1955 Chrysler Imperial

In 1955 the Chrysler Corporation separated the Imperial into its own make and operating division to better line up with is natural competitors – Lincoln, and Cadillac. It was in this year that Chrysler introduced the “100 million look” with designs by Virgil Exner that would turn automotive styling upside down and define Imperial’s and all Chrysler Corp. cars look from 1955-1963. Our car is a 1955 Imperial 4 door, six passenger sedan – one of 7,840 produced for the model year. The Imperial carries a wheelbase of 155.

It is powered by a 331 ci Hemi V8 producing 250 hp. The engine is mated to the bullet proof 2 speed PowerFlite automatic transmission. It tips the scales at a whopping 4,565 lbs. Its most recognizable styling cue is the pair of “gunsight” tail lights mounted above the rear quarters. It has as standard equipment power steering, power brakes, and automatic transmission. It also comes with an original owner’s manual. In 1955 options included air conditioning, power windows, power front seat, and the first ever signal seeking all transistor radio. This car has them all. This is a very solid car of good driver quality. It is certainly better than just a “20 footer”. The engine starts right up and settles into the classic hemi rumble – not obnoxious, but just letting you know that this is no ordinary V8 – after all it is a Hemi!! The ride is pure fifties luxury. It floats along easily but when you push with the right foot is very willing to get up and go. The heater and defroster work normally. Interior lights and gauges all work normally. The power brakes and big drums stop the car quietly and without effort, reflecting the recent complete brake job, including new shoes, brake cylinders, and master cylinder. The transmission is quiet. It engages as soon as put in gear and shifts smoothly with no hard clunks or slippage.

The engine compartment is clean and shows that it has been well cared for. This is a great car for cruising; a trip to the local cruise in; date night; even a road trip. Certainly, trips of 100 miles or more seem well within its capabilities. The car shows a repaint probably within the past 5 years which has held up well. The surface of the paint is in great condition with no bubbles, orange skin, scratches or dings. It appears that around the edges of rear wheel wells and door jams some light surface rust is present. The is no sign of body filler and no visible rust conditions other than that just noted. All four doors hang properly with no sag or binding and latch with a satisfying clunk. The glass is in good condition with no chips, cracks or delamination/discoloring.

The brightwork ranges from very good in some areas to lightly pitted in other spots. The pitted areas could probably be buffed to a better appearance unless someone were to go the route of a full restoration. The under carriage shows its age, but is solid. The is some surface rust but no discernable loss of structural integrity. The interior is done in a tasteful velour type fabric and is in good condition. It is presumed that the interior was redone (replacing the standard leather interior) when the car was painted. The headliner is very good. There are a few known deficiencies although none affect the safety or performance of the car. The radio does not work; the pot metal horn ring is broken, but nothing is missing; the left rear power window does not work; the power front seat does not work; the clock does not work. Mileage on the odometer shows approximately 90,000 miles, but true mileage is unknown. The 55 Imperial is driven regularly and currently registered in New York. There is a clean title issued in Minnesota that comes with the car.