Harry's Thoughts
THE ESSENTIALS
PRICE REDUCED $$10,000!! This is an incredibly rare 1962 Imperial Crown Convertible that benefitted from a complete body off the frame restoration and is a wonderful example that can be shown at regional concours events. This is a very well optioned Imperial, with extra chrome moldings and the passenger side mirror, plus all the standard Imperial items such as power windows, seats, steering, brakes, antenna, etc. This Imperial is in terrific condition today and is ready to enjoy.
This Imperial Custom convertible is only one of 554 built. This Imperial lived its life in Portland, OR. Still affixed to the windshield is a faculty parking permit for the Portland State University from 1972-73. It received its body-off restoration in Portland, OR before being acquired by an Imperial collector in Alberta, Canada in 2006.
The Imperial Crown was the very top-of-the-line convertible for American made motorcars and was the pinnacle of Virgil Exner’s Chrysler Corporation designs. We love the freestanding pod-style headlights and the “gun sight” taillights as well as the clean side design with the single belt line molding running the length of the car. It is, in our opinion, the most important classical mid-century design for an American open car. It is also our opinion that they are the best engineered American car made of the era. In fact, the Imperial slogan for 1962 was “America’s Most Carefully Built Cars”.
This Imperial features Oyster White (Paint Code W) livery with its Black Haartz Cloth power convertible top. The paint is in overall excellent condition. The chrome and stainless are in overall excellent condition. The Imperial wheel covers are in very nice condition and the wide white walled radials look perfect. Overall, the exterior is stunning and while not perfect, in excellent show condition for most all regional concours events.
The interior is pristine in Red Leatherette (Trim Code 555) with chrome trim throughout. The leatherette is very soft and supple and appears exactly as leather, fooling us and its former owner in thinking that it is leather. The chrome and stainless are also in very nice condition. The mid-century modern designed dash is incredible, including the squared off steering wheel. The steering wheel is in excellent condition, and it looks and feels awesome. The matching red carpeting shows very well and the instruments work well, including the power antenna. The clock is not working at present.
One of the hallmarks of the Imperial is the venerable 413 CID “wedge” V-8 which provides 340 hp through the three-speed Torqueflight automatic transmission. The 129” wheelbase helps provide an incredibly smooth ride and the massive power of the engine provide exhilarating performance for a car of this size. The engine compartment is very clean and well detailed. The chassis was completely painted when restored and is in excellent condition. As with the rest of this Imperial, it makes an excellent car to drive and enjoy, while nice enough to show at nearly any event.
We have this priced well with the NADA Value Guide showing a retail value of $163,400 and Hagerty Value Guide reflecting a No. 1 example at $113,000 and a No. 2 example at $88,600. We have this priced to sell.
For more information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or harry@classicpromenade.com. The Imperial is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom.
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