350hp, 413 cu. in. V8 engine, single four-barrel carburetor, TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with torsion bars, semi-floating rear axle with tapered semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-operated hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129
Walter P. Chrysler formed the Chrysler Corporation in 1924, and soon his lifetime experience in the auto industry and keen eye for style and engineering helped transform the fledgling car company into one of the top three automakers in America. Chrysler expanded its lineup quickly in the 1920s. The first step was the addition of the up-market Imperial line. Appearing in 1927-28, it gave the company a model with which to compete with Cadillac, Lincoln and all the other luxury marques of the era.
Carefully refined over the decades, by 1960 the Imperial offered not only exclusivity and grand style but also strong performance with its powerful 413 cubic inch engine, and excellent handling thanks to its torsion-bar suspension. Much more than “upscale Chryslers”, the 1960 Imperial line shared only its strong powertrain with other Chrysler products, and ever since 1955, the Imperial was considered a separate marque all its own.
Just 618 Imperial Crown convertibles were produced for 1960, and Academy Award-winning Hollywood actor Jack Palance, who played many “tough guy” characters, owned this very fine example for many years. In fact, it is said to have been one of his favorite cars from the time it came into his possession in the early 1980s until his death in 2006. Palance, whose early career included considerable success as a professional heavyweight boxer, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and eventually flew B-24 heavy bombers until a fire on a training flight forced him to bail out of his aircraft. He sustained burns in the process, and after having endured several painful surgeries and a lengthy recovery, Palance began his long and distinguished acting career.
After the death of Palance, the car was purchased by its present owner and given a no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration, which was completed in August 2007. While this California car showed no signs of rust, 2,000 hours were invested into the restoration and it has seen only limited show duty ever since. The body was carefully removed from the frame and painstakingly prepared for a correct Regal Red paint finish, with body gaps and panel fit superior to original production standards. The chrome is outstandingly restored, and in fact, the chroming company has requested the use of this car on at least four occasions to display their professional work to potential customers.
Underhood, the Imperial retains its original, rebuilt powertrain, comprising a 350 horsepower, 413 cubic inch “Wedge” V8 engine and a robust TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The engine bay is detailed to a complementary standard, without a hint of overspray or leakage anywhere, and virtually all mechanical components were rebuilt to correct specifications. Like the exterior and engine bay, the interior has been beautifully restored with stitching and imprints that are exactly as original. The thick carpeting is excellent and the properly functioning instruments are beautifully displayed with perfect chrome surrounds. The glass is all NOS correct, as are the trim and moldings, and all of the exterior plastic lenses and emblems are brand new. Finally, the trunk area is spotless, with a correct spare tire and all associated components securely in place.
With its striking presence, Virgil Exner design heritage, celebrity ownership and fresh restoration, this outstanding Imperial stands ready to compete at the highest levels anywhere in the country.
