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1959 Imperial Crown Convertible

1959 Imperial Crown Convertible

1959 Imperial Crown Convertible

In 1957 the Imperial series was heavily revised, and featured prominent tailfins. In 1958 these fins had grown some more which contributed to the Imperial’s newfound acclaim as “America’s most distinctive fine car”. To hold on to this title in 1959 Chrysler revised the front end styling of the Imperial and in the process, gave the car a much more aggressive looking presence.

The 1959 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible presented here, not to be confused with the Crown Imperial, which was a custom built car by Ghia in Italy, was originally sold by Earle C. Anthony of San Francisco. A rare California survivor, it has undergone a five-year complete and total frame-off restoration by Timo Tanskanene Restorations of Riverside, California using as many NOS parts as possible. Once completed it displayed an uncompromising level of perfection.

In Detail

type Series Production Car
coachbuilder Ghia
engine V8 w/Wedge Cylinder Head
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Cast Iron
fuel feed 4-Barrel Carter Carberetor
displacement 6776 cc / 413.5 in³
power 261.0 kw / 350 bhp
specific output 51.65 bhp per litre
body / frame Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Drums
rear brakes Drums
f suspension Paralel Torsion Bars
r suspension Live Axle w/Leaf Springs
wheelbase 3276.6 mm / 129 in
transmission Torqueflight 3-Speed Automatic