1960s Imperial Owner's Experience?

[TxDon]

Now that my GTX is gone, spring is almost here and I'm looking at cars. Thinking about a BIG CAR as a daily driver, not a beater but something I can take anywhere and park on the street. I have seen a number of 1960s era Imperials for sale, I've always liked them but have never owned one. Is there anyone on here who is either a current or past Imperial owner, what has your experience been and any tips what to look for or avoid?

 

[miller]

Don't think they make parking spaces that big, anymore!

 

[Basket case]

My Grandparents had a '65. Big comfortable, plenty of power.

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

1957 to 1966 is my preference.....if driving often then a 413 motor is a reliable drivetrain......about 12-14 mpg....later in my year range is cheaper than earlier.....coupes more money than four doors. Here is mine. If money is a issue I would look at a '77/'78 New Yorker there out there and still have a lot of character and good value.

 

[74Sebring]

Miller is right. Parking stinks. I didn't have a '60s model but, I did have 1976 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham. Parking was always a PITA. The car was insanely comfortable and the 440 made it move surprisingly fast for a 4700 pound sled. Make sure you invest heavily in oil companies. My New Yorker got 9 miles per gallon in good weather and 7 1/2 mpg in the cold weather. On the plus side, I had some of the best times of my life in that battleship and I wish I had it back. I say forget analysis and logic. Follow your heart and have a blast.

 

[74Sebring]

here's a pic of the exact car i had. WEIGH ANCHOR!

 

[junior340]

Crappy pics but here is my `61 I loved that car and wish I had it back, but had to pick one to sell and R/T is not going anywhere. That's my daughter and she is 30 now. If you like to tinker there great as allot to go wrong with the older parts in there. You can get one for I think a really good deal right now unrestored low miles one I would recommend. I agree with above comments about parking, geez HUGE!! But like riding on a cloud out cruising.

 

[chargervert]

I got a 68 Imperial convertible project car if anyone is looking for one.

 

[gary h]

I have Two '66 Imps, A Conv and a Coupe. And just like a Top of the line car should be, is Great ! Very strong cars and Rare. Many mechanical parts are available easily. Most other parts are available from vendors that have Imperial salvage yards.(murray park) and others. Join the IML online Imperial club for best results. Imperially , Gary...

 

[detmatt1]

I couldn’t imagine liking a car more than I do my ‘67. I’ve put about 20K on it including road trips up to over 2K miles and pretty much daily drive it during the season. I highly recommend it!

 

[69a100]

Big Mopars are the Boss & Bomb! I have a 66-300, yes, they are big! Mine's 19 1/2 feet long. There's ton of guys over on CBO that have formals as they're called, I'm sure you will get better luck asking over there. I say, if you can afford the gas at the price it is and don't mind getting anywhere from 8-12 MPG, I say go for it! Body, trim, external parts and the like will be your biggest challenge with it, motor and other parts are no problem as some/lots of things interchange. Remember that folks demo'ed these to death, so there's not many around anymore.. Good Luck
https://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar-forum/widget-pages/home/

I can carry 6 bodies in that trunk!

 

[Ron H]

Later 50's and early 60's Chryslers and Imperials are just such a cool design. Donno on sizing having had big boats - I'll qualify I don't live in the city. I usually park further away anyway and drive forward rather than muscle around backing up out of parking spaces whenever I can.

 

[detmatt1]

And by the way, why all the whining about parking? Never have I had a hard time finding or parking in a spot.

 

[YY1]

Very "Green Hornet".


13.5K

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/d/1966-chrysler-imperial-crown/6568268034.html

 

[YY1]

These are kinda cool, too-

3K

https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d/chrysler-imperial/6532476403.html

 

[69a100]

I forgot to add that they are really great cars to take a road trip as they're so big. The ride is smooth and you can really stretch out on a long drive, never tiring.

 

[TxDon]

I couldn’t imagine liking a car more than I do my ‘67. I’ve put about 20K on it including road trips up to over 2K miles and pretty much daily drive it during the season. I highly recommend it!
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I'm looking at a 67 4 door hardtop in the same color as yours...

 

[detmatt1]

I'm looking at a 67 4 door hardtop in the same color as yours...

Do tell!
Feel free to message me if you want to talk.

 

[Ron H]

And by the way, why all the whining about parking? Never have I had a hard time finding or parking in a spot.
View attachment 598564 View attachment 598565

Holy chit! No problem finding your nice ride in the lot! And I thought Escalades were large...to think I drove around as a teenager borrowing my dad's caddy (leaving my Cuda home) for dates and the outdoor movies never giving thought to the exterior sizing. The interior sizing was very accommodating at the drive-in annnd such..

 

[74Sebring]

@69a100, LOVE the 300!!!! I had a silver '66 too. Like an idiot, I sold it too.