Make: | Chrysler |
Model: | Imperial |
Type: | Coupe |
Trim: | Newport Coupe |
Year: | 1955 |
Mileage: | 98066 |
VIN: | C5512278 |
Color: | Yellow/White |
Engine: | Hemi V8 |
Cylinders: | 8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | Yellow/White |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Hillsboro, Oregon, United States |
The only remaining “Springtime Edition” 1955 Imperial Newport Coupe
In the Spring and Summer of 1955, Imperial offered a special “Springtime” color combination of a Sunburst Yellow body with a Platinum top. Very few of these were built and, according to the records of the Walter P. Chrysler Club and the Imperial Club, this is the only one remaining.
This Imperial was built on July 19, 1955 and is one of only 3,418 Imperial Newport Coupes built. It’s equipped with power windows, power seats, Town & Country radio with rear speaker, and rare factory air conditioning. The fresh air scoops for the A/C are mounted on top of the rear fenders and the A/C evaporator and blower are located in the trunk.
The 1955 Imperial, advertised as the “Flagship of the Forward Look” and as “The Finest Car America Has yet Produced”, was the first Imperial completely designed by Virgil Exner, Styling Director of Chrysler Corporation. It was also the first Imperial built on its own dedicated production facility within the new Imperial Division of the Chrysler Corporation.
Chrysler Historical Services provided us with the Production Record (see picture) certifying that this Imperial was delivered with the stated options and was one of the original Sunburst Yellow body with a Platinum top “Springtime” cars.
This 1955 Imperial Newport Coupe was originally purchased at Town & Country Motors in Indianapolis, IN. Finished in its original colors of Platinum over Sunburst Yellow with a re-upholstered gold Eagle cloth and white leather interior. This coupe and has been driven on multiple Chrysler Club tours and was awarded a best in class trophy by Keith Martin and Donald Osborne at the Forest Grove Concours d’ Elegance (see picture). It received a new interior and was painted before being acquired by the seller 6 years ago. Power comes from its original 331 cubic inch, 250 HP, 340 lb/ft torque Hemi paired with a 2-speed Powerflite automatic transmission. This Imperial is offered with its Chrysler Production Record, a copy of its data card, the original sales brochure and owner’s manual, and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name.
This Imperial has its original engine, transmission and rear axle and, as far as I know, has never been taken apart. Much of the brightwork has been rechromed although there is some pitting on the original side brightwork and a few other pieces. All of the interior, trunk, and exterior lights work and the four power windows and power seats work as they should plus the A/C blows cold. All gauges work correctly. The radio and clock are not working. On the underside everything looks as it should with a general thin coat of factory applied undercoat. Mounts, rocker bottoms and floors are solid & original. New brakes, brake lines, and Coker tires were installed 6 years ago. The odometer reads 98,066 which I believe is actual mileage but I can’t guarantee that. The car drives beautifully with no issues I’m aware of.
Please contact me if you'd like to see additional pictures.