1960 Chrysler Imperial

Crown Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

92041157844

Gasoline

For your consideration I am offering for sale my multi-national award winning 1960 Chrysler Imperial Crown sedan. This automobile is arguably the most correctly restored 1960 Imperial in existence! The car just recently won Best of Class American Popular 1956 to present at the prestigious Concours d’ Elegance of America at Meadowbrook this past July (2010). My goal with this restoration was to create a rolling example of a 1960 Imperial as it would have appeared rolling off the assembly line new. The vehicle underwent a no expense spared 6 year body off frame restoration. A low miliage original car provided documentation for every detail. Suffice it to say that every component was entirely rebuilt, restored, or gone through. With the exception of a concealed electric fuel pump, and contemporary fan belts, every component is as factory correct as was possible. Options include: Leather trim, Auto pilot (cruise-control), Electric door locks, Exterior rocker moldings (new old stock), Deluxe dual air conditioning-including heater, left outside remote mirror, right outside rear view mirror, radio with golden touch tuner (rebuilt as AM/FM with ipod connection in glove box and replacement speakers), tinted glass, mid-year optional alternator, brushed stainless steel roof inserts, and flight sweep deck lid. Power steering, power brakes, six way power seat, power antenna, and power windows were standard on this model. As optioned with finance charges and tax the car would have cost in the neighborhood of $8500.00 new in 1960. In comparison, a brand new 1960 Chevrolet Impala convertible cost about $2900, or less than half the cost of this Imperial, thus the low production numbers. Only 17,719 Imperials were built for the 1960 model year and of those, only 1594 were Crown sedans such as this. Even a gracious 10 percent survival rate would indicate less than 150 survive in any condition. This was a one year only body style for this generation as post sedans were dropped in 1961. I have always found the extruded aluminum door frames to be quite elegant and formal as well as complimenting the brushed stainless steel roof panels. This car is truly one of Virgil Exner's finest creations exhibiting fine detailing and restraint for the time. The paint is nearly flawless, some would say over-restored but these cars were hand color sanded at the factory and survivors exhibit a glass smooth finish from new. The interior is the car's outstanding feature. All new old stock vinyl, upholstery, and trims were used. Leather bolsters are pearlescent silver. Carpet is thick plush as original. All stitching is factory correct. The dash pad and center of door panels are factory original, all other components were replaced as original. A set of four reproduction factory style floor mats are included. The engine is a V-8 with cast iron block and a displacement of 413.2 cubic inches. Car is rated at 350 brake horsepower using the Carter 4-barrel carburetor. The transmission is the Torqueflite automatic transmission with pushbutton shift controls. Wheelbase is 149.5” The car has been shown 5 times since the restoration was completed. At its first showing the car was awarded Best of Show, in July of 2008, at the Lambda Nationals in Atlanta, GA. Antique Automobile Club of America Fall Meet 2009 in Cleveland, Tennessee where it garnered a First Place Junior. Antique Automobile Club of America Senior First Place was achieved at Fall Hershey in October of 2009 against formidable competition. This past July (2010) the car took Best in Class American Popular 1956 to Present at the Concours d’Elegance of America at Meadowbrook (Detroit, Michigan). Again, competing against cars of extraordinary quality. Usually trailered, the car has been driven approximately 300 miles since the restoration was completed in 2008. All air conditioning components and hoses were rebuilt by Classic Air of Tampa, Florida. All fans for both front and rear air operate as does the compressor and clutch. There is a leak somewhere and currently the system does not hold a charge for more than a week. When charged the system blows frigid. I have written a 109 page book/memoir with photos documenting the restoration and telling the fascinating Washington D.C. History of the car. A copy goes with the car as do original dealer invoices and associated paperwork. Thousands of man hours and exorbitant amounts of love and money were lavished on this car. Imperials such as this vehicle are extraordinarily difficult to restore and are very rarely restored to show condition. In fact, this is the only 1960 Imperial that I know of that has been restored to this level. I have seen a number of LeBarons and convertibles that have undergone extensive restorations but they always appear to be incorrectly done in some manner. It was for this reason that I wanted to really do one correctly. Quite a challenge, I don’t even know if it could be replicated at this point. Trim parts have especially dried up and chrome prices have doubled since I started the project. By the way, all pot metal was done by a very talented group, all metal was filled and retained, no details were ground off, everything is sharp and crisp as new. All stainless was flash plated in chrome from the factory meaning I had to locate the best originals I could as the finish cannot be replicated. Being a labor of love I have no expectations that I will even begin to recoup the financial expenditure but do feel I have set a reasonable reserve for the caliber automobile I am offering. I built the car to keep a lifetime but other projects have been on hold and I don’t have the resources to continue trailering the car. This Imperial always holds its own against the highest dollar classics and popular cars. This is Chrysler Imperial at its finest. For your consideration I offer a restoration for the truly discerning collector. The car is 50 years old, it is being sold as is with no warranty. A $1000.00 deposit is required via PayPal or cashier’s check within 48 hours of auction end. Full payment via cashier’s check is required within 7 days of auction end. Shipping will be the responsibility of purchaser. For those with serious interests in the car I will be happy to discuss further details of the car and its restoration. My name is Richard Burgess and I can be reached at 404-944-3796. The car is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you.