Introduced in 1926, The Imperial was Walter P. Chrysler’s entry into the luxury car market, designed to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. In its first year, the Imperial set a transcontinental land speed record and was chosen as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500. By 1955, the Imperial had become the go-to car for upwardly mobile folks that found a Cadillac or Lincoln too "common," representing the marque’s trend towards smart, understated elegance. That’s when Chrysler decided to spin off the Imperial as a separate luxury brand and division within the company.

By 1967, Chrysler decided to up the Imperial’s game once again, revamping the car to fill the bill as “the newest prestige car in a decade.” The car changed completely under the skin as Chrysler replaced its separate chassis with new unibody construction, and introduced their dual braking system. The massive 440 engine was rated at 350 hp at 4,440 rpm and 480 ft-lbs of torque at 2,800 rpm, making it the most powerful motor in an American luxury car. With a cast iron TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering requiring only three and a half turns lock to lock, it was possible to govern the Imperial’s boulevard ride with one finger resting lightly on its sexy, translucent steering wheel.

Styling was updated inside and out, with cues inspired by Mid-century modern design. Walnut paneling on the dash concealed radio and speaker controls, power antenna and emergency flasher switches, as well as vanity mirror and ash tray. The elegant top-of-the-line Crown Coupe offered a new seating option called the “Mobile Director” package. The front passenger seat swiveled to face the rear of the car, and a “conference” table unfolded from the arm rest. Stored underneath the seat was a high-intensity reading lamp, which plugged into any of the car’s four cigarette lighters. This way, the discerning executive might work while being chauffeured to the office.

Jay wasn’t looking for this car and didn’t particularly want to buy it. But when a 93-year-old Hollywood movie producer had to retire his license, he called Big Dog Garage, hoping to find his cherished Imperial a good home. When Jay saw this original, unrestored Crown Coupe, it was in perfect condition, despite 144,000 miles on its speedometer. Not only had it been serviced twice a month by a Chrysler rep, but the producer had stored two of every spare part from old stock, fearing that he might damage the car. Seduced by one of the finest examples of old school American luxury car technology, Jay couldn’t resist - especially since this Crown Coupe can burn some mean rubber!