1966 Chrysler Imperial

Crown Convertible

440

Automatic

Clear

Gasoline

Check my feedback! Lots of satisfied car buyers over the years. Happy to do business with European buyers! Shipped back to the Detroit area from Seattle, Washington in 1999. I base this on receipts found inside the car, which also show a good amount of service work such as a new top, weatherstrips, hydraulic convertible top rams, rad/heater re-cores and brake hardware, all having been renewed in 2008. I purchased the car from an estate collection that included 128 other vehicles, all stored indoors in a heated warehouse and infrequently used. The A/C compressor is new (has a bar-code sticker) and the fittings appear to be for R-134a. The compressor engages, but I don't use the system because I'm unsure of the quality of the conversion... and; convertible. The dual exhaust looks like new, has resonators and correct baloney-sliced Mopar tips. It's a quiet car, not a wanna-be hot-rod. I'm fairly certain this is a "Shriner Imperial", having the correct original colors and options for 1966. (Google the term, eBay doesn't want me posting links.) I flat-bedded this monster home and removed the fuel tank, finding it in surprisingly clean condition. Rebuilt the carburetor with a new accelerator pump, flushed the trans and adjusted the bands. Changed the oil, checked the brake hardware and finally installed a matched set of radial tires (good-used from another Imperial that I own). I disassembled most of the dash, replacing bulbs and repairing the HVAC vacuum system. The radio began working with a replacement speaker, however the volume control is scratchy. All gauges, including fuel, work properly. I also rebuilt the heater control valve. This left me with a vehicle that I have used as a safe, reliable driver. I don't believe you need to add extra electric fans, fuel pumps and other work-around nonsense. In 1966, this car would have been used in parades, highways, traffic, rain, etc. and been expected to perform without complaint. If you can't achieve that in 2015, it's because you're an inferior mechanic. In fact, here's a video of the car on a 150 miles round-trip in August 2015. No issues with the two-piece driveshaft and carrier bearings. At the end of the video, I demonstrate a cold-start, top operation and power windows. My wife drives this car to work on nice days and hates that I'm selling it, but she'd have me keep everything. (Aren't I a lucky SOB?) Structurally, this car is rock-solid. If you know cars, you'll know this is about the strongest vintage convertible you can buy... Boxed ladder frame, huge x-brace and one-piece welded front end. No cowl shake in this machine! I wouldn't waste my time making repairs on something with weak metal and plastic filler. I removed the carpet when I cleaned the car and photoed the floor pans; then I gave a coat of clean, light oil. Everything has been done with complete restoration as an ultimate goal. All of that wonderfulness being said, it's not a perfect car. I'm sure the steering would be even better with some new front end parts. The Auto-Pilot, power antenna and auto headlight beam changer are inoperative at the moment. One of the power locks is kaput. The trans input seal leaks, as does the oil pan. (These are all on the to-do list if I fully restore the car.) The seats will need a few leather panels replaced (bolsters, top of rear buckets) but are overall soft and still attractive. So are the door panels, dashpad, etc. The shift indicator doesn't work.The paint job, while very presentable, isn't well done. Non-original color, sand-marks, chips, poor gloss. Somewhere in the past 50-years, the correct wheel covers and lower rear bumper got swapped with 1964 examples. THUS MY RESERVE IS LESS THAN FIVE FIGURES. I'm also including many extra parts I've gathered. (Right bumper outline trim, Driver's door handle, door-stop kit and anything else I find.) Comes with a good battery, but not the big Interstate seen in some pics... That's back in my truck. My motivation to sell is simply having too many long-term projects. I feel like I've had a summer's worth of fun with this awesome piece of Mopar history. It leaves me better than it arrived. Before I seriously get out the wrenches, I'll offer it to the high bidder. Once I dig in, I likely won't sell it for a long time.