The most recent mention of the “Imperial” name in the automotive marketplace took place in 2006 when a concept car using the LY platform debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. That project was cancelled the following year, but it’s interesting to think what might have been.
The Pick of the Day is a 1950 Chrysler Imperial sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in San Francisco, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
“I am selling a beautiful and rare, mostly original, 1950 Chrysler Imperial,” the listing begins. “I’ve had the car for 26 years and am the second owner.”
The Imperial name has now been around for nearly 100 years, first introduced in 1926 as a top-line vehicle. Between 1955 and 1983, the Imperial was a standalone luxury marque but eventually returned under the Chrysler brand. The name was originally coined because Chrysler wanted the car to convey supreme, sovereign, and superior attributes.
With luxury in mind, the 1950 Imperial shared various exterior and interior design elements with its sibling, the New Yorker. Appointments were generous for the mid-century era including power windows, a push-button radio, a decorative ash tray, and quilted door panels.
Cosmetically, the car appears to have a straight body, and the seller asserts that the green two-tone paint is original. “The paint is still original with some minor damage on the driver door and a couple of small oxidation marks, which is natural for a 73-year-old car.” Most importantly, the sheet metal is reportedly free of rust – as one would expect from a California-kept car.
Power for this luxo-sedan comes from a 324cid inline-eight mated to a fluid drive transmission. The seller states that the engine was rebuilt about 40,000 miles ago, the wiring has been redone, and the car is ready to roll. “It is in excellent running condition, with no future issues,” the listing states. “This Imperial has always been well-maintained and driven carefully.” Recent maintenance included replacement of the battery and brakes.
A one-minute walkaround video is included in the listing to showcase the overall condition of the exterior and interior. “This beauty, Agnes, has been a pure joy to own and ride,” the seller says. “Looking for a home that will continue to enjoy this beautiful ride.”
The seller is asking $25,000 or best offer for this Imperial, which still carries a supreme look at over seven decades old.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
What a beautiful Imperial. The Imperial name has always been an icon of automotive engineering and styling. It carries that reputation even today long after its discontinued status. It was in a league of its own, however it competed with the likes of Cadillac and Lincoln. I owned a 1966 Crown, 4 door hardtop. It was silver with silver cloth and black leather interior, a beautiful big American luxury car. The 66 model year was the first to be equipped with Chrysler’s 440 cubic inch engine. It was light on its feet, powerful and handled great by any luxury large car standards. Over the years, the Imperial introduced many automotive firsts that today are industry standards. I’m sure your car will find a good home. Any one interested in it will treat it as it has been and deserves to be in the future. If you’re like me, it will be hard to part with.
I owned one of them and it was a great car. I hope that the owner keeps this car nice Danna.
This is a fascinating car , as it only had two owners in seventy three years !
A rolling time capsule.
Imperial of that era ; post WW2 until the Forward Look era , are very conservative , yet still maintain a presence of power.
Solid , dignified, businesslike.
Like so many , I wish Stellantis would return the vaunted name plate.
A large Sedan would slip right in for many , as Lincoln & Cadillac REFUSE to offer them to Americans: Only the Chinese market counts to them.
I hope this piece of rolling history; gets a proper home.