Chrysler Imperial

This article is about a range of cars made by the American manufacturer Chrysler , which were manufactured before 1955 and after 1983. Luxury models that were sold under the name Imperial from 1955 to 1975 and from 1981 to 1983 can be found under Imperial (car brand) .

Chrysler Imperial
Production period:	1926-1942 1949-1954 1990-1993
Class :	Upper middle class upper class
Body versions :	Touring car , roadster , limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , landaulet , cabriolet
Previous model:	Chrysler B-70

The Chrysler Imperial was a passenger car that Chrysler manufactured from model years 1926 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1954. From 1955 the Imperial became a separate brand within the Chrysler group. From 1990 to 1993 a Chrysler Imperial was offered again as a version of the Chrysler New Yorker . The Imperial was always the largest and most luxurious Chrysler series.

Year by year

Series E-80 and 80 (1926–1928)

E-80 series / 80 series
Chrysler Imperial Series E-80 Sedan (1926)
Production period:	1928-1930
Body versions :	Touring car , roadster , limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , landaulet
Engines:	Otto engine : 4.7 liters (68 kW)
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The new E-80 series was presented with a side-controlled six-cylinder in-line engine with 4719 cm³ displacement, which developed 92 bhp (68 kW) at 3000 rpm. There were three wheelbases, 3048 mm, 3226 mm and 3378 mm. A roadster, a coupé, a touring car and a 4-door sedan (each with 2-5 seats) were offered on the short chassis, while the middle one only had a 4-door sedan and a 4-door Pullman sedan, each 7 seats. Another 7-seater sedan and a similar landaulet were built on the long chassis. Curved grille surrounds and chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels were features that were reserved for the luxurious Imperial (chrome-plating was a new technology in the vehicle industry; previously it was only nickel-plated). 9114 cars of this type were built in 1926

In the following year, the E-80 was further built under the name Series 80. There were even more different bodies, some from factory production, some from independent body builders. In 1928 this model series was still offered without major changes, parallel to the 80L series

80L and IMP L / IMP series (1928–1930)

80L series / IMP L + IMP series
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Production period:	1928-1930
Body versions :	Touring car , roadster , limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.1 liters (74-82 kW)
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Wheelbase :	3454 mm
Empty weight :

In 1928, the 80L series appeared parallel to the 80 series, with a chassis extended to 3454 mm. The in-line six-cylinder engine had 5069 cc and delivered 100 bhp (74 kW) power at 3200 rpm. On request, this engine was also available with an output of 82 kW (111 PS) as the "Red Head". The appearance of the cars corresponded to the series 80. In addition to five factory-made bodies with 2-7 seats, there were six bodies from LeBaron , three from Dietrich and a 4-seater convertible from Locke . 1962 units were delivered with factory-made bodies, 161 units with bodies from the three suppliers, making a total of 2123 units.

In 1929, the 80L series was continued as IMP L ("IMP" for Imperial, not to be confused with "Imp" = (English) for little devil). Changes were limited to a narrower radiator grille with an automatic radiator shutter, narrower A-pillars and safety glass. The standard engine now developed 81 kW (110 hp).

In the following year the series, now called IMP, was continued without changes. A total of 2,506 cars of this type with factory bodies were built in these two years. The number of vehicles with external bodies is not known.

Series CG, CH and CL (1931–1933)

CG series / CH series / CL series
Production period:	1931-1933
Body versions :	Touring car , roadster , limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , landaulet , cabriolet
Engines:	Otto engine : 6.3 liters (92 kW)
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In the 1931 model year, the CG series was a completely new Imperial. It had a side-controlled eight-cylinder in-line engine with 6306 cm³ displacement, which developed 125 bhp (92 kW) at 3200 rpm. The bodies were inspired by the Cord L-29 and showed a V-shaped grille. The front seats and the steering column were adjustable and the cars now had four-speed transmissions. The chassis had a wheelbase of 3,683 mm. Many bodies with two to eight seats continued to be offered, some of them factory-made, some of them by independent coachbuilders like LeBaron, Derham or Murphy . Also Drauz from Germany contributed a two-door convertible with 5 seats.

The CG was also offered unchanged in the first part of the 1932 model year (July – December 1931). 3228 pieces were created in these one and a half years. In January 1932, the new CH series was presented with a V-shaped windshield, new dashboard and sun visors inside. Only four factory-built bodies (2-door roadster, 4-door sedan and 4-door convertible) were offered. The wheelbase was 3429 mm.

The series produced in parallel for customer-specific bodywork vehicles ( Custom Imperial ) was called the CL series. Its wheelbase was 3708 mm and bodies from LeBaron were available. The series was also continued in production in 1933.

In 1932, 1402 Imperial Series CH and 220 Custom Imperial Series CL were produced. 151 CLs were built in 1933.

Series CQ (1933)

CQ series
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Production period:	1933
Body versions :	Sedan , coupe , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 4.9 liters (74-79 kW)
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The CQ series was created as the successor to the previous year's CH in parallel to the custom CL model. At just 3,200 mm, the CQ had a significantly shorter wheelbase. Two coupé bodies, a 2-door and a 4-door convertible, and a 4-door sedan were offered. The V-shaped, arrow-shaped radiator grille was a little flatter than last year and the curve of the fenders was a little wider. 3,838 factory-made bodies were created.

Series CV, CW, CX, C2, C3, C10 and C11 (1934–1937)

Chrysler Imperial Airflow Series CX (1934)

The successors to the CQ and CL series were the Airflow models . See there for details.

Series C14 and C15 (1937)

Series C14 / Series C15
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Production period:	1937
Body versions :	Limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Petrol engines : 4.5-5.3 liters (81-101 kW)
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In 1937 the first “conventional” Imperial and Imperial Custom were created after the era of the Airflow models. Similar to the Royal models this year, the hatchbacks again had vertical, rounded radiator grilles and free-standing headlights. The wheelbase was 3,073 mm, the in-line eight-cylinder engine had a displacement of 4,487 cm³ and delivered 110 bhp (81 kW). A more powerful version with 115 bhp (85 kW) was available on request. There were two coupes, a 2-door and a 4-door convertible, as well as a 2-door and a 4-door touring sedan.

The Imperial Custom was called the Series C15 and rested on a chassis with a 3,556 mm wheelbase. Derham and LeBaron manufactured a wide variety of bodies with 2 - 7 seats.

In addition to 14,500 Imperial, 1,200 Imperial Customs were built this year.

Series C19 and C20 (1938)

Series C19 / Series C20
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Production period:	1938
Body versions :	Limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 4.9 liters (81–90 kW)
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With a few changes, the vehicles went into model year 1938. Like the Royal models, they received a radiator grille with fewer horizontal chrome bars. The wheelbase grew to 3,175 mm. The optional machine with higher compression achieved 122 bhp (90 kW) instead of 115 bhp this year. The Imperial were called Series C19 and were offered with the same bodies as in the previous year. The New York Special was new - see there for details.

The Imperial Custom was referred to as the C20 series and their bodies continued to come from LeBaron (now incorporated into Chrysler) and Derham.

10,002 Imperial (including the New York Special) and 530 Imperial Custom were created.

Series C23 and C24 (1939)

Series C23 / Series C24
Production period:	1939
Body versions :	Touring car , limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , cabriolet
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.3 liters (96-101 kW)
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In 1939 the body was completely redesigned. As with the Royal and the New Yorker , the headlights were now integrated into the fenders. The radiator grille of the Imperial Series C23 had a "waterfall shape" (vertical, narrow chrome bars) and the windshield, which was split with a central bar, was slightly V-shaped. A covered spare wheel was mounted behind the front fenders on each side. The engine now had 130 bhp (96 kW) in the basic configuration and 138 bhp (101 kW) with increased compression. This year, only two coupés and a 2-door and 4-door sedan were offered for bodies. The C23 series was also available as New Yorker and Saratoga . Of all three models together, 12,001 pieces were produced this year.

The Imperial Custom Series C24 had also been redesigned. He, too, had the headlights integrated into the front fenders, but was already equipped with an alligator hood attached to the rear. Its radiator grille consisted of five massive chrome bars across the entire width of the vehicle. The cars had a one-piece windshield and the spare wheel was housed in the trunk. The engine of the basic equipment achieved 132 bhp (97 kW) a little more than that of the Imperial. 307 units with factory bodies and those from Derham were delivered this year.

Series C27 (1940)

Series C27
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Production period:	1940
Body versions :	Touring car , limousine , Pullman limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 5.3 liters (97-105 kW)
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In 1940, only the Imperial Crown was offered on an extended chassis with a 3,632 mm wheelbase. The unchanged engine delivered 132 bhp (97 kW) as standard, but also 143 bhp (105 kW) in a more highly compressed form on request. The body shapes from the previous year were adopted with minor changes. A 6-seat sedan, an 8-seat sedan and an 8-seat Pullman sedan were offered, all with 4 doors. A single Parade Phaeton, also with 6 seats and 4 doors, was also built.

A total of 850 Imperial Crowns were built in 1940.

Series C30, C33 and C37 (1941–1942)

Series C30 / Series C33 / Series C37
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Production period:	1941-1942
Body versions :	Limousine , Pullman limousine , cabriolet
Engines:	Otto engine : 5.3 liters (103 kW)
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There was only one type of body of the Imperial Crown in the C30 series, from which the Highlander , New Yorker and Saratoga models were also created, on the chassis with a 3239 mm wheelbase: a 4-door sedan with 6 seats. Its engine with unchanged displacement of 5301 cm³ made 137 bhp (101 kW) or 140 bhp (103 kW) on request. 894 vehicles were built.

In addition, the C33 series was offered, of which the three bodies from the previous year could be bought on a chassis with a 3696 mm wheelbase. Only the 140 bhp engine was built into these cars. 701 of these vehicles were built.

The C30 and C33 series looked similar to the previous year's C27 series.

In 1942, exactly this look was revised again: The horizontal bars of the radiator grille not only stretched across the entire width of the car, but also around the corners to the front wheel cutouts. At the stern, the pattern was repeated with five chrome trim strips. The C37 series was the successor to the C33 with a 140 bhp engine and available in the three familiar versions. In addition, three unique Derham pieces were created, including a four-door convertible. A total of 450 C37s were made.

Series C40, C46-2, C47, C49N and C50 (1946–1950)

Series C40 / Series C46-2 / Series C47 / Series C49N / Series C50
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Production period:	1946-1950
Body versions :	Limousine , Pullman limousine
Engines:	Otto engine : 5.3 liters (99 kW)
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As early as 1946, Crown Imperial models from the C40 series were made again. The cars essentially corresponded to the pre-war C37 series, with the radiator grille showing the egg carton shape (small chrome-plated rectangles) so typical of the first post-war Chrysler. The unchanged 5.3 liter engine developed 135 bhp (99 kW) and there was only one body shape, a 4-door Pullman sedan with 8 seats. However, some custom-made Derham chassis were still made on pre-war chassis. A semi-automatic (preselection gear with automatic fluid coupling) was now part of the standard equipment.

This series continued to be built unchanged in 1947 and 1948. A normal limousine was added as a further body type. A total of 750 Pullman limousines and 650 limousines were built in 3 years.

In 1949 the bodies were slightly redesigned. For the first time since 1939 there was a normal Imperial again, which was given the serial number C46-2. Its construction was again identical to that of the New Yorker . The chassis had a wheelbase of 3340 mm. The only body shape was the 4-door sedan with 6 seats, of which 50 were built this year.

In addition, the Crown Imperial (C47 series) continued to be offered, with an unchanged wheelbase of 3696 mm as an 8-seat sedan or 8-seat Pullman sedan. 40 limousines and 45 Pullman limousines were built.

In 1950 there were only a few changes (e.g. additional position lights on the front corners of the vehicle). The Imperial was called Series C49N, the Crown Imperial Series C50. The structures remain the same as the technology. However, 80 (!) Times as many vehicles were built as in the previous year: 10650 Imperial and 414 Crown Imperial.

Series C53, C54, C58 and C59 (1951–1953)

Series C53 / Series C54 / Series C58 / Series C59
Chrysler Imperial Series C54 Cabriolet (1951)
Production period:	1951-1953
Body versions :	Limousine , Pullman limousine , coupé , convertible
Engines:	Otto engines : 5.4 liters (132 kW)
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The 1951 model year saw the abandonment of the side-controlled eight-cylinder in-line engine used previously. The overhead V8 engine had a displacement of 5426 cc and delivered 180 bhp (132 kW) of power. The revised bodies were flatter and featured a fish-mouth grill with three horizontal chrome bars. The hatchback shape had changed to a notchback. Four bodies were offered by the Imperial Series C54: a 4-door sedan, a 2-door coupe, a 2-door hardtop coupe and a 2-door convertible, all with 6 seats. The hardtop coupe was nicknamed Newport .

The Crown Imperial was called the Series C53 this year and was built in the familiar 8-seater versions.

In 1952 there were hardly any visible changes, and the serial numbers also remained the same. Only the convertible was no longer offered. Exactly 27,000 Imperial and 698 Crown Imperial were built in the two years.

The successor to the Imperial Series C54 was called the 1953 Custom Imperial Series C58. While the two-door hardtop coupé retained the wheelbase of 3340 mm, that of the 4-door sedan and the new 4-door Pullman sedan grew to 3391 mm. Otherwise the changes were barely noticeable.

The Crown Imperial was also continued to be built as the C59 series without any major changes.

That year the 8859 Custom Imperial and 159 Crown Imperial were built.

Series C64 and C66 (1954)

Series C64 / Series C66
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Production period:	1954
Body versions :	Limousine , Pullman limousine , coupe
Engines:	Gasoline engines : 5.4 liters (173 kW)
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The bodies were redesigned again. The fish's mouth mutated into a shark's mouth through the installation of chrome teeth on the central chrome rod, and the C-pillars showed a backswing of the window line, later known at BMW as the Hofmeister kink . The split windshield gave way to a one-piece. With the same displacement, the engine had increased its output significantly through the use of a Carter quadruple carburetor and now delivered 235 bhp (173 kW).

Custom Imperial (Series C64) and Crown Imperial (Series C66) were available with the same superstructures as in the previous year. 5658 Custom Imperial were delivered and 100 Crown Imperial.

In the following year, the Imperial became a separate brand in the Chrysler Group.

Series Y (1990-1993)

Y series
Production period:	1990-1993
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Petrol engines : 3.3-3.8 liters (110-112 kW)
Length:	5156 mm
Width:	1750 mm
Height:	1405 mm
Wheelbase :	2784 mm
Empty weight :	1596 kg

In the years 1990 to 1993, Chrysler again produced models with the name Chrysler Imperial in order to be able to oppose competing models such as the Cadillac Seville and the Lincoln Continental with their own model.

The so far last Imperial model was from 1990 to 1993 a luxury version of the then Chrysler New Yorker with front-wheel drive, initially a 3.3-liter V6, which was replaced from 1991 by a slightly more powerful 3.8-liter V6, and equipment details such as among others Spoked wheel caps, pop-up headlights and vinyl roof. In four years, 37,500 copies of this model rolled off the assembly line.

LX series concept vehicle (2006)

Chrysler Imperial Concept Car (2006)

A concept vehicle with a 3124 mm wheelbase was created on the Chrysler LX platform in 2006 and was presented at the North American International Auto Show . It was intended to resume Chrysler's conceptual line of luxury vehicles at an affordable price.

In July 2007, Chrysler abandoned plans for such a vehicle because it would not have met the new US standards for gasoline consumption.

Web links

Commons : Chrysler Imperial  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• www.cars.com Chrysler Imperial Design Study 2006
• www.imperialclub.com Website for the Imperial with extensive documentation

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• Beverly R. Kimes, Henry A. Clark: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause Publications, Iola WI 1985, ISBN 0-87341-045-9 .
• John Gunnel (Ed.): Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975. Krause Publications Inc., Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87349-461-X .