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Click on any thumbnail to see a large size picture.
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This wonderful convertible was restored by JC Auto Restoration. A full description of this car follows the thumbnails. |
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Chrysler
made 618 of these cars in 1960 - they were marketed to an affluent client, and
were advertised as "America's Most Carefully Built Car." It had a base
price of $5,774 and weighed in at 4820 lbs. Its 129" wheelbase gives it a
luxurious, comfortable ride. Standard items included: 413 engine with 350
horsepower, Torqueflite transmission, power steering and brakes, search-tune
radio.
A
Motor Life Review from 1960 says the following: "... interiors favor lush
comfort with an attention to detail seldom found in any automobile. Seats have
as much as six inches of foam rubber, with a separate seat back for the driver
which supports shoulders and spine like few production cars ever have. There's a
non-glare instrument panel with electro- luminescent light (metal dials coated
with glowing phosphor), an improved auto pilot and swivel seats that chase doors
open and closed...Driving the Imperial proved only that, like all previous large
Chrysler products, it handled and rode better than anything else of its size on
the road. For all its mass, it feels like a light car, with TorqueFlite
transmission, power steering and power brakes doing everything they can to
eliminate labor from driving....It handles like a dream for such a large car,
with huge tires and measured suspension soaking up chuckholes like a thirsty
sponge. Maintaining its successful engineering and widely accepted styling, the
1960 Imperial comes into the showroom as one of the most thoroughly proven cars
in its class."
It is Regal Red with a matching interior, and
has 6-way power swivel seats, power windows, power antenna, dual mirrors, and
air conditioning.
In
1985, the car was re-painted in the original color. The engine and transmission
were rebuilt, and it was re-upholstered in the original pattern and received a
new top. The upholstery was redone in vinyl rather than the original leather.
Following this work, the owner drove the car less than 1000 miles.
More
recently (1998-9), a later owner again rebuilt the transmission, and had the
radiator rebuilt, and had the complete suspension, brakes, and exhaust system
done. He installed wide whitewall radial tires and replaced the shocks. He
replaced the hydraulic top pump assembly. He also had us restore the
electroluminescent gauges. He replated both the bumpers. This owner put about
10000 miles on the car.
We
have replaced the drive shaft, installed a new center bearing, bearing support
and universal joints. We have repaired all of the window switches and adjusted
the window alignment.
