1954 Chrysler Imperial Registration Number: 458 XVW Chassis...

Hammer

£7,500

1954 Chrysler Imperial

Registration Number: 458 XVW
Chassis Number: 7780423
Recorded Mileage: 43,400 miles

- Formerly part of a larger US-based collection
- Offered at No Reserve

For many years the crown jewel of Chrysler's offerings, the Imperial of the late 1940s was based on the New Yorker, with a new-for-'49 ‘FirePower’ 331.1ci Hemi V8, mated to a 'Fluid Drive' (clutch-less) 3-speed transmission. Imperial production was never large but the model more than paid for itself by the prestige it brought Chrysler, while at the same time giving its dealers the means to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. Offered in a wide range of body styles, Imperials were always generously equipped. Although the name had been associated with Chrysler automobiles since 1926, ‘Imperial’ became the Chrysler Corporation's stand-alone luxury brand in 1955. Intended to compete on an equal footing with the stand-alone luxury brands of GM and Ford - Cadillac and Lincoln respectively - the post-1955 Imperials carried no Chrysler badging whatsoever. With the first commercially available power disc brakes, and the first car in over a decade to offer air conditioning, the Imperial was years ahead of the competition. 

The 1954 version had much to commend it. With an output of 235bhp its Hemi engine guaranteed good performance, while the contemporary transmission, and inclusion of powered steering, brakes windows and seats provided a level of comfort and convenience the vast majority of Americans would not experience for many years to come.

On display as part of a private US-based collection until arriving in the UK in the last couple of years, this 1954 Imperial presents well with smart black coachwork complemented by a refurbished blue vinyl and velour interior. Brimming with period detail, the Imperial displays a genuine presence on the road unlike many British offerings of the period. We understand when the car arrived in the UK it was treated to a reconditioned steering box, refinished door cards and a service.

Additionally the front bumper as been replated, a new 6v fuel pump fitted, and the alternator rebuilt.

Having been stored in recent times the Chrysler will no doubt benefit from some light recommissioning prior to use, but that notwithstanding, this is a huge slice of Americana for an eminently sensible estimate.