1955 Chrysler Imperial Eight-Passenger Limousine, Hemi, Auto, Power!!

Description

1955 Chrysler Imperial Eight-Passenger Limousine

• One of only 127 examples made for 1955!
• First year as a separate marque: Imperial Limousine
• Black exterior with matching vinyl roof and black leather interior
• Excellent candidate for restoration
• 331 CID Hemi V-8 with a Carter four-barrel carburetor and a 8.5:1 compression ratio
• Powerflite two-speed automatic transmission
• Power steering and power brakes were standard on all Imperials and a four-way power seat was standard on C70 bodies

Looking for something different to take to a local cruise night but not a hot rod or T-bucket? We might have the solution here at MotoeXotica Classic Cars, a 1955 Chrysler Imperial Limousine. Imagine the stares you’ll get as you sweep by and they take it all in. Just 127 examples of the ultimate C70 Crown Imperial Eight-Passenger Limousine were produced for 1955. This one was made in Chrysler’s Jefferson Avenue plant in Detroit, Michigan.

With understated elegance and a well-deserved reputation for engineering excellence, the Imperial nameplate topped the Chrysler product line from 1926 through 1975. In order to further distinguish the Imperial line and compete better with Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce, Chrysler Corporation formally registered Imperial as a separate marque in 1954.

The limo’s black paint is in fair overall condition, considering its age and most of the trim is still shiny and the bumpers still look good but the body sports original paint that is cracked and flaking off in places. The windows are in good overall condition but the windshield has a few scratches on the driver’s side from previous windshield wiper blades. The car rides on whitewall tires with factory wheel covers. Tires and hubcaps are in good shape. The body panels are in good shape but could benefit from some body shop love to restore them to full prominence.

The engine bay is in fair order and yes, that really is a 331 CID Hemi V-8 in there, complete with a Carter four-barrel carburetor and making a 8.5:1 compression ratio. It is back by Chrysler’s smooth-shifting Powerflite two-speed automatic transmission. Driver assist features included power steering, power brakes and a four-way power seat with leather up front in C70 bodystyles. Optional accessories included factory air-conditioning, power windows and a signal-seeking radio

Inside, the black leather seats are in good shape, with front bench split 70/30 driver/passenger. The matching carpet is in good order while the lighter-colored headliner is in a similar positive state. The black instrument panel is crack-free and looks great, while the original and big two-spoke steering wheel waits for you to slide inside and close the door. Please note that this rarely seen limo has some needs cosmetically but is a good driver at present. It has an exhaust manifold leak, while equipped with A/C, it is inoperable. The temp guage is inoperable, the rear windows are inoperable and the tires need to be replaced to be driven any distance.

Styling of the all-new 1955 Imperials was based heavily on the fabulous new Chryslers that also appeared that year and benefited from the full influence of renowned designer Virgil Exner and his “Forward Look” design theme. Imperials were renowned for their excellent build quality and in 1955; Imperials were available in two basic forms – the C69 short-wheelbase Newport Coupe or Sedan and the long-wheelbase C70 Crown Imperial Sedan and Limousine. Both of the top-of-the-line C70 Imperials could accommodate up to eight passengers in serene comfort. As the top Imperial model offered, the C70 Crown Imperial Limousine was based upon a 149.5-inch wheelbase.

Competition to this Chrysler in 1955 included Cadillac’s Series 75 limousine, Lincoln’s Continental, Mercedes-Benz’s W186, Packard’s Patrician and Rolls-Royce’s Silver Wraith and Phantom IV.

his Imperial is a little rough around the edges but with some time, love and parts, it can be restored to its previous greatness. As is, it is a rare find and makes for a unique classic automotive investment.

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 60,535 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, exempt mileage title.GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

VIN: C551084

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