1964 Chrysler Imperial

1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4 Door Hardtop

For consignment A 1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron a rolling example of glorious 60\'s styling in exaggerated proportions, from the thick doors and padded interior to the sharp lines and flat planes of the body work, this car is like a sidekick of elegance. The LeBaron was the top trim level for the Imperial. This is a one-family car that has been garage kept and lovingly cared for. This car screams \"night out on the town!\" it\'s almost unfathomable to drive this car in anything but a jacket and tie...but we\'ll leave that up to you!

Exterior
Where to begin? The Sequoia Green Metallic paint is in the deep end of the pool and although showing some age, still looks good. The black vinyl top is also nice, showing just a bit of staining in one area. Now let\'s talk about the shape because this car has some unique attributes. The headlights sit wide on an already wide car, inset in the square-slotted grille which stretches to the center and meets a triangular center...almost Pontiac-like but the buttresses that make up the top of the fenders on each side define this car\'s nose. The profile of the car is long, straight and slightly forward leaning, accentuated by the rear door jamb which angles toward the front. The rear of this car is a design cornucopia; low slung tail lights encased in a propeller-shaped chrome bezel centered with a large Imperial logo...the eagle. A large chrome bumper waterfalls from the propeller and a hood hump completes this feast for the eyes. The side mirrors sit out on the fenders giving this car an air of royalty. The flush door handles are as interesting as they are cool. We note some scratches, blemishes, and a minor ding.

Interior
Swing the beefy doors open to reveal button-back leather seats in good condition and showing some crease wear. The backseat bench is of the same material and shows less usage. Center armrests can be found in front and back. The seats are supported by a wood-lined frame where the lap belt and power seat controls are mounted. The actuator on each door looks like an airplane throttle, but the driver\'s door includes enough buttons to control all the windows and more. Real wood veneer is present on each door and each has lights and hidden storage built in. The dash is simple and decidedly rectangular and the push button transmission shifters would disappear for the \'65 model, so this was the end of the road for the Torqueflight buttons. Rolling, drum-style gauges are found under the speedometer in rectangular faces. Climate control buttons mimic the shifter buttons but are arranged horizontally. An AM/FM radio interrupts the vertical pattern for the length of the dash and the entirety is flanked by triangular pieces that borrow the design element of the taillights...pretty nifty! The gray headliner is tight with no sag. Just as the brochure states, flocked carpet lines the trunk.

Drivetrain
The original 413ci Golden Lion V8 is present topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor. The 3-speed automatic transmission is the A727 Torqueflite, a now legendary unit known for its reliability and strength. 2.93 gears occupy the back. Power steering and power brakes, (drums), were standard on this model. The engine bay is driver quality and would benefit from cosmetic restoration if that\'s the direction the next caretaker goes.

Undercarriage
First, the good. The frame is made rigid with reinforcement that is not seen on every car of the era, especially at the front bumper. That noted, we see quite a bit of significant surface rust throughout the underside with some pitting in the muffler and rear axle in particular. Oil appears in front and has traveled down the left frame beam. The rear pinion seal appears to be leaking. We note torsion bars in front and leaf springs in the rear to provide the ride.

Drive-Ability
Undoubtedly a heavy car, the big 413 carries the car well and is responsive. These were rated at 340 horsepower so it\'s no slouch. The seating is comfortable, and the power steering makes turning this low-slung yacht easy. Power brakes do the job as well, and the entire ride is indeed soft and luxurious.

Funny how movies can really etch a car into the consciousness of Americans, and the Green Hornet\'s 66 Imperial made all the Imperials of that era just a little bit cooler. But even without Hollywood, this is a pretty amazing car...without a doubt aimed at the Lincoln Continental market and carving out its own niche by delivering a karate chop of a car to the masses. This car is a feast for the senses and we award it a black belt in appeal.

9343260638

9-Imperial
3-Lebaron
4-1964
3-Jefferson Ave, MI Assy Plant
260638-Sequential Unit Number

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