Chrysler Imperial

Introduction

The Chrysler Imperial, produced across several generations from the 1920s through the 1990s, was Chrysler’s flagship luxury car and direct competitor to Cadillac and Lincoln. Positioned as a standalone brand at times, the Imperial symbolized American luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation. It was renowned for its bold styling, advanced engineering, and emphasis on comfort, appealing to executives and affluent buyers who desired prestige along with performance.

Exterior

The Imperial’s exterior was grand and imposing, often featuring long hoods, wide grilles, and elegant chrome accents. Distinctive design cues such as hidden headlights, tailfins in the 1950s, and later, slab-sided luxury styling reinforced its premium image. Each generation evolved with the times, but the Imperial consistently projected exclusivity and status, ensuring it stood out on American roads.

Interior

Inside, the Imperial was designed to be a rolling luxury lounge, with spacious seating, plush upholstery, and advanced amenities. Wood and chrome trim, power-operated features, and innovations like automatic climate control highlighted its upscale nature. Later models included digital dashboards, premium sound systems, and extensive comfort features, making it a showcase of Chrysler’s most advanced technologies.

Safety features

The Imperial offered safety equipment that was ahead of its time for many of its production years. Early models focused on robust steel construction, while later versions included disc brakes, energy-absorbing steering columns, and seatbelts. By the 1980s and 1990s, driver-focused safety technologies like airbags and anti-lock brakes became standard, aligning the Imperial with other premium competitors.

Engine trims

The Imperial was powered by a range of large engines, including straight-eights in the early years and powerful V8s in later decades. Engine displacement often exceeded 6.0 liters in performance-oriented trims, providing smooth acceleration and effortless cruising. Automatic transmissions were standard in later generations, further reinforcing its focus on comfort and refinement.

Maintenance

Maintaining the Imperial requires attention to its luxury components, including advanced electronics in later generations. Routine servicing includes oil changes, brake care, and suspension checks, while classic models often require restoration due to age. Thanks to its prestige, aftermarket and collector support remains strong, making it feasible to preserve these iconic vehicles.

Competitors

The Chrysler Imperial competed with the Cadillac Fleetwood, Lincoln Continental, and European luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Its combination of American luxury styling and advanced engineering positioned it as one of the most respected luxury nameplates in the U.S. automotive market.