Wadsworth: The 1956 Imperial Sedan


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We recently got a note from Janice Klein that her husband, Ross died. Wadsworth has new owners in Florida. In his honor, we're keeping Ross' description of Wadsworth in place. If you're the new owner, we'd love to hear how this magnificient automobile is doing.

The original owners are in Oklahoma, and owned Wadsworth until 1997. I'm only the 3rd owner. I found the car in Hemmings, but it wasn't until I looked at their online edition and saw the color photo that I got interested. I made an appointment to fly out to Toledo, Ohio to look it over, and was delighted to find that it was even better than it had been described! Wadsworth is almost all-original; it was repainted but hasn't been 'apart'. And it rides better than my '98 Lincoln Town Car!

Impressive Grille

Here is a front view of Ross and Janice Klein's 1956 Sedan, Wadsworth, showing off his impressive "egg-crate" grille. Notice the "extra" hood ornament, which is the same as that found on the 1956 New Yorker; the original owner had this installed by the dealer.

 

 

Front Quarter

Wadsworth wears his original-width wide white wall tires well! Vast expanses of beautiful, straight chrome highlight his elegant appearance.

A Long Fellow!

This side view shows why the Kleins named this beauty Wadsworth--he's quite a long fellow! Wheelbase in 1956 was up 3 inches from 1955 to 133 inches, with an overall length of 230 inches.

 

 

Inviting Interior

Come inside and experience the rich interior appointments. This car has only 66,000 miles, and the seats stayed covered until 1997, so you can see the beautiful original condition of the "Imperial eagle" upholstery.

Great Fins

Rear quarter view shows the 1956's "Forward Look" styling with its graceful fins, which make the car look much lighter and sleeker than its Cadillac and Lincoln contemporaries. Wadsworth is also graced with optional 2-tone paint, in this case Surf Green body with Mint Green roof. It doesn't get more "fifties" than this!

 

 

Are you looking at my bum?

Wadsworth has ice-cold factory air conditioning, as evidenced by the 2 intake "scoops" at the base of the fins, and the large, center-mounted cold-air outlet duct on the package tray. Even with the evaporator unit housed inside the trunk, there's still considerable room for luggage.


This page was last updated 18 April 2006.  Send us your feedback, and come join the Imperial Mailing List - Online Car Club