With only limited effort, we found several photos of Mrs. Kennedy, LBJ and the First Lady with this Ghia in front of the White house, as well as photos of the limousine at Camp David and videos of her being used in President Johnson inauguration parade.  We have collected several newspaper articles, period videos and photographs of this presidential limousine in use, which will be included in the sale. This is nearly completely original, even down to the tires. Covering a mere 15,000 miles from new, she is a stunning example of Ghia Coachwork and an important part of American History. Only ten (10) Crown Imperial Ghia Limousines were built in 1964. Her base price was $18,500. Nearly twice the price of a 1964 Cadillac Limousine and equal to three Crown Imperial sedans. She would be a perfect addition to any historical automotive collection or an automotive museum.

This Crown Imperial Ghia Limousine started life as a 1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron hardtop mounted on a convertible frame which was assembled in the Chrysler Corporation vehicle assembly facility on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, MI. The Chrysler Corporation sent the Imperial to Italy to be custom crafted by Ghia to become a six-window custom limousine to be used by the Kennedy Administration in the White House Motor Pool. Upon completion, she was loaned to the Motor Pool for the sum of $1 per year. The Imperial was then bought from The Chrysler Corporation at auction by Hugh McVeigh, owner of Redford Chrysler in Redford MI. At the time she had 9,000 original miles. Mr. McVeigh wasn’t aware of the historical significance of the Imperial until after Chrysler offered to repurchase her. Mr. McVeigh rarely drove her and kept her garaged under a fleece-lined canvas cover. He realized she was too historically significant to drive any longer, so he sold her to the Eppert Oil Company in 1979. She was used by the owner of Eppert Oil until the Imperial was purchased by the current owner, Steve Foster, in 1998. Mr. Foster has had the Imperial on blocks for the past 10 years.

The Formal Black livery applied at the Ghia factory can be as much as a 30-day, numerous step process. The original paint shows well overall, but there is the normal lacquer imperfections. There are numerous small touchups, mainly on the side body panels. The body is incredibly straight and the fit and finish appears to be as it was when she left the Ghia factory. Her black landau top is in excellent condition. She comes complete with recently applied gold pinstriping, badges and red parade headlights. Her chrome and stainless show well and are original. The white wall tires are in nice condition and are also original.

The passengers are treated to the ultimate in elegance with its hand-crafted Italian workmanship. The interior is completely original and shows very well throughout.  The passenger compartment is complete in gray wool broadcloth trim complimented by gray leather and is in very nice condition overall. There are several very minor defects such as soiling, but it is all original and very nice. She has her original gray sheered mouton floor carpeting, also in nice condition and recently re-dyed. The two jump seats fold flush with the partition and show well. The rear compartment also comes complete with remote radio controls in the right armrest and an electronically operated partition window. The wood accents are original and look stunning.  The Chauffeur’s compartment is finished in narrow-piped black leather with black nylon floor carpeting. The steering wheel is in amazing condition as is the dash.  Again, this is all original and has never been restored.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed and shows well throughout. We did not repaint the valve covers to retain its original patina.  The Imperial is powered by a 413 cid Wedge-Head, 16 valve, 340 hp, V-8. The power is transmitted through a push button, 3-speed automatic Torque Flite transmission. The engine compartment has some light surface rust that we were reluctant to remove since it is a survivor.  She comes complete with a new fuel tank and fuel lines. She has 15,000 miles since new and runs and drives very well. The original tires show no age cracking, but care needs to be considered when driving her, especially at higher speeds.

We have cleaned and painted much of the undercarriage.  The undercarriage is now very presentable, and we have removed its accumulated surface rust.

She comes complete with several past ownership documents, a copy of the original build sheet, Certified Car Care Booklet and several copies of historically significant photos and videos.

This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an important part of world history. For more information and details, please call, text or email or Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com. This Imperial Ghia Limousine is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom.  We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide.  We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.

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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 +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Imperial is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom.

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This Imperial Custom convertible is only one of 554 built.  It was most recently part of the Richard Donner collection and one of the cars he most enjoyed to drive.  Mr. Richard Donner was the famed American filmmaker.  Mr. Donner acquired the Imperial from SW Mann, Inc in August of 2006.  It had been previously extensively restored and appears to have 13,900 miles since its restoration.

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.

This Imperial features Festival Red (Paint Code A-1264R) livery with its correct white vinyl power convertible top.  The paint is in overall excellent touring and show condition, with several small touched up chips from normal use since its restoration.  The chrome and stainless are in overall excellent condition with a couple areas with small imperfections.  The Imperial wheel covers are in very nice condition and the Coker wide white walled radials look perfect.  Overall, the exterior is stunning and while not perfect, in excellent touring and show condition for most all regional and local shows and events.

The interior is in its correct Off-White Leather (Trim Code 557) with black and chrome trim throughout.  The leather is very soft and supple with no cracking or other issues.  The chrome and stainless is also in very nice condition.  The mid-century modern designed dash is incredible, including the squared off steering wheel.  The steering wheel has a few normal cracks, but looks and feels awesome.  The black carpeting shows very well and the instruments work well, including the power antenna.   The clock and radio are 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 cleaned and painted when restored and shows normal use since.  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 $149,600 and Hagerty Value Guide reflecting a No. 1 example at $124,000 and a No. 2 example at $88,500.

For more information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Imperial is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom.

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This Imperial was bought new at the Cullen-Thompson Motor Company in Denver, Colorado by Mr. Earl C. Liston on June 5th, 1962.  Mr. Liston was from Wheatridge, Colorado and took fastidious care of the car throughout his stewardship.  By 1975 the Imperial had accumulated 97,000 miles and by August of 1980 it had 103,286 miles from new.  It was then sold to its present owner, Mr. Stan Jason of Tucson, AZ, in about 1994.  Mr. Jason had a collection of about 10 very special cars with all of them being coupes and convertibles.  This Imperial is ready for any local or regional car show and has a wonderful presence.  This is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The livery was beautifully repainted in its original Oyster White (Paint Code WW1) and is in excellent condition today.  The paint has only a few very small chips from normal use.  This Imperial is loaded with chrome and stainless steel trim all of which are in very good to excellent condition.  Only very small scratches appear which are only noticeable upon closer inspection.  All the door jambs and engine compartment are original and are in very nice condition.  The overall presentation of the car is simply stunning.

The interior is all original and is in beautiful condition.  The original Red Leather upholstery (Trim Code 555) has a wonderful patina has only light creases from normal use.  The belt-dyed red leather is very soft and supple with no dryness or cracking.  The dashboard is nearly perfect with no cracking or fading.  This Imperial was obviously garaged since new.  The interior chrome is beautiful and is without the normal pitting.  There are only some very slight scratching on the drivers door likely from fingernails from normal use.  We love the rectangular shaped steering wheel and push button transmissions that look straight out of the Jetson’s.  The carpeting is the original matching red loop in excellent condition with only wear being visible in the drivers heal pad area.

Mechanically, this Imperial is in excellent condition.  Driving this is a pleasure.  The instrumentation works well and we especially love the horizontal movement of the speedometer, again, reminiscent of the Jetson’s!  The engine compartment is in beautiful original condition.  The hood pad, paint and overall condition is very nice for the age and mileage.  See the 158-point inspection report for details, but this Imperial really needs nothing to be enjoyed.  The 413 CID V8 has 340 hp that is transmitted through the three-speed Torque Flite Automatic transmission with push-button selector.

This Imperial will prove to be a terrific value.  The NADA Guide values for this are:  High Retail $46,000 and Average Retail $24,250.  Hagerty has this model valued at $38,600 for a No. 1 and $27,100 for a No. 2.

This Imperial is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom.  For more details and information, text, call or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.

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The original owner of the Imperial was William Kumpf. He enjoyed the car from December 27th, 1963 when the bought it from the dealership until 1986, when the title was transferred to his son, Bill. In that 41 years of care they accumulated 74,000 miles, most of which were in the first three years. Much of its life was spent in storage in an airplane hangar in Pittsburgh, PA and an air conditioned garage. Mr. Kumpf made sure that the car was thoroughly undercoated when it was new. This was over and above the fact that the Imperial engineers designed the car and specified the metal to have numerous treatments to make it nearly impervious to rust. Needless to say, there is no observable rust on this car.

The Imperial has all its original paint in the handsome Pine Mist Poly (Code FF) and the chrome and stainless are mostly in very good to excellent condition. Mr. Kumpf smeared grease over all the chrome and stainless to prevent it from rusting or pitting. Since we spent over one day removing the grease, the car shines like new!! The interior is all original and stunning with the deep green leather with beige brocade cloth (Code M7H). Imperial engineers were so fanatical that they made sure that the fabrics they called for were fade resistant, and if they did fade, they would fade equally so that one couldn’t tell. This Imperial sports many bumper stickers which belay its age and the participation by the owner in the Imperial Club, we refused to remove them in prepping the car for sale. There’s just too much American history there!!

The Imperial features the venerable 413 ci V8 with 340 hp and an astounding 470 ft lbs of torque (at 2,800 rpm!). All of this power is transmitted through the three-speed TorqueFlight transmission with the perfectly working push button transmission controller. We love the smooth one finger operation of the parking brake and release. No car was ever built in such a refined manner.

If you are looking for a classic driver from the early sixties that will be reliable and iconic, this could be your car. For more information, please text or call Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

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Dick and Nancy Benjamin from Temecula, Ca bought this Imperial from the original owner on August 15, 1989 having accumulated a mere 109,000 miles.  It had been repainted once with an average quality repaint in gold metallic.  The original livery was a creme and can only be seen in the engine compartment.

This Imperial has been a regular tour car and has been well maintained.

For more details please contact Harry at 602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

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This has been owned for over twenty years by my long time mentor, Dick Benjamin.  Dick was a retired engineering genius that devoted himself to his family and motorcars.  This Imperial is no exception.

Dick bought this car from the original owner, Mr. Broderick of the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. The Crown Imperial had amassed 35,000 miles when Dick acquired the car. It had been stored from 1978 to 2002. It was a wonderful original car in white with a black vinyl top.

Dick then proceeded with a full factory quality repaint and new trunk carpeting, making sure that all the factory details were kept. He did a full and complete color change to the present deep and luxurious black and removed the vinyl top. Everything else on the car is original and detailed beautifully.

During the repainting, Dick had the engine and transmission removed, completely gone through, detailed and reinstalled. The engine compartment is beautiful.  The restoration was completed in 2004.

This appears to be fully loaded with factory air and power everything!  It has been toured extensively in CHVA car tours throughout the country. The most recent tour was in 2010 when the Benjamin’s toured with the Crown Imperial throughout Montana and Yellowstone with the CHVA. It was awarded “the Most Favorite Car” on the Tour.

The Crown Imperials were a high-end offering with only 9,415 produced in 1967.  The Imperials were offered with the venerable 350 HP 440 cu in wedge head V8.  The torque produced was massive, rated at 480 lb.ft. at 2,800 RPM.  The engine was paired to the proven Torquflite three speed automatic transmission.

For more details please call Harry at 602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

The post 1967 Imperial Crown, 4-Door, 42k Miles, 2 Owners, Fabulous! appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This is an exceptionally clean original car.  The interior is excellent with only the normal moderate leather cracking on the edge of the drivers seat.  The fabric, carpet and balance of the gorgeous interior is in very good to excellent condition.  The paint appears to be original with signs of touch-up.  The chrome is very good to excellent and is original.   Overall, this motorcar is something to get excited about as the condition reflects a car that has been well loved since new.

This Crown Imperial has benefitted from a set of radials.  When combined with it’s 129 inch wheelbase and a total length of 227.8 inches, this Crown Imperial drives beautifully.  And drives she does.  The present owner has a large collection and has chosen to use this daily as his choice of transportation!

The Crown Imperial came with the 413 cu in V8 producing 340 hp.  It was the last year for the convenient push button automatic transmission.  1964 Imperials shared the beautiful Elwood Engle design.  Many people noticed a resemblance to the Lincolns of the early 60’s, also an Elwood Engle design.  With 14,181 Crown Imperial sedans built, these are rare luxury motorcars.  The total cost of about $6,000 when new limited their sales to the very wealthy.

This is indeed a rare opportunity to own a elegant and gorgeous Crown Imperial for a reasonable value.  Every item on this car, from the door handles, to the hood latch, exhibits exceptional engineering and build quality.  This car will sell quickly!

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