The Forgotten Luxury of the Chrysler Imperial

If you’ve ever laid eyes on a 1950s Imperial, you know it wasn’t just another big American car. The Chrysler Imperial was something else entirely. Bigger than a Cadillac, quieter than a Lincoln, and often more advanced than both, it was the crown jewel of Chrysler’s lineup. And while time may have dulled its fame, Mopar fans know the Imperial deserves a second look.

Whether you’re restoring one, researching its story, or just love American design, this guide will walk you through what made the Imperial great and why it still matters today.

A Statement of American Luxury

The Imperial name first appeared in 1926 as Chrysler’s top-tier offering. From the very beginning, it was built to compete with the likes of Packard, Lincoln, and Cadillac. These weren’t just well-trimmed Chryslers. They were luxury cars built with care, featuring coachbuilt bodies, advanced engineering, and price tags that made them rare sights on Main Street.

Presidents rode in them. Diplomats favored them. They were solid, elegant, and refined in a way that didn’t shout. And for Chrysler, they were a chance to prove that Detroit could do grace and brains in one package.

Did You Know? Both President Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt used Imperials as official state cars. Chrysler's reputation for quiet luxury and reliable engineering made it a trusted choice at the highest levels.

The Turning Point: K-310 and the Italian Connection

By the early 1950s, Chrysler knew it needed a visual identity that matched its engineering. That vision arrived in 1951, with the unveiling of the Chrysler K-310, a concept car designed by Virgil Exner and built by Luigi Segre at Ghia in Italy.

It was long, low, and sculpted, unlike anything Chrysler had built before. It didn’t look like a production car. It looked like a promise. Exner’s collaboration with Ghia marked the beginning of a design revolution that would take full form in the Imperial models of the late 1950s.

That single car—the K-310—helped define the look of American luxury for the next decade.

Engineering Comes First

Chrysler didn’t just rely on style. The Imperial was always rooted in mechanical excellence. Even before it became its own brand in 1955, Chrysler was loading Imperials with forward-thinking features.

The Imperial was among the first to use:

• Four-wheel hydraulic brakes
  
  

• All-steel body construction
  
  

• Power steering and power brakes
  
  

• The 331-cubic inch FirePower Hemi V8 in 1951
  
  

While Cadillac leaned on image, Chrysler leaned on innovation. Mopar folks took pride in that. It’s one thing to look good. It’s another to be built right.

Becoming Its Own Brand

In 1955, the Imperial nameplate officially broke away from Chrysler and became its own division. For the next 20 years, Imperial existed as its own luxury line, with its own factory, its own marketing, and styling that only got bolder.

This was the era of:

• Torsion-Aire suspension for unmatched smoothness
  
  

• Push-button automatic transmissions
  
  

• Free-standing headlights on stalks
  
  

• Tailfins sculpted like jet exhaust nozzles
  
  

• Massive, chrome-laced grilles that looked like jeweled armor
  
  

Did You Know? Chrysler advertised that you could balance a nickel on the Imperial’s dashboard while idling, thanks to the car’s Floating Power engine mounts and torsion-bar suspension.

Built for People Who Had Arrived

Imperials were not for the masses. These were cars you bought when you had something to prove—or nothing to prove at all. They were driven by doctors, governors, business executives, and the kind of person who preferred quiet confidence to loud status symbols.

Inside, the cabins were as quiet as a library. Bench seats felt like armchairs. And unlike many other makes, Imperial interiors were hand-assembled with real chrome and metal trim—not just painted plastic.

FAQ: Was the Imperial really all that different from a Chrysler?
Yes. While some mechanicals were shared, the Imperial often had a longer wheelbase, unique bodywork, more insulation, and exclusive interior options. Many model years were built on a separate assembly line altogether.

What Happened to the Imperial?

After 1975, the Imperial brand was retired. It came back briefly in the 1980s and again in the early 1990s, but it never recaptured its former glory. The market had shifted, fuel prices had changed the game, and Chrysler was focusing its resources elsewhere.

Still, the legacy remains. Early Imperials are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, engineering, and presence. A well-kept Imperial turns heads today, just like it did in 1957.

Restoration Tips and Common Questions

Q: Are Chrysler Imperial Parts hard to find?
 A: Some are rare, especially trim and power accessories. But we carry a deep catalog of Chrysler Imperial Parts, from brake boosters and suspension bushings to electrical switches and weatherstripping.

Q: What years are most desirable?
A: The 1957 through 1965 models are collector favorites, especially anything with Exner’s styling. Earlier models from the 1930s and 1940s are also appreciated for their craftsmanship.

Q: What should I inspect before driving a stored Imperial?
A: Power windows, seat motors, brake cylinders, and all wiring should be tested carefully. Torsion bar suspension and rear leaf springs should also be evaluated for sag or corrosion.

Whether you're doing a full frame-off rebuild or just fixing up the interior, finding reliable Vintage Chrysler Car Parts can be half the battle. We’ve spent decades tracking them down so you don’t have to.

Did You Know?

• 1958 was the first year the Imperial offered cruise control, called "Auto-Pilot"
  
  

• The 1964 Crown Imperial Ghia Limousine was used by U.S. presidents and cost nearly $20,000 new
  
  

• In many states, the Imperial was too long to legally parallel park in standard spaces
  
  

Why It Still Matters

The Imperial is not just another vintage car. It represents the high point of Chrysler’s ambition. It is a luxury vehicle designed by engineers, styled by visionaries, and built for those who appreciated quality without showboating.

For Mopar fans, it’s one of the most satisfying cars to restore, not just because of how it looks, but because of what it stands for.

At Andy Bernbaum Auto Parts, we’ve been helping Imperial owners keep these machines alive for decades. Whether you’re working on a '51 Hemi car or a bold '64 Crown Coupe, we carry the Chrysler Imperial Parts that make restoration possible.

This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s legacy, and we’re proud to be part of keeping it on the road.