1954 Chrysler Imperial Custom Sedan

The Tupelo Automobile Museum Auction|27 April 2019, 10:00 CDT|The Tupelo Automobile Museum

1954 Chrysler Imperial Custom Sedan
Chassis no. 7776251

331ci OHV 'FirePower' Hemi V8
Single Carter WCD Carburetor
180bhp at 4,000rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Coil Spring and Rear Leaf Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Disk Brakes

*Early example of the famous Chrysler Hemi V8
*Excellent restoration projection
*Handsome, not over-the-top styling

THE SIXTH GENERATION IMPERIAL

The Imperial as it was designed then and for decades on, was the crown jewel of Chrysler's offerings. Conservatively styled in the immediate post-war years, Imperials at the start looked little different from mainstream Chryslers - not until 1949, in its sixth generation did a new look appear. Based on the New Yorker, the new-for-'49 Imperial featured a canvas-covered roof, superior leather and broadcloth upholstery while its classic Chrysler 331.1ci Hemi V8, mated to a 'Fluid Drive' (clutch-less) transmission made for a most stylish and performance-oriented ride. Imperial production was never large but the marque more than paid for itself by the prestige it brought Chrysler, while at the same time giving its dealers the means to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. Although originally an up-market Chrysler, Imperial became registered as a marque in its own right in 1955, a move which enabled Chrysler to develop a separate identity for the cars. Offered in a wide range of body styles, Imperials were generously equipped. Six-way adjustable power seat, power windows, vanity mirror and license plate frame as well were all to be found as standard equipment for Imperial.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

With features installed by Derham, the vehicle offered here is one such example of a Chrysler prior to Imperial becoming a registered independent marque. Believed to have been acquired by the museum in the early 1990s, the vehicle appears to be in remarkably original condition. As viewed, the brightwork, paintwork and interior trimmings mirror that of a well-used and well-loved driver. A restoration could be in order for this Imperial so as to return it to its glamor days, and with much of the believed original equipment intact, there is no better place to begin. However you choose to proceed, this is one lovely Imperial, worthy of consideration.

Additional information

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