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1955 Chrysler Imperial: A Testament to American Luxury and Style

The 1955 Chrysler Imperial emerged as a beacon of post-war American optimism, showcasing the era's fascination with technology and luxury. Born from the ambitious vision of Chrysler Corporation, this vehicle was more than just a mode of transportation; it was a statement of success and innovation. The Imperial carved its niche as the flagship model for Chrysler, designed to compete with the likes of Cadillac and Lincoln. Notably, it was the first model year that Imperial was considered its own make, separating itself from the broader Chrysler brand. This strategic move highlighted its unique stature in the automotive world.

Design and Innovation

From its bold front grille to its distinctive tail fins, the 1955 Imperial's exterior styling exuded confidence and grandeur. The car's long, sweeping lines and prominent chrome accents were hallmarks of designer Virgil Exner's "Forward Look," a design philosophy that would influence an era. Inside, passengers were enveloped in luxury with rich fabrics and top-grade leather options. The dashboard boasted an array of gauges and controls encased in aeronautically inspired design elements, reflecting the fascination with jet-age advancements.

Technologically, the Imperial was ahead of its time, featuring innovations like power steering, power brakes, and a push-button PowerFlite automatic transmission. Color options ranged from elegant single tones to striking two-tone combinations, with hues like "Tahitian Coral" and "Deep Cherry" catching buyers' eyes. Among body styles, the Newport two-door hardtop was particularly revered for its sleek profile and absence of B-pillars.

Historical Significance

The 1955 Chrysler Imperial marked a turning point in automotive design language. It set a new standard for luxury vehicles with its unique blend of style, comfort, and technology. Its introduction signaled Chrysler's commitment to innovation and competition at the highest level of the luxury car market. The Imperial's influence can be seen in subsequent models across various manufacturers as they adopted similar styling cues and technological features.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its opulent facade lay a robust 331 cubic inch Hemi V8 engine that propelled the Imperial with authority. With 250 horsepower on tap, it achieved respectable acceleration for its size, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in under 10 seconds—a remarkable feat at the time. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride thanks to the car's independent front suspension and long wheelbase which absorbed imperfections with ease. The experience behind the wheel was one of power and poise; the V8's rumble provided an acoustic backdrop to what was an undeniably premium driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The 1955 Imperial found its place as a daily driver for well-to-do families, a show car for collectors, or even as an occasional racer for those who dared to push this luxury behemoth to its limits. Maintenance was typical for high-end cars of that era—demanding but manageable for those with mechanical aptitude or access to specialized service providers. Reliability was on par with other luxury offerings of the time.

Fun Facts

The 1955 Imperial has graced many collections over the years, including those of celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. Although not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in terms of sales success within its class. Criticisms often centered around its hefty fuel consumption—a common trait among vehicles of this caliber during that period.

Collector's Information

In today's collector market, a well-preserved 1955 Chrysler Imperial can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to over $50,000 depending on condition, provenance, and originality. Production numbers were relatively low compared to mass-market vehicles—just over 11,000 units—making surviving examples somewhat rare finds. As interest in mid-century American automobiles continues to grow, values for these majestic cruisers have generally appreciated over time.

Conclusion

The 1955 Chrysler Imperial stands as an iconic representation of mid-20th-century American luxury and automotive ambition. Its combination of bold styling, advanced technology, and powerful performance encapsulates an era when cars were not just transportation but symbols of status and innovation. As we look back on this classic beauty today, we are reminded of a time when driving was an event—and every turn of the key promised something grand.

1955 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

1955 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

1955 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

1955 Chrysler Imperial Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates-FS 31Gravel Shields. Molded flat without metal backing plates. Apply with contact cement. 18" long X 9-3/4" wide at bottom. Pair

1955 Chrysler Imperial Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair-HR 14Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 7-3/4" I.D. Pair

1955 Chrysler Imperial Trunk Seal. Each-TK 64-16Trunk Seal. Each

1955 Chrysler Imperial Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VS 7Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles. For leading edge of rear quarter windows. Two pieces, 17-3/4" long. Pair

1955 Chrysler Imperial Rear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals (fits some models)-VS 7-BRear Roll-Up Side Quarter Window Seals (fits some models). Pair R&L

1955 Chrysler Imperial Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1955 Chrysler Imperial Rigid division-bar run channel-WC 31-96Rigid division-bar run channel. Made with very soft felt lining. Used on front and rear door side windows. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1955 Chrysler Imperial Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each-WC 41-96Rigid division-bar channel. Unbeaded. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1955 Chrysler Imperial Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 4-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.