1953 Imperial Specifications, Equipment and Historical Notes

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                                                  HISTORICAL NOTES:                                                       

The complete 1953 Chrysler corporate line was introduced October 30, 1952.  The Custom Imperial Newport hardtop was introduced on March 18, 1953.  Its base price was $325 over the sedan but in a price war with the other "Big Three", Chrysler instituted a general price cut on March 25, and the new model was reduced by $45.  A week later, the delivery and handling charges for Imperials were raised $10, so the customer came out $35 ahead.

Although the Imperial looks very similar to the '53 New Yorker, they have different wheelbases, taillights and side trim.  Clean front fenders and a higher rear fender also set it apart.  This is the first year for the stylized eagle hood ornament.  Power brakes and windows, center folding arm rests (front and rear) and a padded dash were standard.  Parking lights on all Imperials were positioned between the top and center grille moldings. 

The Custom Imperials carried serial numbers C58-7765001 to 7773869.  Crown Imperials had serial numbers C-597816001 to 7816162.  Motor numbers fell in the C53-8-1001 to 86292 range.  The engines from different lines were being manufactured in mixed production, so there is no exact record of Imperial's engine code range.. 

 

 

STANDARD EQUIPMENT ENGINE -  V-8   331   Cast iron block   Overhead valves   Displacement : 331.1 cubic inches   Bore and Stroke : 3.81 x 3.62 inches   Compression Ratio : 7.50:1   Brake Horsepower : 180 @ 4000 rpm   Main bearings : Five   Hydraulic Valve Lifters   Carburetor - Carter WCD 935S CHASSIS -  Wheelbase : (Custom hardtop)131.5"                     (sedan and limo) 133.5"                     (Crown) 145.5 inches Overall length : (Custom hardtop) 219"                         (Crown) 229 inches Tires : (Custom) 8.2 x 15            (Crown) 8.9 x 15 TRANSMISSION - At the beginning of the model year Fluid Torque was standard equipment on all Imperials.  In June, 1953, Powerflite fully-automatic transmission was introduced and made standard on all Imperial models.   OPTIONS: Power disc brakes (standard on Crowns) Power steering ($177 for Custom and standard on Crowns) Air conditioning Power windows Radios Heaters Outside rear view mirrors Two-tone paint Wire wheels Continental wheel kits Locking gas caps Fog lamps Windshield washer Solex glass Exhaust deflector Spare tire valve extension Sun visor

Virgil Exner joins Chrysler design and will have a profound effect on the company and its future car design trends.