1975 Chrysler Imperial Lebaron

Description

'70s luxury cars are heating up in collectors' minds, and while the regular contestants from Lincoln and Cadillac are easy to find, Mopar guys will be delighted to discover behemoths like this 1975 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron, which was unquestionably every bit a match for the heavy-hitters from the other brands.

Showing a remarkable originality, this handsome 4-door is the last of the Imperials, which really were treated as a separate brand from Chrysler. They afeatured more features, options, technology, and were built to a higher standard to justify their price. Their exclusivity was assured, and the big sedan eschews the styling gimmicks of the other guys: no opera windows, no coach lamps, and the grille remained metal, not plastic, showcasing Chrysler's dedication to tangible quality. Finished in bright Powder Blue, this heavy cruiser has a light-hearted attitude that suits its warm-climate home, and demonstrates remarkable preservation. As far as we can tell, that's original paint, and despite presenting one of the biggest targets on the automotive landscape in 1975, it's remarkably free of dents, dings, and other mishaps. All four doors fit well, the fender skirts line up flush with the body and show no rust in this trouble-prone area, and the vinyl top is nicely preserved.

1970s luxury cars are all about hedonistic interiors, so pillow-tufted seats and acres of stretch-out space are the fitments of choice. White seats against dark blue carpets and dash provide a great contrast that works well with the bright bodywork, and the seats themselves remain in excellent condition. Sure, they're soft and pillowy, but that's entirely the point, isn't it? Matching white door panels show minor signs of use and some light cracking in the usual spots, but as an all-original survivor it would be a crime to replace those items. The Imperial offered standard equipment like A/C, power seats, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, and the AM/FM/8-track stereo system sounds decent and includes a cassette adapter so you won't have to crawl through garage sales to find your music. The back seat offers limousine-like accommodations, and the trunk will carry just about anything you'll need on a long road trip with space to spare.

The power comes from Chrysler's 440 cubic inch V8, and with smoothness and torque production at the top of the wish list, Chrysler engineers hit the mark. Well maintained but not restored, the engine bay is tidy and shows signs of life in a warm climate, meaning no rust or other trouble spots. Sure, the paint's a little chipped, but it starts quickly and runs smoothly, and when paired to a TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic and a 2.7 axle out back, highway performance is serene. Chrysler's torsion suspension system improved handling versus the Lincoln and Cadillac competition without a ride sacrifice, and 4-wheel disc brakes were standard equipment on the Imperial. A dual exhaust system gives it a muted hum that sounds appropriate, and big 235/75/15 wide whitewall radials look 70's perfect.

An unusual (fewer than 9000 were built) luxury car, there's a growing appreciation for these forgotten trend-setters. Cutting-edge in the 1970s, this Imperial remains a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy first-class accommodations. Call today!