Chrysler Imperial

In the 1950s, Chrysler wanted to compete with the best of what Cadillac, Packard, and Lincoln had to offer. The Chrysler Imperial was the result of that. Chrysler put the best materials and componentry it could into the Imperial to create the classiest car possible in order to compete with these other brands.

Sixth Generation Imperial

The Sixth Generation Imperials, manufactured between 1949 and 1954, were the class of Chrysler’s vehicles during this period. Starting in 1949, the Imperial featured a newly designed body that was boxier than previous versions of the Imperial. These Imperials were considered to be beautifully built vehicles that featured excellent engineering and the finest materials that Chrysler had to offer. When introduced in 1949, there were three different versions of the Imperial: a sedan version, which came first, a club coup version and a convertible version. Eventually, in 1951, a Newport hardtop version was rolled out and rounded out the Imperial line.

Design and Specifications

Since they were Chrysler’s finest model, various Imperial models from 1949-55 had standard features that included Ausco-Lambert disc brakes, a hemi-powered V-8 engine (1951 and on), and fluid-torque drive or powerflite transmission. However, despite the Imperial’s high quality and craftsmanship, the Imperial was not known for its looks. Instead, it was considered to have a dull look that did not sell well.

The Imperial ranged in length over the years, starting at 212.5 inches in 1949 and extending all the way out to 219 inches in 1953 and 1954. Known for its wide wheelbase, the Imperial featured a 131.5-inch wheelbase from 1949 to 1952 and a 133.5-inch wheelbase in the standard 1953 and 1954 versions. The engines in the early 1949 and 1950 versions featured sv I-8, 323.5 cubic inch engines that packed a 135-horsepower punch. The later variations, starting in 1951 were equipped with Chrysler’s famous hemi ohv V8, 331.1 cubic inch engine and could reach up to 235 horsepower.

With a list price for a new Imperial ranging from $3,055 all the way up to $7,044, it was considered a very expensive vehicle. This outpriced the high-end Cadillacs, at $2,810 to $4,142, Lincolns, at $2,529 to $3,950, and the senior Packard’s, which cost anywhere between $3,234 to $3,662. Due to this higher price, along with other factors, the Imperial lagged behind these other brands’ comparable models.

Advantages

• As Chrysler’s top model at the time, the Imperial featured the brand’s finest engineering, craftsmanship and luxury
• Starting with the 1951 version, the Imperial featured Chrysler’s famed hemi V8 engine
• The Imperial saw a limited manufacturing run, when compared to some of the brand’s other models, making it a rare vehicle both at the time and now

Disadvantages

• While the Imperial’s boasted the best engineering, craftsmanship and luxury Chrysler had to offer, the looks of the car have been described as “underwhelming”
• The Imperial’s looks, along with its higher list price, are often credited as the reasons it did not sell as well as other brands’ comparable models
• Due to the power the Imperial’s V8 engine boasted, the vehicle was not known for its fuel economy and was quite the gas guzzler
• At the time, and even in present day, the Imperial had little appeal outside of prior owners of Chryslers and those who specifically sought them out
• Current owners of Imperials often have difficulty finding body parts for their vehicles