1955 Chrysler Imperial

hardtop

331 Hemi

Automatic

C55 8577

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is my 1955 Imperial Newport. The listing title is a bit of a misnomer because in 1955 Imperial became its own marque in an effort to better compete with Cadillac and Lincoln in the luxury car market. It has a 331 ci Hemi rated at 250 hp and a two speed Power Flite transmission. There is no "Park" on the dash mounted shifter which the Chrysler engineers considered a safety feature!! To park the car you put it in neutral and engage the parking brake. The engine is strong and runs nicely while the trans shifts well and gets you where you want to go. The car still has its original 6 volt electrical system that runs the power seats and power windows. The interior is pretty clean(please refer to the pictures) but the seat covers, while having the proper pleats, do not have the cloth inserts that repeat the pattern on the door panels. The body has a couple of rust spots which I have included pictures of but is straight and looks good. The paint is a 40 year old repaint and is showing its age. I believe the car was a two tone vehicle originally which was out of style by the time the repaint was done. This car is virtually complete and only missing a couple of small items. The first is a clip that covers the joint on the rear window stainless trim. The other is the power window panel on the drivers side is from a later model. The other thing is the horn ring is broken but can be fixed by someone who can braze pot metal. The car sold for almost $6,000 in 1955 so there were not many options. This car has the "Solex" glass option which are all there in great shape and the Kelsey Hayes wire wheels which are on all tires including the spare! The main option this car does NOT have is air conditioning. There was no convertible in 1955 so the 2dr hardtop is the sportiest model available. I am selling the car because I just don't have the space for it any more. I collect 60s A and B body Mopar muscle and I grabbed this on a whim thinking I would restore it. I ended up driving the car now and then and just enjoying it the way it is. Now I am caught up in other projects and just cannot find the space to keep it. It is sitting in a very good friend's garage while I try to sell it. The car has a clear Montana title. The bottom line on this car is that it is a driver that is a great candidate for restoration or just to remain a driver until you are ready to restore it. Shipping is the buyer's responsibility but we are very willing to help load the car. The car is also available to be looked at and driven if you come to Missoula. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions and thanks so much for looking!!On Apr-12-13 at 15:07:34 PDT, seller added the following information: 4/12/13 - I have been getting questions about the grill and front bumper as well as the rear bumper and where the exhaust exits the bumper so today I added two more pictures showing these areas. The front picture looks good and gives a clear shot of the grill and bumper. The rear shot however was taken while the engine was running on a cold morning so the steam from the exhaust is blocking some of the view. The area around the exhaust pipe where it comes out of the bumper is notorious for rusting out. Though it is not too visible the bumper on this car is not rusted out but does have some minor surface rust. I will continue to look for more pics and post them as I find them. Thanks to everyone for the interest shown in this beautiful and rare car!