThePrissy11]

@@christopherconard2831 I believe the 383 was available even since the ‘70s

[@typhoon320i]

I immediately thought of Ace getting blown up, when I saw the caddy at 14:36.

[@brianl6964]

Sheepdog carpeting & red-hot seat ornament. The guy keeps the creative whiskey inspired juices alive in this one!

[@charlesharper7292]

Beautiful car . I would love to find one like that, black on black.

[@MDavidG1]

My family had a 1980 Cordoba. They and these Imperials were all made in my home town of Windsor Ontario Canada. The economic times were not good and there was a major effort to make these cars lighter. The result was a truly abysmal build quality. It may or may not be considered a classical styling success, but as a reliable car of lasting quality it was an unmitigated disaster. Sad times for North American automobiles.

[@jeffe4297]

Did your Cordoba have fine Corinthian leather?

[@MDavidG1]

@@jeffe4297 Yes, it had white genuine leather...and a fake, canvas 'convertible' top.

[@slyguyaction]

If you ever find yourself having a terrible day, just cue up one of these Curious Cars videos and Bill will remind you just how bad it can get for somebody. Then, you'll get an absolute wealth of knowledge on a vehicle with that immeasurable, sarcastic wit and character with little nuggets about coronavirus whiskey treatments, the business being sold off along with himself and finished with a cruise along the freeway. Absolute gem. Nothing like it on KZbin and I can't click on these episodes fast enough. Bill is a master.

[@Jack_Stafford]

Of the downsized luxury coupes that were available after the luxurious peak in 1978, this was by far the best-looking one until the 1993 Lincoln Mark 8!

[@makoshark69x96]

😂 This Imperial was the best looking coupe until the 93 Mark 8 ? 😂 What about The Lincoln Mark 6 ? Even the Caddy Coupe Deville is better than the Imperial ! And what about the Olds Toronado, The Buick Riviera and the Cadillac Eldorado ?

[@triangleofdeath6246]

@@makoshark69x96 Even back in the day, the mark VI was considered a boring car. also, the Tornado and riv both lost their stunning good looks by that time. They looked like nearly everything else Olds and buick had at that time. The Eldo was ok, I find it meh. Now the buick Reatta? *swoon*

[@markgraham8125]

Have got to say that I think the looks of this car is beautiful..

[@eddietucker3334]

I always liked the sculpture of this Imperial. Great profile.

[@Rubycon99]

It's simultaneously classy and kinda mean looking. I like it.

[@jamesmyers9285]

A Co-worker has a 1983 Imperial in White with a Red Leather Interior. It has real wire wheels, Vogue wide patterned whitewall tires, and a gold band. The car belonged to his Grandfather, who left the car to him when he passed away in 2005. He has a power antenna and moonroof, and the car is flawless inside and out. There are no dings, scratches, or fading of the paint and interior. The car is a California car with 45,000 miles on the odometer. He takes this car and his rare custom-built 2007 Chrysler 300c Heritage Convertible to show around our area.

[@chriseaton2730]

The 1966 Imperial is my favorite. Really like the styling and has the 440 engine.

[@seed_drill7135]

Last of the body on frame Imperials.

[@jimhernandez3563]

Just saw one IDENTICAL to this at Mecum Auction in Harrisburg, PA. If a car ever deserved a 440... and a LETTER... this was it. FABULOUS!!! Thanks for sharing this! ♥

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

I remember seeing this car for the 1st time, on the movie “Canonball Run”.

[@johndaniels651]

It was an Imperial Limo!

[@RobertP-kk5ou]

I'm with you on the miserable heat here in Florida.

[@devonnewest7990]

Gorgeous car, styling ahead of it's time.

[@todd1524]

Great job Bill. Humidity is humidity. We have had a dew point above 70 degrees all summer. Kennedale , Texas. All good !

[@jeeper5264]

Bill Keep on rolling ...almost to 100k subs!...been watching you since the Roosters and about 3k subs!..

[@ginoliotto1404]

Every car you show is amazing and your description is outstanding and humorous. Especially like the SLs because I have one.