1954 Chrysler Imperial 2-door hardtop, seldom seen, beautifully restored

[John_S_in_Penna]

This 1954 Chrysler Imperial 2-door hardtop

is a very scarce car, but this example is

excellent.  It's in a conservative but rather

striking color combination of cream and green.

You don't see these often.

 

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1954-chrysler-imperial-bridgeton-nj-2784337

 

It's in Bridgeton, New Jersey.   The asking 

price is currently too optimistic at $45,000.

It's said to have 25,000 miles.  Contact

through Hemmings:  There's no telephone

number in the ad.

 

Edited August 23 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

These don't have the following that the

finned Imperials have, so time may take care

of any overpricing.  To me, it's an attractive

car that's worth watching.  Here's the text

of the ad, with more pictures:

 

"Beautiful 1954 Chrysler Imperial 2dr. Hardtop. Original

331 hemi engine with 25k original miles. Pertronix igniton,

Original 6 volt system, New exhaust by Waldron's,

Powerflite transmission ( cleaned and fluid changed),

New starter and coil, power windows and seat, tinted glass,

power steering and brakes (brakes are newly redone),

rebuilt 4 barrel carburetor, original dash pad and gauges,

original bumpers (not re-chromed), all exterior trim restored

where needed, gold Imperial badges have been done in

22k gold, all trim is in excellent condition, radial w/w tires

with chrome wire wheels, new carpet and interior ( headliner

is original). Car was repainted approximately 15 years ago.

Originally car was one color but was repainted two tone

which definitely looks stunning. Car runs and drives great.

This is a very rare and seldom seem car that was one of

the most expensive American cars in 1954."

 

Edited August 23 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[TexRiv_63]

That is a beauty.

[John_S_in_Penna]

My educated guess is that this

excellent car might be worth around

$28,000.  What do others think?

[TerryB]

Given today’s high cost of restoration, I would think a car like this would fetch something on the plus side of$30k.  The problem is finding the person who wants to buy it.  Chrysler can be a tougher sell compared to some of the GM offerings of that same era.

[69merc]

It's definitely a rare find and worth a good price. Not sure what the market is like for these. Briggs was still making the bodies for these and they were very high quality. 

[alsancle]

Wow.  Nice car.

[58L-Y8]

Of the late K.T. Keller Chrysler Custom Imperials, the Newport hardtops are very high-quality and low production (1,249), very choice Mopars.  One car was the basis for a landau victoria custom by Derham with open front compartment, a white leather covered cape-style laudau top over the rear seat. four black leather bucket seats and a wraparound windshield.  The body sides were completely clean, underlined with broad rocker stainless, open rear wheelhouse and wire wheels.  There were also two custom show car 1954 New Yorker Newports, the Le Comte and Le Comtesse with full-length plexiglass top inserts, continental kits and special trim.

[TerryB]

Looking at the front of the car I never realized it has its own unique setup for grill and parking lights compared to the other 1954 Chrysler models.  It’s a very classy car for the KT Keller era. 

[John_S_in_Penna]

I read that the 1954 Imperial was criticized

at the time for its front end resembling the

1954 Chevrolet.  Note the similarity!  Of course,

Chrysler designers would not have known:

 

Edited August 25 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[B Jake Moran]

If you can get it, Collectible Automobile magazine had a great article on the 1949-1954 Chrysler (and Imperial) about 15 years ago.  Photos and information were excellent.  

[JamesR]

1954 was a great year for Chrylser, IMO, especially the 2 dr ht's. I wasn't a huge fan of the other Mopar offerings of that year, but I think the '54 Chrysler was one of the best looking Chrysler's of the era. And I like it better than the other American luxury brands of that year, and they were cool.