An underated car made by Chrysler
Co. First appeared in the 20's. In the
late 50's, it was sold as it's own model to compete with Cadillac and
Lincoln. It failed though, due to obvious reasons. There was no seperate "Imperial" dealership. Imperials were sold in Chrysler dealerships, and customers thought of them as a higher priced Chrysler with a different badge. Poor quality was another factor, as they had
rust and mechanical problems. By 1964, the Imperial ditched it's outdated
rust prone 50's style for the nicer boxy look similar to the Lincoln Continental. This body style was used in the 2011 movie "The Green Hornet". 1964-1968 were probably the best years for the make. 1969-1973 models were quite impressive looking too, with huge grills, and a sleek fuselage bodystyle. 1974 introduced an even bigger body style that came out at the wrong
time. With the
gas crisis in full swing, Chrysler decided not to waste anymore
time on an already failing marque. So the last Imperial was made in 1975.
Several attempts to resurect the name have happened, what with the 1981-1983 bustle back coupe that nobody liked. And the 1990-1993 boring small 4
door sedan that looked like all other Chrysler cars at the
time.
Max: I just saw "The Green Hornet" at the movie theatre. Dude....that black car was fuckin' awesome. What was it, a
Lincoln??
Pat: It was a 1964 Imperial Crown. The Black
Beauty...
One bad ass ride!