Imperial Home Page -> Imperials by Year -> 1958 -> Specifications
HISTORIC NOTES AND SERIES IDENTIFICATION:
Imperial styling stayed pretty much the same from 1957, but a few changes did occur. The mesh pattern grille of '57 was replaced by four "stacks" of horizontal bars. The front bumper was now one solid piece with circular signal-light pods extending from its lower section. On the Crown series, a tiny crown emblem above the second "I" in the Imperial nameplate is the easiest way to tell the Crown from the standard Imperial. It came standard with six-way power seats, power windows, and an outside rear-view mirror. The LeBaron series has a distinctive emblem on the front fenders, instead of the Imperial name in script.
The '58 was introduced to the public on November 1, 1957. Most, 93.6 percent, had power seats, 92.9 percent had power windows, 86 percent whitewall tires and 33.3 percent air conditioning.
The numbering system and code locations changed to LY1- 1,001- 17,325
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
ENGINE -
V-8 392 Cast iron block
Displacement : 392.7 cubic inches.
Bore & Stroke : 4 x 3.9 inches.
Compression Ratio : 10.00:1
Brake Horsepower : 345 at 4600 rpm
Overhead valves
Carburetor - Carter four-barrel Model AFB-2651S
CHASSIS -
Wheelbase (Imperial, Crown and LeBaron): 129"
(Crown Imperial) : 149.5 inches
Tires: 9.50 x 14
TRANSMISSION -
Torqueflite automatic transmission with pushbutton shift controls was standard.
POWER BRAKES
POWER STEERING
BACK-UP LIGHTS
WINDSHIELD WASHER
FOUR HEADLIGHTS
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS:
Air Conditioning ($590.20)
Auto-Pilot ($88.70)
Defogger - Rear window ($21.45)
Electric Door Locks: for two-door hardtop with
power windows ($40.70)
for four-door models with
power windows ($65.80)
Flitesweep deck lid ($55.45)
Heater - Custom heater ($140.60)
Heater - Instant heater ($177.50)
Paint - Standard Two-Tone ($20.45)
Six Way Power Seats ($118.30)
Power Windows ($125.00)
Electric Touch Radio with Rear Speaker and Power Antenna ($176.00)
Solex Glass ($50.40)
White Sidewall Rayon Tires ($55.10)
Auto-Pilot is introduced by Chrysler and is the first automatic speed control in the auto industry.
Imperial offers integrated electro-mechanical door-locking - the first such unit in an American car. Imperial's concept car, the D'Elegance II, is produced. This prototype mixed basic Imperial ideas with flush door handles, hidden headlights and a squarish steering wheel. Chrysler buys 25% of French auto firm, Simca.
Information on this page was obtained from The Standard Catalog of Chrysler 1924-1990 by John Lee and Chrysler Chronicles by James Flammang.
