1965 Chrysler Imperial 4 Door Hardtop
Sometimes film and culture have positive impacts on our perception of certain cars. Mid 60's Chrysler Imperials will forever be associated with the Green Hornet, a television series that really has its origins in a radio show about a superhero in the 1930's, when the fight between good and evil wasn't unclear. And to help with that fight was Bruce Lee, a budding young star and originator of the Jeet Kune Do martial art. Despite the association, Imperials are interesting cars on their own.
For consignment, a 1965 Chrysler Imperial 4 door hardtop with a title verified 59,587 actual miles with many original parts both on the car and available to the buyer. Take out your tape measure because this car is 227 inches long. But the styling is unique and wonderful and well worth a look, garage space or not!
Exterior
Single stage Persian White paint covers the car, contrasted by the black vinyl hardtop. Other than the wheel openings, there's not a round body line on this car anywhere and many of the right angles lean forward, and the profile of the car shows it leaning forward, as if in motion. Distinctive covered quad headlight assemblies mirror the shape of the finely slatted grille over a strong chrome bumper and centered between the period trend of protruding front fenders. The side mirrors that are mounted well forward of the A-pillar and the Imperial eagle hood ornament give this elegant car an air of royalty and it doesn't hurt that a crown insignia and lettering is on trim at the base of the C-pillar. The rear fascia with the slit taillights and large eagle motif is nothing short of epic. Our black vinyl roof is in rough shape and will need to be replaced, while other imperfections include a loose door handle and various areas of surface rust. 15-inch aluminum slot wheels are in place, but our consignor states original hubcaps come with the car and original wheels are available. The current tires have a mid-2019 date code.
Interior
The use of aircraft throttle like door actuators on the inside panels must have been very tempting for kids sitting in the back seat. The T-handles are robust and inviting and are accompanied on the driver's door by six little metal window toggles while rear doors get an ashtray and courtesy light. Amazing sofa like leather bench seats are button backed tufted black leather and both rear and front have pull down armrests that tuck neatly into the seat back. The leather is in great condition while the plastic steering wheel shows some discoloration and cracking, but the center piece is nice. Horizontal gauges fill the dashboard including the long speedometer that stretches to 120 mph next to an analog clock brimming with 60's simplicity. A modern AM/FM/CD radio is flanked by some weathered faux wood panels but the panel in front of the passenger, with its pointed ends, is in great shape. The original radio comes with the car. Low pile black carpet covers the floor, showing some age, and the stitched headliner is just a bit loose in the seams, but in otherwise very good condition. The trunk has a spare tire, jack and black carpeted mat showing usage but not bad.
Drivetrain
As we open the hood, we note some surface rust on the bottom side of the hood and then take note of a driver quality engine bay housing a 413ci V8 rated at an impressive 340 horsepower and fed fuel via a 4-barrel carburetor. An A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission sends power to the 8 inch rear and 2.93 gears while power drum brakes are supplied in the front and back to halt those 340 horses.
Undercarriage
It's driver quality underneath with surface rust predominating, however the gas tank stands out as shiny and newer. Beefy frame rails flank a single exhaust that travels to a stock style muffler before exiting just under the bumper. We note some oil on the rear differential that appears to possibly have its origin at the pinion seal. Suspension consists of torsion bars up front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The lap of luxury starts with thick leather seats and an open bench that allows loved ones to snuggle close, (don't forget that seat belt). The car runs smoothly and rides smoothly and we circle our test loop peering over the big hood and aiming our direction with the eagle ornament. Outside of the comfortable cruise, we note some things that need attention. The air conditioning, horn, that 60's clock, and reverse lights do not work. The passenger front power window is not working and the back door on the driver's side does not open.
The Imperial is quintessentially 1960's with long, straight lines and square everything. It is simplicity wrapped in a bit of luxury and adorned with interesting switches, body trim, and interior materials. Green Hornet aside, this is a cool car from any angle, especially from the driver's seat!
Y253136970
Y-Imperial
2-Medium Price Class
5-1965
3-Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI Assy Plant
136970-Sequential Unit Number
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