1972 Chrysler Imperial
Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA
610|901|3804
MILEAGE
8282
YEAR
1972
ENGINE
8
LOCATION
Morgantown, PA
STOCK
6719
FULL SPECS
DESCRIPTION
1972 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4 Door Hardtop
For consignment, a 1972 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4 door hardtop. Move over Buick 225, this land yacht is 229.6, let\'s call it and even 230 inches long. Yes, the roofline presents a slim silhouette, but when you\'re topping a proverbial boat, the top\'s heft is pointless. Really want to test your parallel parking skills? Well, he\'s the car to challenge even the masters. That is, if you can find a space big enough.
Exterior
Six and half feet span the vase shaped marker lights that flank two rows of three dimensional rectangles that get more complex the closer you look, and seamlessly hide the headlights, all under slightly raised fenders. If you look too fast, this could be the back of a car with its vertical symmetry, fin-like fender tops, and bold chrome bumper. But no, the back of this car drops off with more of a curve and has a flatter chrome bumper that is sculpted around two narrow taillights and the Imperial emblem in the center of the latch panel. In profile, the hood could double as an aircraft carrier with its acres of Tawney Gold painted steel forming flat panels, and the trunk is not far behind in size. The back door is longer than the front and flows into an enormous rear quarter that goes from covering the top of the rear wheel and extends way past the rear axle. The gold vinyl top that envelopes the slim roof and sloping C-pillar is in very good condition, as is the metalwork and paint. Imperfections include scratches and rock chips down low, and some rust and bubbling on the rocker panels.
Interior
Gold sculpted door panels are adorned with period appropriate simulated wood trim around the door pull, actuator, and control panel while gold carpet covers the lower panel. In true luxury, the rear doors have cigarette lighters built in. The split bench front seats would be at home in a 1970\'s living room with floral printed cloth, button tufting, and dual retractable armrests with a gold vinyl headrest and sidewalls. There\'s some patina here that could easily be restored and the rear bench seat is also the lap of luxury with handholds on the C-pillars and a large center armrest. There\'s patina and some discoloration of the horn bar of the gold steering wheel but it\'s intact. No one was expecting round gauges on this angular car and indeed, all displays are arranged horizontally framed by simulated wood as part of the LeBaron package. There\'s an AM/FM radio, a fantastic rolling period clock, and a water temperature gauge added in the ashtray, representing the only circle gauge in the car. Plush gold carpet was highly touted in the Imperial, and the brochure said you might be tempted to take your shoes off. It shows some age but is in decent shape as is the headliner above with shoulder belts clipped in. The enormous trunk is covered with a black loop carpet mat and the spare is dressed in the same.
Drivetrain
Presenting in driver quality condition, the mighty 440ci V8 under the garage-door of a hood is rated at 225 horsepower. It wears a 4-barrel carburetor and is backed by an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the 8 inch rear axle with 3.23 gears. Power brakes are onboard this locomotive with discs in front and drums in the back. Our consignor states there\'s a newer radiator, A/C compressor, alternator, water pump, fuel and water hoses.
Undercarriage
Surface rust and general patina is found underneath but overall condition is good. There\'s some oil around the front including the pan which has dripped onto the single exhaust that crosses under it. That exhaust travels a long way, intersects a rusted stock style muffler, then a resonator just before terminating behind the rear bumper. There\'s some great build up on the steering knuckle and wheel components. Torsion bar suspension if found up front and leaf springs out back. Our consignor states the gas tank is newer.
Drive-Ability
Make way, we\'re pulling the Imperial out! Yes, we navigated this behemoth onto our spacious test loop and soaked in all its 70\'s goodness. The 440 started without issue and while you\'d normally expect a muscular grumble from the engine, this one has been suppressed for low noise and ultimate cabin comfort. Besides that, the exhaust pipe is a mile from the front seat and with the windows up, you don\'t hear much. Meanwhile, this car floats, and we mean on par with any Cadillac or Lincoln of the era that your grandfather keeps talking about. We note the A/C is not working, and the rear windows do not move even though their motors operate. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
In an era when garages were small and cars were big, this is one of the largest. Five thousand pounds and six and half feet wide, this is the
CONTACT SELLER
