IMPERIAL?

Imperial was the top model Chrysler from the 1920s through 1954. From 1955 - 1975, and returning for 1981 - 1983, it was a stand-alone marque. It made a comeback as the top model Chrysler again for 1990 - 1993. Not exactly short-lived!

For some of those stand-alone years, it was more closely related to Chrysler than Cadillac or Lincoln were to their respective corporate brand-mates, but in other years it was more separate and distinct. In any event, it was a noble attempt by Chrysler Corp. to have a fully competitive line-up with Ford and GM. I especially liked the '57, '64, '67, and '69.

@moe-parr, 

Thank you for your factual input.  When I said "short lived" I was more referring to the years it was a "make" of its own and not with the Chrysler badge on it.  

I always had the impression that it was a marque that Chrysler tried to be a contender with, but never really knew how to really make it click long term.  I think there is evidence of that with it coming and going from the Chrysler family line-up.  

The Imperial was every bit in the same arena as the Cadillac or Lincoln. From 1955 to the early 60s, the Imperial was a distinctive and high-styled car that met or exceeded anything offered from Cadillac or Lincoln in those years. Some of its luster may have diminished in the later 60s and early 70s, but they are no less exciting to see and still command a significant presence.

The Imperial was built in far fewer numbers than its competition, and today they are seen far less than the others. The distinction is obvious when you compare them on a year-to-year basis. In my experience, at car shows, they generate more excitement from the viewers. I know I am personally thrilled each and every time I come across one, and I am a Lincoln guy. LOL!

Posted by: @jcarnutz

The Imperial was every bit in the same arena as the Cadillac or Lincoln. From 1955 to the early 60s, the Imperial was a distinctive and high-styled car that met or exceeded anything offered from Cadillac or Lincoln in those years. Some of its luster may have diminished in the later 60s and early 70s, but they are no less exciting to see and still command a significant presence.

The Imperial was built in far fewer numbers than its competition, and today they are seen far less than the others. The distinction is obvious when you compare them on a year-to-year basis. In my experience, at car shows, they generate more excitement from the viewers. I know I am personally thrilled each and every time I come across one, and I am a Lincoln guy. LOL!

I concur with you, and I am a Cadillac guy!

I thought there were some Imperials that looked better than Cadillac. Large cars, and good looking.

As a for instance, this particular 1963 Ghia (possibly owned by a Rockefeller) retailed for $18,000 when a comparable 1963 Cadillac limo sold for 9724.00

This one is waaaaay better looking, IMHO.

I generally thought the Imperial was not too bad but it never really grabbed me like the Caddy and Lincoln.  Mind you I did like the 57, 58 & 60 Imperials much more than the Lincolns.

I always thought the Imperials were very nice automobile's.  But the part I have issue with is saying that Imperial was on par with Cadillac and/or Lincoln.  I just didn't see that being the case back in the day.  And sales would back that up.  And yes, there were fewer produced, but buyer demand didn't spark Chrysler to stay on track with it.  

I know it was the intention of Chrysler for it to be in competition with both those marque's, but I continue to point out that Chrysler marketing of the Imperial seemed to be up and down.  Proof of that I think is shown in Imperial sometimes being a senior Chrysler, and other times a car on its own.  There was just something missing in the complete marketing of the car.  

With regard to the Imperial's rarity today, that makes sense since there were less produced and when I have seen one at an old car show, and that hasn't been often, they are indeed a car that draws attention.  But then that same awe could be used at seeing an Edsel too.  

I liked the '57 through '60 Imperials that I posted the pics of, as I thought there styling was miles ahead of all the other Chrysler Corporation cars during those same years.  I know I'm probably in the minority on Chrysler's "Forward Look" styling during those years, but I did not find them appealing when compared to what was offered from either FoMoCo or GM.  

JMO

I see Imperial’s role within Chrysler Corp.’s history slightly differently. Whilst not being an independent division, with its own sheet metal; It had, since the 1920’s been the most expensive of Chrysler's offerings and a marque of quality. Thus, by 1955, I see the name already carrying a long standing tradition of distinction. My personal favorite is the 1957 four door sedan. I love the chevroned rear pillar/ roofline treatment and the overall sculpturing has at this point not got out of control, as I feel it had by ’59 and into the early ‘60s.

My 55 Imperial draws a crowd at every show I take it to. I get a kick out of people walking up to it and trying to identify what it is, then they see the Imperial name on  the front fenders. The next question out of their mouth is "what year is this Impala?"

Imperial, for kings/monarchs definitely not the common man.  Imperial, Cadillac, and Continental all too opulent and big, too boaty in their ride/handling, too gaudy, too expensive, Just too much for the general population and thus a non-entity for me, effects me in no real way, other than pointing out how ridiculous/excessive everything is on them.  

@bob-jackman, your Impala reference to Imperial made me chuckle.  One other thing I find interesting while attending old car shows is the number of people who I'll hearing talking about a certain car, and it's obvious they're clueless as to the supposed information or facts they are spewing out.  

I mean no disrespect to folks who attend old car shows, but many of them are just in awe of the old cars and not all of them have even half a clue of what many of the cars are, or the history behind them.  They will admire the color(s), the styling, or the oddity of a particular car, but seldom have any idea what the car is.  

Back to Imperials, I like when I can see one at a car show.  I also enjoy seeing an old Hudson, or DeSoto, Edsel, Kaiser, Studebaker, or any of the many less popular regulars like Chevy's, Ford's, and Cadillac's.  I mean I like a nice '57 Chevy just like anyone else, but seriously if I never saw another one at an old car show ever again, that would be fine with me.  

I'll bet your '55 Imperial is a Gem on wheels and if I were come upon it at a car show, I'd probably spend a long time staring at it.  

I would say they have a very real effect on you even if it's all negative.

The above comment was intended for Brush.

George, The Imperial came out of a museum in San Diego, Ca. It is all original with 46,000 actual miles.