The beautiful 1955 models, based extensively on Virgil Exner’s period Parade Phaeton show cars, are still regarded as the most-desirable Imperials of all.  With 7,840 Imperial four doors produced it is rare to find one rust free, with a known histroy and in very nice condition.

Elegantly trimmed inside and out, this big 130-inch-wheelbase sedan  wore a distinctive split grille, unique “gunsight” taillights, modestly wrapped windshield, and circular rear-wheel openings, making them among the best-looking of Chrysler Corporation’s all-new ’55 fleet. Chrome was abundant but tastefully applied; two-toning was limited to the roof.

The ’55s inherited the brilliant 331-cubic-inch Chrysler hemi-head V-8 with 250 brake horsepower and mated with the new 2 speed powerflite automatic transmission.

The history of this gorgeous Imperial is pretty well known.  This Imperial was bought new in Portland Oregon by a doctor in 1955.  He traded in his beloved Ford.  In 1957, the original 331 Hemi engine was defective and the dealer, under warranty, replaced the engine with the new 392 Hemi (6,424 cc) with 325HP!  Today, the 392 Hemi has been recently professionally rebuilt (about four years ago and about 1,000 miles) to deliver as-new performance and reliability.

The present owner added this to his collection and accumulated three sets of wheels: The gorgeous wire wheels with a complete set of wide white wall radials, steel wheels with gorgeous wheel covers and a set of contemporary, low profile “street rod” custom styled wheels and radials.  In less than an hour you could drastically change the looks of this Imperial from elegant luxury motorcar to a bad-ass looking cruiser.

Also included with this Imperial is a set of spare parts. Of course the three sets of wheels will be included as well.  It is rare to find a rust free and gorgeous 1955 Imperial.  It is rarer still to find one that has benefited from a dealer installed 392 Hemi.  This is a rare and interesting find.

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This striking Series 80 Imperial LeBaron Convertible Coupe is an elegant example of Chrysler’s first muscle car. This great looking and rare motorcar is equipped with some of the most desirable options: the motor upgrade referred to as the “Red Head” and the Buffalo Wire Wheels. This is a Full Classic and would be welcome to participate in all CCCA CARavans and Grand Classic events.

The “Red Head” was a motor upgrade that for 1928 made this model America’s most powerful car. Beginning in 1928, the Chrysler seven main-bearing six cylinder engines could be ordered with an optional performance upgrade that featured an enlarged intake manifold and a new, red-painted cylinder head that reduced the size of the combustion chamber and thus increasing the compression ratio to 6.1:1 for greater power output. The Red Head was a cherished favorite of enthusiasts then as it is today! With 112 hp this automobile has the muscle to back up its handsome looks!

Another fabulous feature for this 1928 Chrysler Imperial is its internal expanding Lockheed hydraulic braking system. Compared to its contemporaries, Chrysler was a decade ahead with its brakes. The logic was simple: a car that can drive faster needed to stop quicker! This car can stop as readily as it can pull up a steep grade!

The aluminum cased transmission has four forward speeds (first is a stump-puller, so day-to-day it performs like a three speed) and performs quite well. It is quiet and shifts well. The emergency brake contracts onto the drive shaft and also performs well.

This LeBaron designed rumbleseat convertible coupe body is on the 136” chassis giving this car an elegant and imposing presentation. Complete with dual side mounted spares, luggage rack with the trunk and tools, this motorcar is fairly well equipped.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbO6_rnnJlY[/youtube] This motorcar was acquired by its present owner in February 1987. This car was the crown jewel of his collection and he proceeded to spend years thoroughly restoring this to concours and CARavan condition. For decades this motorcar was driven and enjoyed. The car was always well serviced and well tended. Hundreds of receipts of all parts and work since 1987 are included along with the service and owners manual.

Over the past year, Alan Taylor Company, a restoration center featuring many Pebble Beach Concours award winning motorcars, has completed the following interior improvements:

• New butter soft tan leather interior to the seats, doorpanels and all leather surfaces,
• New convertible top, top boot and trunk cover,
• New carpet in the front and rear passenger compartments.

The following are the recent electrical upgrades also performed by Alan Taylor Company:

• Complete new wiring harness
• Newly rebuilt instruments
• New Optima battery
• New battery cables
• New battery cut-off switch.

As the owners aged, the gentleman has recently passed away leading to the sale of this auto. The motorcar is in very good condition for touring with only minor servicing needed. The tires are excellent looking and drive well but have visible cracking. For touring the tires would need replacing.

The paint maintains a high luster, sheen and is serviceable for touring and local car shows, but for concours events it would need to be touched up or resprayed. There are some areas where the paint has minor cracking. The metal work under the paint is excellent and the panel fit is very good.

The chrome is excellent in most all areas with the bumpers being only good. The undercarriage is all restored and in great shape but could use a detailing.

Asking: SOLD!! Off to Holland!

Make an offer now!

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