Imperial Crown 1967-1968
In 1955, Chrysler promoted its top-of-the-line Imperial model line to a separate brand. Intended to compete with Lincoln and Cadillac, Imperial never managed to present those two more established brands with a real threat (Cadillac outsold Imperial by 15 to 1 in 1967). Despite this, Imperial still produced some of the finest luxury cars of the day.
The Imperial Crown pictured here is a 1967 model. The entire Imperial line was brand-new for 1967, and for the first time featured unibody construction instead of body-on-frame construction. Two different model lines were offered: the volume model Crown and the more expensive and exclusive LeBaron. The LeBaron was available only as a four-door hardtop or limousine, but the Crown could be had as a four-door sedan, a two- or four-door hardtop, or a convertible. The lineup was the same in 1968 with minor styling updates, although it was the last year Imperial offered a convertible. The Imperials were fully redesigned in 1969, along with the rest of Chrysler’s full-size models.
Base prices for 1967 Imperials ranged from $5374 for the Crown sedan up to $6661 for the LeBaron hardtop; a limousine could cost upward of $12,000. A convertible like this one started at $6244. For comparison, the most expensive Chrysler model cost $4339 and the most expensive Dodge was $3712. All 1967 Imperials were equipped with an automatic transmission and Chrysler’s 440-cubic-inch V-8 putting out 350 horsepower.
Standard equipment on all 1967 Imperials included power brakes, power steering, power windows, carpeted trunk, fully carpeted interior, and walnut trim. Convertibles additionally came standard with a power top. Optional features included air conditioning, power door locks, adjustable tilting steering wheel, shoulder belts for the front passengers, radio (AM or AM/FM) with power antenna, and tinted glass (a popular option).
A somewhat rare and unusual option that was new for 1967 Imperials was the Mobile Director package, offered only on Crown coupes. This package turned the backseat of the coupe into a mobile office, with a fold-out walnut trimmed tabletop, a front passenger seat that rotated 180 degrees, and a high-intensity reading lamp that could be plugged into one of any of the Imperial’s four (yes, four) cigarette lighters. The Mobile Director option cost $649.65, a significant amount of money in 1967.
I photographed this rare 1967 Imperial Crown convertible in the parking lot at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA. With only 577 produced, the Crown convertible is the second-rarest 1967 Imperial; only the LeBaron limousine is rarer (12 produced). The crowded conditions of a shopping mall parking lot weren't the best for capturing every angle, but I felt that a car this unique was worth the effort. My camera’s batteries were nearly dead, so I could only get a few shots.
An excellent resource for all things Imperial: Online Imperial Club (OIC) for Imperial, Chrysler Imperial, and Chrysler New Yorker Brougham Enthusiasts
The 1967 Imperial on imperialclub.org: 1967 (Chrysler) Imperial Home Page
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Originally Posted by f6fhellcat13
