When it comes to 1950s flair, Chrysler had it all sewn up. Virgil Exner’s tailfins and unique style set Chrysler’s cars apart from anything else in Detroit—and the world. It was for that reason I chose a 1959 Imperial Crown coupe when I was looking for a classic car about 13 years ago. I had never seen a late-’50s Imperial at any car shows I had attended, so I knew they must be rare. Then, when this one showed up for sale in Pennsylvania, I inquired about it. After a quick trip to see it, I was the new owner of this mid-century classic.
My two-door is original, still sporting its factory paint and interior, albeit with some bumps and scrapes. The 413-cubic-inch V-8 engine has not been opened. Neither has the push-button TorqueFlite transmission. Riding on Torsion-Aire (Chrysler’s marketing name for the torsion bar suspension introduced in 1957) up front and leaf springs in the back, along with white-walled radials all around, the car rides comfortably and smoothly here in the hills of Vermont. I bought it with a little over 38,000 miles on the odometer and during my ownership have put on another 6000. Other than routine service—brakes, tune up, yearly oil changes—this car has been quite dependable.
My car has the optional Landau roof (the rear section is painted in a textured black paint) and the Flight Sweep tire print on the trunk. There are numerous gold crowns to signify this is the mid-model Crown.
Inside, along with the push-button transmission selector, the heater and vents are also controlled by buttons. The directional signal is a switch on the dash, and the rearview mirror is also attached to the dash. The driver can change the radio station by pressing a foot button on the floor. The windshield washer fluid is activated by another foot button. This car also has the optional power swivel seats. Just release a lever and you can turn and enter and exit with style. All of the details on this car are so impressive.
My Imperial Crown is a rolling piece of art. It certainly catches a lot of people’s attention whenever I have it out, whether at car shows or just on a quick drive to the local diner for a hamburger and ice cream. It’s a lot of fun to own such a stunning example of mid-century extravagance.
Very cool
I’ve always thought Exner’s Chryslers were the pinnacle of 50s design.
A beautiful automobile. Those were the days….
Great car. Thanks for all the detailed photos!