In an effort to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the luxury class, Imperial became a stand-alone division of the Chrysler Corporation in 1955. For 1957, Imperial received an all-new exclusive platform. The 1957 through 1961 Imperials represent the epitome of Virgil Exner's 'Forward Look-styling. Any Imperial convertible from this era is a rare sight, as annual production angled from a high of only 1,167 in 1957, to a mere 429 in 1961. Tailfins went from large to larger, with the 1961 being the last Imperial to display this feature. Up front, the headlamp arrangement morphed from the industry's first quad lights, 1957, to controversial free-standing units 1961. A signature Exner feature was the optional simulated spare tire cover, 'Flite-Sweep Decklid.' In '57 and '58, the Imperial was powered by a 392 cubic-inch 'Hemi' VB. Beginning in 1958, it received the new 413 cubic-inch 'wedge' V8. The Imperial was designed by Virgil Exner and hailed by Chrysler as 'The Finest Car America Has Yet Produced.' A very bold statement considering some of the masterpieces produced from Packard, Cadillac, and countless others. This was Chryslers first vehicle to have a wraparound windshield. Produced in limited numbers, only 11,430 examples were created in 1955. This was Chryslers interpretation of a true luxury automobile. The Imperial was a highly priced vehicle for its time, costing $4,483 for the four door sedan, over $500 more than the Cadillac Series 62. Even though it was pricy, it offered items as standard equipment that were optional on other vehicles. For example, power brakes and power steering were both included with the sticker-price of the vehicle, while other manufacturers charged extra for these luxury items. In 1956, Chrysler had introduced a TorqueFlite, three-speed automatic transmission. In 1957, it found a home in the Imperial. This transmission, coupled with the V8 powerplant could propel this large, luxury vehicle from zero to sixty miles per hour in 9.8 seconds easily beating the nearest competitor. Its top speed of 125 miles per hour was also unmatched. In 1958, the Imperial was fitted with cruise control and electric door locks. This mostly original surviving Imperial features a 392 cubic inch Hemi V8, 3 speed push button transmission, a 2.76:1 rear end ration, factory air conditionin, power steering, power brakes, a new convertible top, 6 way power seat, AM radio, padded dash, with an in dash clock, power windows, fender mounted rear view mirror, full size spare time in the trunk, 14”chrome wire wheels, and wide white American Classic radial tires. This '58 Imperial Crown convertible is 1 of Only 675 ever produced. A true classic from the fifties. Thanks for viewing.
