Originally designed by Chrysler Design Chief Virgil Exner, the Imperial automobile was Chrysler's masterpiece from 1955 through 1975. From 1955, the Imperial was launched and registered as a separate marque, apart from the Chrysler brand. From 1957, Imperials were available in three levels of trim: standard Imperial Custom, Imperial Crown and the new, super-luxury Imperial LeBaron. A convertible version was also available for the first time on an Imperial and available in the Crown series. Powered by a 350 bhp, 413 cu. in. overhead-valve V-8 engine. Swivel out front seats automatically swivel when the front door was opened activated by a cable. The steering wheel was squared-off at top and bottom, and a distinctive side trim started above the headlights and that ran at a slight downward angle almost to the end of the rear fender. Chrysler's "Panelescent" dashboard lighting had electricity running through a five-layer laminate caused the phosphorescent paint to glow in the dark. The 1961 model year brought a wholly new distinctive front end with free-standing headlights and tail lamps. Only 429 units were built. This particular Dubonnet Maroon paint finished copy (Chassis#: 9214109309) was sold for $148,500 at an auction in 2013. (wikipedia, conceptcarz.com)
(Photos from autowp.ru, super cars.net, conceptcarz.com)
