- Chrysler Hemi performance, power, and luxury
- Beautifully restored and enjoyed by its first owner for over 50 years
- Well-known example within the Imperial Club
- Bold and attractive styling from Virgil Exner
LOT 662
Selling on Saturday Evening
From a Noted Texas Collection
1955 Chrysler Imperial Coupe
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
By 1955, Chrysler made a bold move to reposition its top-tier offering and elevate it into its own standalone luxury marque, the Imperial. No longer just the highest trim of a Chrysler model, the newly christened Imperial became its own brand, aimed squarely at competing with Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard. This transformation was a major step in Chrysler's ongoing effort to break into the true luxury segment and establish itself as a peer to the most prestigious American nameplates.
The man responsible for shaping the identity and appearance of the 1955 Imperial Coupe was none other than Virgil Exner, Chrysler's brilliant design chief. Exner had been brought in during the early 1950s to revitalize Chrysler's aging image, and his "Forward Look" design philosophy would become a turning point in American automotive styling. The 1955 Imperial showcased his early vision, long, low, and purposeful lines, integrated headlights, a bold egg-crate grille, and tasteful use of chrome. It was clean, elegant, and modern styling that not only distinguished the Imperial from its rivals but helped usher Chrysler into a new design era.
Mechanically, the 1955 Imperial shared some engineering with other Chrysler products, including the robust 331-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine, producing a smooth and powerful 250 horsepower. It was paired with the advanced PowerFlite automatic transmission, delivering effortless driving manners. The Imperial also featured luxurious interiors, advanced power accessories, and cutting-edge suspension for a supremely comfortable ride.
As a standalone marque, the Imperial operated with a distinct identity through its own dealership signage, badging, and marketing. Though production numbers were limited, only about 3,418 Coupes were built for 1955, that exclusivity has only added to their allure today. With Exner's influence and Chrysler's ambitious goals, the 1955 Imperial Coupe was more than a car, it was a declaration of intent. Collectors today recognize the 1955 Imperial not only for its graceful styling and Hemi performance but also for its historical role in elevating Chrysler's status. It marked the beginning of a two-decade run where the Imperial would represent the pinnacle of Mopar luxury, crafted with bold vision and uncompromising elegance.
The perfect combination of luxury and class, this particular Imperial Coupe was acquired new by a Hawaiian resident. Having her choice of any new car in 1955, she fell in love with this Imperial and its glamorous chrome and forward-look design. A fixture in her life for over the next 50 years, she and this Imperial became well known in the Imperial Club as she frequently brought it to club gatherings. Eventually the current noted Texas Collection would welcome this example into its own climate-controlled setting in April of 2021, having fallen in love with it for the same reasons as the original owner. Beautifully restored, this Exner-designed Imperial is draped in a sharp black finish with dazzling chrome, factory wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires, and noted styling cues placed throughout the body. The well-presented two-tone black and red upholstered cabin displays an alluring charm and features a futuristic dash.
Fine-tuned and ready for enthusiast enjoyment, the 331-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 engine paired with a PowerFlite automatic transmission will effortlessly propel its occupants smoothly down the road in true fashion. Well-maintained, the engine compartment is highly detailed and shows especially well. Accompanied by a large history file that entails club articles and service records, this Virgil Exner-designed mid-century American luxury vehicle would be an exclusive edition to one's garage or a welcome example at future judged events.
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