Image of 1968 Chrysler Imperial, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Majesty of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial

The 1968 Chrysler Imperial was not just a car; it was a declaration of luxury and American automotive prowess. Born from the illustrious Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle emerged during an era when size and opulence were the benchmarks of success. Its grandeur was a testament to the company's commitment to excellence, standing as a pinnacle of high-end American automobiles. A unique fact that car enthusiasts revel in is that the '68 Imperial was one of the last vehicles designed under the watchful eye of Virgil Exner, making it a swan song of his "Forward Look" design philosophy.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1968 Chrysler Imperial exuded elegance with its long, sculpted body lines and imposing front grille. The quad headlights sat like jewels within bezels that seemed to float separate from the grille itself, a design choice that was both bold and distinctive. Inside, passengers were cradled in luxury with premium upholstery options, including fine leathers and rich fabrics. The dashboard's layout was driver-centric, with gauges and controls within easy reach, reflecting an era when craftsmanship intertwined with user experience.

Technologically, the Imperial was ahead of its time, boasting innovations such as an automatic climate control system called "Auto Temp" and an AM/FM radio with a stereo 8-track player. Color options ranged from deep blues to classic whites, with popular choices often highlighting the car's dramatic lines. Among its various body styles, including sedans and coupes, the Crown Coupe stood out as an iconic representation of the model's allure.

Historical Significance

The 1968 Chrysler Imperial made its mark on automotive history by setting standards in luxury and innovation. It differentiated itself from competitors through its unique torsion-bar suspension setup, which contributed to a ride quality that many contemporaries struggled to match. Its lasting influence can be seen in the prioritization of comfort and advanced features in today's luxury vehicles.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stately exterior lay a robust 440 cubic inch V8 engine that propelled the Imperial with authority. With a top speed that flirted with the 120 mph mark and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds, it was no slouch despite its size. On winding roads or over imperfections, the Imperial maintained composure thanks to its well-engineered suspension system. The driving experience was one of quiet confidence; the engine's low rumble was a reminder of power at one's command without intruding on the cabin's tranquility.

Ownership Experience

The Imperial served various roles from being a stately daily driver to gracing car shows as a cherished classic. Maintenance could be considered straightforward for its era, with many parts shared across other Chrysler models. However, certain unique components might present challenges due to scarcity.

Fun Facts

Among trivia that fascinates aficionados is that Frank Sinatra reportedly owned a '68 Imperial; this connection added to its allure among collectors. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks for luxury features within American cars.

Collector's Information

Today, finding a 1968 Chrysler Imperial in pristine condition can be akin to unearthing treasure. Production numbers were relatively low compared to mass-market vehicles; estimates suggest somewhere around 15,000 units across all body styles were produced. As for value range, well-maintained examples can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to over $30,000 depending on provenance and condition.

Conclusion

The 1968 Chrysler Imperial remains an iconic piece of American automotive history; its blend of luxury, performance, and distinctive styling continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. As we look back at this majestic vehicle, we are reminded of an era where cars were more than just transportation—they were statements of identity and ambition.

1968 Chrysler Imperial Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D-BN 20Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1" bottom O.D. X 1-5/8" high, with 9/16" I.D. Each

1968 Chrysler Imperial Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D-BN 8Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1968 Chrysler Imperial Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit-BNK 21Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit. 22-piece set for two stabilizer bars. Contains all rubber bushings, washers, bolts and nuts, enough for one front end. Set

1968 Chrysler Imperial Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair-CB 27Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads. 3" wide X 3-7/8" long. Pair

1968 Chrysler Imperial Hood Adjustment Bolt and Bumper-HA 8Hood Adjustment Bolt and Bumper. 1-3/16" diameter rubber head. 5/16" thick X 18 threads/inch X 1-1/4" long bolt. Each

1968 Chrysler Imperial Trunk Bumper. Each-HF 62Trunk Bumper. Each

1968 Chrysler Imperial Beaded Deck Rack Mounting Pads. 1-7/16" X 3". Pair-MP 622-BBeaded Deck Rack Mounting Pads. 1-7/16" X 3". Pair

1968 Chrysler Imperial License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each-SB 86License Plate Bumper. 7/16" O.D., fits a 1/4" hole. Each

1968 Chrysler Imperial Door Weather Strip to Inside Panel Clip-WF 7-DDoor Weather Strip to Inside Panel Clip. Made of white nylon, 3/8" long. Each

1968 Chrysler Imperial Suspension bumper. '62-up Mopar A-, B- and C-body-XB 1Suspension bumper. '62-up Mopar A-, B- and C-body. Fits over the rear axle. Each.