@@Johnnycdrums You’re thinking of Miss Jane Hathaway’s car. The Drysdale ‘s were chauffeured around in an Imperial just like this and they called it their limousine.
The rear bumper is a masterpiece. The huge Imperial emblem in center is terrific. Tailights too. Well done. The Beverly Hillbillies made the Imperial famous. The Imperial convertible is fantastic. The current Chrysler 300 has to have the domestic record for a production vehicle design. It's 24 years old.
@@kevincostello3856 Hey now, the current Chrysler 300 design is only 19 years old! I had one from the year it was produced, 2005. Please don't make me feel older than I am. 😂
Without a doubt, the 1964, 1965, and 1966 Imperials were a design home run. No luxury car built in America, aside from Lincoln at the time, could match the elegant simplicity of this design. Both the Lincoln and Imperial just made Cadillac look really old, bloated, and dated. Cadillac sure cleaned up their designs in a hurry after the '64 Imperial debuted. But even still, the 1965 Imperial line was by far the best luxury car built on the American scene. Who could forget those fabulous glassed-ensconced headlamps? I never understood why the public did not take more interest in these fresh, new Imperials. I don't think anyone really noticed that Chrysler and Engel cleverly kept the same cowl of the 1957 through 1963 Imperials. That of course, is the most expensive component of an automobile. Chrysler did save millions of dollars by keeping that cowl. They were applauded by every automotive magazine for their superior handling and performance over the competition. Even though I was still a toddler in 1964, I could already recognize automobiles. Luckily, when I came of age to drive, my best friend and I went on many a drive, testing all of these luxury makes when they were just considered "used cars" in the late '70's. After driving the Imperials we found (often were Crown Coupes), we knew that the Imperials were the superior car. Elwood Engel was a master, gifted designer. His designs to this day remain highly sought-after and fresh. That guy really yanked car design out of the bloated '50's. As most car enthusiasts know, Engel is responsible for the 1963 Ghia-bodied Chrysler Turbine car. You can see his Ford Thunderbird design all over that car!
I can’t unsee the windshield in these. It’s so clearly out of place with the rest of the car, and betrays the budget decision. Surely Engel would have preferred something more in keeping with the rest of the design language, but we don’t see that until the 65 Chrysler.
The early 1960s Cadillacs were fresh and futuristic looking when they were new, and have nothing to apologize for. They outsold the competition every year, so America agreed.
Totally agree. Amazing styling, true luxury, bulletproof power train. Today's plastic "luxury" sedans can't hold a candle. They can keep their computers and touch screens.
My first car was a '64 Imperial (Persian white), a gift from my parents when I graduated high school in 1975 (they went for a song by then; with gas mileage around 8-12 per gallon, no one wanted them). I could not polish it enough, and it gleamed its way through the disco era. 8 friends enjoyed the ride in real comfort...and the push-button transmission blew everyone away. Thanks, Adam, for the always-knowledgeable trip through another great classic car. 👍
Elwood Engle gets a lot of love for the Continental, but I think the Imperial is my favorite of the two. I think it's cool that he was able to take some basic elements from the conti and still make these imperials distinct and pretty impressive in their own right! These cars have an incredible presence. I love the almost dainty taillights on the big chunky rear end. That said, Engle did a ton of amazing work during his career. As far as the imperial interior, it was try one of the greats of this period. It's so clean and tasteful without looking dull. The door release handles are so neat! As far as engines, a big 4 barrel 413 and later 440 would be tough to argue with! The 64-66 imperials are overall some of my favorite cars of the mid 60s, and as far as I'm concerned, this was the period of time when imperial was every bit the equal of Lincoln and Cadillac- arguably in some ways, maybe the imperial was even better. Also the 63 Imperial is a car that has grown on me a lot over the years. And is it just me, or are dash mounted ignitions super cool?
Agree.. I think the Lebaron back window and C-pillar reminds me of the later 1980-1991 Cadillac Brougham. Caidillac put the wreath and crest where Imperial had the eagle. AND the wheel covers on the 1964 only reminds me the later standard wheel cover for the Brougham. My aunt bought a 1985 Fleetwood and for a short while had the standard wheel covers and got the wire wheel covers on order. I like the standard wheel cover better.
I have always considered the '64 Imperial absolutely magnificent. In my opinion, possibly the most beautiful car ever made. and I'm pretty much a Thunderbird guy! Thank you for a very informative presentation.
Wonderful video as always, Adam! In 1992, I bought a 1966 Crown 4-door hardtop at an estate sale in Tulsa. It was silver with the silver brocade and black leather interior. I had the choice between that and a 1970 green Sedan deVille, same price. I think I made an excellent choice. The “100 year old Claro walnut” that lined the dash and doors gave the car an incredible warmth, and reminded me of the mid-century Danish modern look that was popular in the ‘60s. I couldn’t find leaded gas in the early nineties, so I had to put a bottle of tetraethyl lead and put it in the tank each time I filled up - I bought that stuff by the case. I can’t say enough nice things about that car. Ah, memories!
I just got a tour of an auto collection in Las Vegas, totally stored in a warehouse which included not only four Briklins, but the best preserved 30 plus 69 to 71 mark 3s, I've ever seen. It also includes three 51 Kaisers, older Masaratis, 20 Buick regalias. It's an incredible find! I've been permitted to purchase one of the 71 mark iii, 24k miles, pristine, way under market. My mouth dropped open, when I enteted. A lincoln mark 3 is in my future. The deceased collector was a lincoln mark iii fanatic. I'm excited.
@@Johnnycdrums buying. I did some service for the family of the deceased. Imagine a warehouse filled with 70s classics. There was a 74 mark iv, even a 79 mark v, pristine. Two rolls, i think they were 79. I'm not interested in the masartis The family told me, take your pick. One of the mark iii, of course.
The parents of a friend of mine had a 1966 Imperial Crown Coupe', with blue, satin leather bucket seats and console. It was so beyond the Cadillac and Lincoln of the era, it was really in a class by itself. Genuine walnut trim on the dash, doors, and even on the back of the front seats. Quite an unforgettable car.
I saw one of these when I was a kid at a car show. My Dad had restored a 1967 Plymouth Satellite and was showing it. An older gentleman had it and I loved it. It was beautiful, elegant, and understated. Truly one of the best cars I ever sat in.
I bought a used 1965 Chysler Le Baron 4dr HT...Everything was power, and it rode as smooth as Glass, but it was during the First Oil Crisis and the National speed Limit was 55MPH, seemed like I was Standing still going down the Highway in this Land Barge of a Car, only one of a few Chrysler Products I"ve owned and it was a Beautifil Midnight Blue and Buckskin Interior,Gas was about 68 cents a Gallon and the Large engine consumed a lot of fuel..PWR seats PWR Steering PWR vent windows PWE Antenna PWR Brakes etc Wow...loved that car......
One of my best buddies in school was the son of our little town's Chrysler dealer, so his folks would have Imperials from time to time, such as a black '64 that was real fun to ride in. My family had a green 56 Chevy 150 that didn't even have a radio, lol.
Thank-you for highlighting this beautiful, under-rated model year - especially the 2Dr/Convertible airline cockpit interior seats the clean and modern look, and lack of plastic.
My favorite Imperials of all time are 1957-68 and 1974-75. I love those funky instrument panels with the unusually shaped steering wheels too. In fact I love them from all Chrysler divisions of that time. Thanks for the video. To me Imperials are underrated.
@@ericruud9328; Competition (can't believe I speelled it correctly), does those kind of things on their own. We don't need the Federal Government getting in the way of natural competition. Lol, like the wildlife of nature, in we all we exist.
I remember seeing one of those as a kid back around 1980, and was fascinated with that rear end styling. And have never seen another one since! Saw lots of early '60's Continentals, though...
The 64-66 Imperial's were definitely the best and high water mark. When I was in high school, a guy in the next village over from me bought a black on black 64 LeBaron from an old woman. Car was flawless, garage kept, low miles. This was in the late seventies, and she asked $2000.00 for it. He felt bad, and gave her $3000.00. Middle aged guy, took excellent care of it. He later bought a rough Crown, ran but was for parts, just in case. He moved away in the late 80`s, took both cars with him. I always wondered what became of them?
I can never look at these cars and not be reminded of that classic old 60s sitcom, "The Beverley Hillbillies." Chrysler supplied the vehicles for the show and the banker, Milburn Drysdale, always had Imperials.
Thanks Adam for exploring these superlative cars. Interior components were very well made, occasionally there were fitmentnissues. With its longer wheelbase leg room in the rear was excellent. They were great for road trips and easier to drive ( in my opinion) than their competitors though relinquishing some road isolation in the process. All Imperials of this era were tough going in pre-WWII garages!
Nicely presented views & commentary Adam 👍…The 1964 Imperials seemingly were 3 years too late as they would have been superb new for 1961 Imperials…The 1964 Imperial front end styling had / was the most distinctive of the 1964 - 1966 Imperials as it best referenced the 1st year 1955 Imperial’s split grille front end styling…The interiors in all 3 year 1964 - 1966 Imperials were exceptionally well constructed, crafted & detailed…Having personally owned a 1964 Crown Coupe, 2 1965 LeBarons and a 1966 Crown sedan I would state the 1964 Imperial’s interior was superbly crafted & detailed…While I liked the 1964 Imperial instrument panel with it’s last year for Push Button Controls TorqueFlite feature both1965 and 1966 Imperial dash and gage / control layouts were equally well done…1964 and 1965 Imperial seat design, styling & construction were superior to that found in / with the 1966 Imperials…The use of genuine Claro Walnut wood veneers for interior trim detailing was noticeably increased on the 1965 and 1966 Imperials…I would state the high quality materials used for the dash gages, controls and trim & assembly excellence for all 1964 - 1966 Imperials were / was simply superb…Auto-Pilot cruise control was easy to set and use and worked very well in a directly connected mechanical pre-electronic era sense…The 1964 - 1966 Imperials had many design and build carry-over elements from the all new for 1957 Imperial…The cowl, windshield, side vent wings, basic frame & chassis, Imperial specific wheels and 129 inch long wheelbase were all 1957 Imperial derived elements…The story and history of the stand alone 1955 - 1975 Imperials is a curving & oscillating mix of successes & failures…ChryCorp made some good and bad choices with long consequences that ultimately defined & declined Imperial as a luxury car & make. Absolutely the worst fate that befell 1957 - 1966 Imperials would be / was being ID’ed as & becoming for decades & incredibly still so here in year 2023 demolition derby smash & crash #1 stars…The “Incomparable” Imperials were indeed often just that…Thank you Adam for this brief and nicely presented 1964 Imperial “ take a look”👍… ✨Happy Holidays & New Year✨
The A pillar of the 64 through 66 Imperial owes nothing to Thunderbird. It is essentially the same as a 57 Imperial as is the compound curved windshield. That is because the frame and understructure were carried over. The front, and possibly the rear, door glass is also carried over. Hard to believe that the 61 and 64 Imperials are essentially the same car, a remarkable transformation. The switch to a column mounted, standardized gear shift quadrant was by Government mandate. It also eliminated the all-the-way-down Reverse gear positions of the Dynaflow and Hydramatic transmissions. Many people loved Mopar's push button drive and bought Chrysler built cars for that very reason. Heres wishing you and yours the very happiest of Holidays.
I gave my Mother a 62 Dart sedan, in 71, and she drove it for five or six years. Her favorite thing about it was the push button drive. @@frederickbooth7970
You should do a video on the Imperial Crown Ghia limos and all that was involved in the making of those extraordinary cars. Maybe mention why some 59 Crown Ghias came with the 392 hemi as one of their "quirks."
Adam, I always look forward to your videos. Their subject matter and production are well-researched and flawlessly-presented. The insights of less commonly-known design rationale (for example) are very insightful. These videos belong in automotive libraries or museums. I hope you never run out of material!!!!
Well done ! I learned some facts about one I just purchased , 1964 Crown 2 dr with a 413 . Just doing a detail and now has 2 inch black fur carpet throughout with custom consol etc. She's an old school sled screaming for some graphics .thanks for the vid.
I'm a car guy that likes all automobiles but, the 50's and 60's American cars had some of the most beautiful designs ever. Although the '37 Cord still one of my all time favs. And back in those days they had so many exterior and interior color choices.
I got a ride home from high school one day from my friend's father in a '64 Imperial. It was a nice blue. They were from the "good" side of town. I played with the electric windows all the way home.
Exner was the fall guy. 1962 is all Chrysler President Lester Colbert's fault. Last second downsizing trying to fit bigger car styling onto a smaller car. Colbert was a piece of work. From Hemmings: In addition, the Colbert era saw Chrysler join the compact ranks with the Dodge Lancer and Plymouth Valiant--both powered by the immortal Slant Six engine--and Chrysler widen its footprint in American motorsports. And then came 1960. Colbert had ascended to Chrysler's chairmanship and named William Newberg as his successor, in Keller fashion. Almost immediately, Newberg resigned. It turned out he had raked in $450,000 from suppliers in which he had a hidden interest. Newberg repaid it, but sued Colbert, blaming him for Chrysler's mismanagement. The suit was ultimately settled, but not before the syndicated columnist Drew Pearson revealed that Colbert's wife owned shares in a supplier that she dumped right before Newberg's ouster. The board canned him in 1961 and allowed him to play the string out as Chairman of the Board of Chrysler Canada until retirement. He was a cheat, screwed up a model year (the 62s were ok'd before 62), was fired, but still given a golden parachute.
Exner was the fall guy. He never would have chopped his beloved fins off so dramatically without being pressured to do so. I would look into the circumstances of his firing a little closer if I were you…..
Another exterior visual connection that the '64 Imperial had to FoMoCo can be seen in the 1960 Edsel, at least as far as the front end goes. The Edsel also had a split horizontal grille and quad headlights floating in the grille. The two grilles on the Edsel were separated by chrome trim rather than painted sheet metal, but the effect is very similar. The '60 Edsel looked much better than the two previous years, IMO, but there was no hope of saving it as a model by that point. The Imperial's interior of that year is one of my favorites. Thanks for highlighting it in this video, Adam. I personally prefer the looks of the '64 Imperial to the beautiful '61 Continental, but both are the among the best looking luxury cars of that era.
Thank you Adam. I watched the video. I liked the 1964 Imperial. This one is iconic because it was Green Hornet's car, used on many television series of the era( Batman for one example). I am referencing the car used by Milburn Drysdale on Beverly Hillbillies. This video was thought out and well put together. I caught the reference to later Imperials. I knew about the styling being influenced by Lincoln Continental as well as it is quote evident. When that designer when to Chrysler he made a difference. Thank you for the interesting and detailed video.
Elwood Engle curiously preferred straight lines. His original design for the 1961 Lincoln Continental had a straight line design. There was no upkick at the C-pillar. The 1964 Imperial also had a straight line at the belt line. An "unknown" stylist added the upkick. Curiously also Virgil Exner was first in the 1950s with the double grille later used by Pontiac. Chrysler seemed to feel intimidated by GM. The 1965 Plymouth Fury seemingly copied Pontiac but did not use a divided grille even though that was an Exner design element several years before Pontiac (stole?) used that design. Studebaker used the double port grille in the early 1950s. Exner worked for Studebaker. Every American car maker copied the T-bird C-pillar. The early T-bird had a fiberglass roof which was "naturally" squarish. The shape was around but Ford squared it off. The 1964 Imperial front grille was considered by many to be a copy of Pontiac when actually the design could be considered based on the 1955 Imperial and Chrysler. Also, it amazes me that Engle used the V-roof design on 1965 and 1966 large body Plymouth and Dodge and Chrysler 2-door hardtops, except for the New Yorker. In my opinion this V-roof design ruins the straight-lined styling of Engle for those automobiles. IMHO the hardtop design of the 1965 2-door New Yorker works out fine. The V-roof is terrible on those cars. I would have walked away and not purchased the V-roof cars. (Repeat: Exner did not approve of the 1962 "plucked chickens". Look at the 1962 Plymouth. "Plucked chicken" is the perfect description Exner used. Exner did not use that description for all non-finned cars as is wrongly quoted. Source: Allpar dot com.)
The instrument panel on the 1964 Opel Kapitan/Diplomat series from GM Germany shares this elegant theme with the Imperial as well as other American designed/influenced cars of the time, especially the steering wheel!
Nice video Adam. A couple of important things to point out…the steering wheel cast piece mimics the dashboard casting (wide with vertical ribs) and carries the theme through the car from the rear “propeller” bumper that also had a very tasteful brushed aluminum inset with vertical ribs. I’m surprised you don’t talk about the aircraft-style seats with unique clam shell rear covers and headrests as these were noteworthy for the Imperial 64-66. Finally, I believe the 64-66 Imperial bodies continued to be assembled across Jefferson Ave at the Kercheval facility as they were still body-on-frame construction whereas all other Chryslers had transitioned to unibody as had the assembly line. Once Imperial bodies were complete, they were transported via a fully-enclosed conveyor across the street for the marriage with the chassis at the Jefferson Ave plant.
@@Johnnycdrums I think it was Steve Magnante who pointed that out in one of his videos. The Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth, all used a newer design before Imperial did. The Fury is shown @00:18, while the most illustrative picture of the Imperial is @9:23. Also the red Chrysler @1:46 uses that windshield as well.
Awesome. My neighbors up the street had one, a LeBaron. It was beautiful inside and out, garage kept for at least 35 years. They say they got it at the 1964 NY Worlds fair - about a 2 hour ride from here. Wonderful car.
My spouse had a 2015 Lincoln MKZ with a push button transmission on the dashboard. I really think that this is the best way to go for pure automatics. Column shifters are awkward, and console shifters are cool, [My '14 Porsche 981 Cayman S PDK has one and I prefer it], but they use up space. I had a friend with a '15 Honda Pilot SUV and it had the shifter on the dashboard like a Citroen; It was just like a console design, but mounted vertically on the dash to the right of the steering wheel. The WORST are the stupid Chrysler designs that use a mini shifter, and you move it to get into gear. These have caused dozens of accidents, including the one that killed Anton Yelchin, the young actor that portrayed Pavel Checkov in the 2009 movie Star Trek. Anton apparently got out of his Jeep Grand Cherokee and put it into park on the way out. Only...He didn't. He accidentally put it into neutral and as he was opening his garage door via the code pad, the car rolled forward down a slope and crushed him against the wall. Basically, you move the little hinged lever backwards and forwards to get it into gear, an utterly STUPID design, since you have to look at it to tell what gear you are in. YES us humans are THAT stupid. Thus I think the pushbutton controls for the transmission are a great idea.
Yes that Chrysler shifter is/was terrible. Pushing it all the way forward didn't mean it went in Park, unlike just about every other shifter. I was in a newer Cadillac SUV something recently - it had an almost as stupid shifter.
We had a '64 Crown. Great car. Other than the AC compressor going AWOL, no repairs. For panels, hard to beat '65 full size Pontiacs, and '60's T-Birds.
First job, 1972 pumping gas. One boss had a black 66 Imperial . His partner had a 1978 Imperial 4 door dark green, tinted bullet-proof glass that had been a embassy car for Brazil in Ottawa. Both would still be cool today. The 78 did better burnouts than the 66. (done by the owners). It was the best part -time job on the planet for this 15 year old!
Don’t forget how these ‘64-‘66 Imperials drove. With the torsion bar front suspension, chassis isolated with butyl rubber mounting points, and 235 pounds of sound deadening (245 in ‘65 and ‘66), these cars were regal in deportment as they glided down the road.
I have always appreciated these cars. This is a great dashboard, I agree, though I do like the later version with the real wood a bit better. Classy all the way.
These were truly great cars. I think the reason they never sold all that well was the way Chrysler failed to market them. Often times dealerships were Chrysler, Plymouth and Imperial? Dodge dealers stood alone. GM did it right, cadillac dealers stood alone, and always have. IMO these were better cars than both Caddy and Lincolns. Butter smooth TorqueFlights that still offered a very positive downshift when needed, were quiet robust. The 413 and later 440s burned premium fuel and were always 4bbls. They offered smooth quiet effortless acceleration. Auto Pilot was a Chrysler exclusive. Later cars would move the dash control to the turn signal stalk which the entire industry followed. Adam was also correct about how sturdy these cars were. I recall when I was in gradeschool that my grandfather and I saw the remnants of a bad car accident, and he said "It looks like that car got hit by an Imperial!"
Merry Christmas Adam, thank you for all the effort you put into these all year....truly masterclasses in the auto industry...its such a shame now, few have any design or color effort for $100k!
My favorite of all Imperials. Liked the Lincoln but I thought the Lebaron trim was very nice. Love the eagle on c pillar and the smaller Limo like window at the back. . 2:24 in my favorite view. Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham of 1980 and up had the same look, regarding the c-pillar and back window. Even the turbine looking wheel cover on the standard Fleetwood looks similar to the 1964 Imperial turbine.
Love the channel and high quality reviews and facts about anything you do. I read the comments section and so many positive remarks about these. For sure some based on personal attachment and significant association in peoples lives but I just can’t imagine buying one of these against a 1964 Cadillac or Lincoln. Its only opinion but the back end remains one of the worst styling jobs ever offered. Historically weird. I remember being about 7 years old and seeing one that a neighbor owned and wondering why their car was so ugly. Figured it was old and they couldn’t afford a nice car. The owner was an old woman and the car was light green. No doubt a finely engineered and clearly comfortable car but the buying public ran in droves to buy other name plates based on the sales. Did anyone else think these were homely cars? Excellent work Adam, I enjoy how you find the good in almost anything you talk about even the Aztek. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for this one, Adam and Happy holidays ! Although these weren't big sellers in 1964, enough were sold to where they were a common sight on the roads and in parking lots through the '60s and much of the '70s.
The '64 Imperial looked awesome and was a big jump in styling, practical instrumentation panel (though the push-button gear changer not too good) and excellent seats, like U were sitting on lounge chairs at home, eh Adam😊👏
Merry Christmas Adam and family I read somewhere that the U S government wanted to standardize gear selectors prndlow for their fleet vehicles another reason to get rid of the pushbuttons You must have an amazing wife that doesn't mind your hobby
The mandate was to minimize the risk of someone shifting to reverse directly from drive. The Hydramatic NDLR quadrant also posed the same risk, where PRNDL doesn’t. Modern pushbutton selectors manage the risk through electronic logic circuits.
The only brand-new car my Dad ever bought was a '57 Plymouth Fury(?) with the fins. It had the pushbutton automatic trans. It was that ugly pastel green color that was so popular that year. It was the only LEMON that we ever owned! Never ran right. Worst were the pushbuttons for the trans that kept disappearing through and behind the dash, basically disabling the vehicle. Poor old Dad soon sold the Plymouth, and never bought a new car again. Always used cars with a known service record in excellent condition!
@@MarinCipollina The circular gauges, the wheel covers, the distinctive sculpture lines in the lower body, the curved area under the front valance the list goes on and on.
Adam never disappoints. Never. Another great video. Love those old Mopars. Merry Christmas. At 6:36 I see fan speeds on the temp slider, so I guess to turn on the blower you push/pulled the temp lever?
I grew up being driven around by my mom in a 1964 Imperial black with red seating leather the most years, with earlier period by two 1956 New Yorker's, my dad's having a 2 door and my mom having the much nicer condition 4 door. Push button transmission controls in both models. The New Yorker's had Hemi power plants. My dad got the Imperial because my mom's car threw a rod. Til my dad passed in 2010, my dad could not get over how, " your mother threw a rod from a Hemi", implying that she must have really been pushing it. I wasn't in the car when it happened so I don't know and mom says she doesn't have a clear memory of it...
I was surprised you felt the instrument panel felt similar going forward. I would say that single panel theme ended after 1968, myself. I also think it’s an interesting thing to point out that this is essentially a cosmetic refacing of the same basic underlying 1960-66 dash structure. Imperial did have a strong tradition of horizontal continental kits (flytesweep decklids) brought back in 1963 by customer demand after being dropped in ‘62 so I’m imagining that was why some kind of continental kit was probably requested in the design brief. Making it vertical in addition to Lincoln-izing it, probably helped minimize it and looked good with the rear propeller styling. As I’m sure you know, you are a few years too early to call it “Imperial by Chrysler.” And as someone mentioned in another comment, consumers were fine with the pushbuttons and they went away for other reasons (anticipated rules that never actually happened and maybe some cost savings, if I recall correctly, which I may not). I love your videos and am always delighted when I see you covering Imperials or Mopars. But then usually disappointed too that your details and research are usually noticeably less spot on for anything not GM. It makes sense, we all have our specialties, but…
64-66 Imperial is one of those few cars where I like it best as the 4 door. You pull up in one of these 4 door Imperials in a dark color that is immaculately polished with the WHITE white walls, step out in a nice suit, everybody knows you are THE BOSS. The slab sided 65-66 Cadillacs work really well as a formal/dark colored sedan as well, but I think the Imperials have that extra bit of swagger and flair. By 1965 I think Lincoln was at a dead end style wise. Okay we've seen the same car for 5 years now with different nose and butt jobs, they were out of ideas at this point and needed to start fresh with an all new car(that didn't come until 1970!!)
I find that the look of the interiors on a bunch of the 60's era cars are WAY nicer than what we have now.
All of them.
Absolutely right, but it would be tough to fit an air bag into any of those steering wheels.
@@craigbenz4835Survived many years without them !
@@craigbenz4835 No need for an airbag. Just drive carefully.
@@MUUKOW3 I agree. Same with seat belts.
A most scholarly work celebrating the Imperial. It is so refreshing to witness someone who is an expert at his subject material! Five Stars.
The background info on these cars requires much research and time to present. Thank you Adam!
Always such a pleasant, enjoyable, relaxing gentleman to listen to.
Mr. & Mrs. Milburn Drysdale come to mind.
Yeah, but the Drysdale's red convertible was a different vehicle in the Chryseler lineup.
@@Johnnycdrums You’re thinking of Miss Jane Hathaway’s car. The Drysdale ‘s were chauffeured around in an Imperial just like this and they called it their limousine.
The rear bumper is a masterpiece. The huge Imperial emblem in center is terrific. Tailights too. Well done. The Beverly Hillbillies made the Imperial famous. The Imperial convertible is fantastic. The current Chrysler 300 has to have the domestic record for a production vehicle design. It's 24 years old.
Yes, very well said
@@kevincostello3856 Hey now, the current Chrysler 300 design is only 19 years old! I had one from the year it was produced, 2005. Please don't make me feel older than I am. 😂
@@billolsen4360hahaha ok
Without a doubt, the 1964, 1965, and 1966 Imperials were a design home run. No luxury car built in America, aside from Lincoln at the time, could match the elegant simplicity of this design. Both the Lincoln and Imperial just made Cadillac look really old, bloated, and dated. Cadillac sure cleaned up their designs in a hurry after the '64 Imperial debuted. But even still, the 1965 Imperial line was by far the best luxury car built on the American scene. Who could forget those fabulous glassed-ensconced headlamps? I never understood why the public did not take more interest in these fresh, new Imperials. I don't think anyone really noticed that Chrysler and Engel cleverly kept the same cowl of the 1957 through 1963 Imperials. That of course, is the most expensive component of an automobile. Chrysler did save millions of dollars by keeping that cowl.
They were applauded by every automotive magazine for their superior handling and performance over the competition. Even though I was still a toddler in 1964, I could already recognize automobiles. Luckily, when I came of age to drive, my best friend and I went on many a drive, testing all of these luxury makes when they were just considered "used cars" in the late '70's. After driving the Imperials we found (often were Crown Coupes), we knew that the Imperials were the superior car.
Elwood Engel was a master, gifted designer. His designs to this day remain highly sought-after and fresh. That guy really yanked car design out of the bloated '50's. As most car enthusiasts know, Engel is responsible for the 1963 Ghia-bodied Chrysler Turbine car. You can see his Ford Thunderbird design all over that car!
I would have liked a v8 powered version of the Turbine car
I agree completely. It is a shame that this generation was replaced by the '67 unibody Chrysler twin.
I can’t unsee the windshield in these. It’s so clearly out of place with the rest of the car, and betrays the budget decision. Surely Engel would have preferred something more in keeping with the rest of the design language, but we don’t see that until the 65 Chrysler.
The early 1960s Cadillacs were fresh and futuristic looking when they were new, and have nothing to apologize for. They outsold the competition every year, so America agreed.
Totally agree. Amazing styling, true luxury, bulletproof power train. Today's plastic "luxury" sedans can't hold a candle. They can keep their computers and touch screens.
My first car was a '64 Imperial (Persian white), a gift from my parents when I graduated high school in 1975 (they went for a song by then; with gas mileage around 8-12 per gallon, no one wanted them). I could not polish it enough, and it gleamed its way through the disco era. 8 friends enjoyed the ride in real comfort...and the push-button transmission blew everyone away. Thanks, Adam, for the always-knowledgeable trip through another great classic car. 👍
What cool parents!
When I was a kid, those '64-'66 Imperials were some of my favorite cars.
Elwood Engle gets a lot of love for the Continental, but I think the Imperial is my favorite of the two. I think it's cool that he was able to take some basic elements from the conti and still make these imperials distinct and pretty impressive in their own right! These cars have an incredible presence. I love the almost dainty taillights on the big chunky rear end. That said, Engle did a ton of amazing work during his career. As far as the imperial interior, it was try one of the greats of this period. It's so clean and tasteful without looking dull. The door release handles are so neat! As far as engines, a big 4 barrel 413 and later 440 would be tough to argue with! The 64-66 imperials are overall some of my favorite cars of the mid 60s, and as far as I'm concerned, this was the period of time when imperial was every bit the equal of Lincoln and Cadillac- arguably in some ways, maybe the imperial was even better.
Also the 63 Imperial is a car that has grown on me a lot over the years. And is it just me, or are dash mounted ignitions super cool?
I agree!
Agree.. I think the Lebaron back window and C-pillar reminds me of the later 1980-1991 Cadillac Brougham. Caidillac put the wreath and crest where Imperial had the eagle. AND the wheel covers on the 1964 only reminds me the later standard wheel cover for the Brougham. My aunt bought a 1985 Fleetwood and for a short while had the standard wheel covers and got the wire wheel covers on order. I like the standard wheel cover better.
I have always considered the '64 Imperial absolutely magnificent. In my opinion, possibly the most beautiful car ever made. and I'm pretty much a Thunderbird guy! Thank you for a very informative presentation.
Wonderfulness. Makes me question why we cant have pretty cars made these days without plastics.
Here's why, they're afraid you'll be happy for a change and never by another.
I agree with your question.. why?
Until we can build our own reasonably.
I dont even mind plastic if we could some flair and color.
I‘ve always thought that the ‘64 - ‘65 Imperial interiors are without doubt some of the nicest ever produced by anyone.
Wonderful video as always, Adam! In 1992, I bought a 1966 Crown 4-door hardtop at an estate sale in Tulsa. It was silver with the silver brocade and black leather interior. I had the choice between that and a 1970 green Sedan deVille, same price. I think I made an excellent choice. The “100 year old Claro walnut” that lined the dash and doors gave the car an incredible warmth, and reminded me of the mid-century Danish modern look that was popular in the ‘60s. I couldn’t find leaded gas in the early nineties, so I had to put a bottle of tetraethyl lead and put it in the tank each time I filled up - I bought that stuff by the case. I can’t say enough nice things about that car. Ah, memories!
id say these are some of the most handsome, classy, well made american cars in history
I just got a tour of an auto collection in Las Vegas, totally stored in a warehouse which included not only four Briklins, but the best preserved 30 plus 69 to 71 mark 3s, I've ever seen. It also includes three 51 Kaisers, older Masaratis, 20 Buick regalias. It's an incredible find! I've been permitted to purchase one of the 71 mark iii, 24k miles, pristine, way under market. My mouth dropped open, when I enteted. A lincoln mark 3 is in my future. The deceased collector was a lincoln mark iii fanatic. I'm excited.
Are you going to buy it, or still negotiating?
@@Johnnycdrums buying. I did some service for the family of the deceased. Imagine a warehouse filled with 70s classics. There was a 74 mark iv, even a 79 mark v, pristine. Two rolls, i think they were 79. I'm not interested in the masartis
The family told me, take your pick. One of the mark iii, of course.
@@kevinfestner6126; You made the best choice.
Wow, what a find!
I own a '65 Crown Coupe. The fit and finish is remarkable. The interior with it's wood dash, trim and all leather interior is second to none.
The parents of a friend of mine had a 1966 Imperial Crown Coupe', with blue, satin leather bucket seats and console. It was so beyond the Cadillac and Lincoln of the era, it was really in a class by itself. Genuine walnut trim on the dash, doors, and even on the back of the front seats. Quite an unforgettable car.
I saw one of these when I was a kid at a car show. My Dad had restored a 1967 Plymouth Satellite and was showing it. An older gentleman had it and I loved it. It was beautiful, elegant, and understated. Truly one of the best cars I ever sat in.
I think that the 64 - 66 Imperial is the pinnacle of elegance!!! Just ask Milburn Drysdale!!! 👍👍☃️🎄🤶🎀
The cars in The Hillbillies were all made by Chrysler - even Jane Hathaway's.
I bought a used 1965 Chysler Le Baron 4dr HT...Everything was power, and it rode as smooth as Glass, but it was during the First Oil Crisis and the National speed Limit was 55MPH, seemed like I was Standing still going down the Highway in this Land Barge of a Car, only one of a few Chrysler Products I"ve owned and it was a Beautifil Midnight Blue and Buckskin Interior,Gas was about 68 cents a Gallon and the Large engine consumed a lot of fuel..PWR seats PWR Steering PWR vent windows PWE Antenna PWR Brakes etc Wow...loved that car......
One of my best buddies in school was the son of our little town's Chrysler dealer, so his folks would have Imperials from time to time, such as a black '64 that was real fun to ride in. My family had a green 56 Chevy 150 that didn't even have a radio, lol.
I prefer these Imperials to the Lincolns or Cadillacs. A sweet ride inside and out.
Thank-you for highlighting this beautiful, under-rated model year - especially the 2Dr/Convertible airline cockpit interior seats the clean and modern look, and lack of plastic.
I had a 64 Fury with a push button. auto loved it
That blue 64' Imperial convertible is stellar in my opinion, and much improved over the 63' Grand Paw version.
My favorite Imperials of all time are 1957-68 and 1974-75. I love those funky instrument panels with the unusually shaped steering wheels too. In fact I love them from all Chrysler divisions of that time. Thanks for the video. To me Imperials are underrated.
Headrests in 64', that's just crazy.
@@ericruud9328; Competition (can't believe I speelled it correctly),
does those kind of things on their own.
We don't need the Federal Government getting in the way of natural competition.
Lol, like the wildlife of nature, in we all we exist.
I remember seeing one of those as a kid back around 1980, and was fascinated with that rear end styling. And have never seen another one since! Saw lots of early '60's Continentals, though...
The 64-66 Imperial's were definitely the best and high water mark. When I was in high school, a guy in the next village over from me bought a black on black 64 LeBaron from an old woman. Car was flawless, garage kept, low miles. This was in the late seventies, and she asked $2000.00 for it. He felt bad, and gave her $3000.00. Middle aged guy, took excellent care of it. He later bought a rough Crown, ran but was for parts, just in case. He moved away in the late 80`s, took both cars with him. I always wondered what became of them?
I can never look at these cars and not be reminded of that classic old 60s sitcom, "The Beverley Hillbillies." Chrysler supplied the vehicles for the show and the banker, Milburn Drysdale, always had Imperials.
Merry Christmas to you and your family !
Merry Christmas Adam and thanks for another year of enlightening videos. 🙌🙌🙌🙌
Thanks Adam for exploring these superlative cars. Interior components were very well made, occasionally there were fitmentnissues. With its longer wheelbase leg room in the rear was excellent. They were great for road trips and easier to drive ( in my opinion) than their competitors though relinquishing some road isolation in the process. All Imperials of this era were tough going in pre-WWII garages!
Nicely presented views & commentary Adam 👍…The 1964 Imperials seemingly were 3 years too late as they would have been superb new for 1961 Imperials…The 1964 Imperial front end styling had / was the most distinctive of the 1964 - 1966 Imperials as it best referenced the 1st year 1955 Imperial’s split grille front end styling…The interiors in all 3 year 1964 - 1966 Imperials were exceptionally well constructed, crafted & detailed…Having personally owned a 1964 Crown Coupe, 2 1965 LeBarons and a 1966 Crown sedan I would state the 1964 Imperial’s interior was superbly crafted & detailed…While I liked the 1964 Imperial instrument panel with it’s last year for Push Button Controls TorqueFlite feature both1965 and 1966 Imperial dash and gage / control layouts were equally well done…1964 and 1965 Imperial seat design, styling & construction were superior to that found in / with the 1966 Imperials…The use of genuine Claro Walnut wood veneers for interior trim detailing was noticeably increased on the 1965 and 1966 Imperials…I would state the high quality materials used for the dash gages, controls and trim & assembly excellence for all 1964 - 1966 Imperials were / was simply superb…Auto-Pilot cruise control was easy to set and use and worked very well in a directly connected mechanical pre-electronic era sense…The 1964 - 1966 Imperials had many design and build carry-over elements from the all new for 1957 Imperial…The cowl, windshield, side vent wings, basic frame & chassis, Imperial specific wheels and 129 inch long wheelbase were all 1957 Imperial derived elements…The story and history of the stand alone 1955 - 1975 Imperials is a curving & oscillating mix of successes & failures…ChryCorp made some good and bad choices with long consequences that ultimately defined & declined Imperial as a luxury car & make. Absolutely the worst fate that befell 1957 - 1966 Imperials would be / was being ID’ed as & becoming for decades & incredibly still so here in year 2023 demolition derby smash & crash #1 stars…The “Incomparable” Imperials were indeed often just that…Thank you Adam for this brief and nicely presented 1964 Imperial “ take a look”👍…
✨Happy Holidays & New Year✨
The A pillar of the 64 through 66 Imperial owes nothing to Thunderbird. It is essentially the same as a 57 Imperial as is the compound curved windshield. That is because the frame and understructure were carried over. The front, and possibly the rear, door glass is also carried over. Hard to believe that the 61 and 64 Imperials are essentially the same car, a remarkable transformation. The switch to a column mounted, standardized gear shift quadrant was by Government mandate. It also eliminated the all-the-way-down Reverse gear positions of the Dynaflow and Hydramatic transmissions. Many people loved Mopar's push button drive and bought Chrysler built cars for that very reason.
Heres wishing you and yours the very happiest of Holidays.
My mother loved her 1960 bright red 2 door Dodge dart with the push button transmission. Drove it until 1968.
It was the C pillar that Adam mentioned was similar to the Thunderbird, not the A.
I gave my Mother a 62 Dart sedan, in 71, and she drove it for five or six years. Her favorite thing about it was the push button drive. @@frederickbooth7970
@@billmcdevitt1298not in my opinion.
Great vlog. The Imperials and Lincoln's were quite common in my neighborhood growing up. Love the convertibles!
Loved the 1965 refinements with the 100 yo claro walnut inlay on the dash.
You should do a video on the Imperial Crown Ghia limos and all that was involved in the making of those extraordinary cars. Maybe mention why some 59 Crown Ghias came with the 392 hemi as one of their "quirks."
If you search for 1964 Imperial Ghia on UA-cam, a few interesting videos come up.
I LOVED the “super kooky, free standing headlights” of the ‘62 Imperial. I also LOVED the free standing gun sight taillights! Call me old school! 😂
Adam, I always look forward to your videos. Their subject matter and production are well-researched and flawlessly-presented. The insights of less commonly-known design rationale (for example) are very insightful. These videos belong in automotive libraries or museums. I hope you never run out of material!!!!
Well done ! I learned some facts about one I just purchased , 1964 Crown 2 dr with a 413 . Just doing a detail and now has 2 inch black fur carpet throughout with custom consol etc. She's an old school sled screaming for some graphics .thanks for the vid.
I didn't know that "cruise control" was available back in the mid 60s. Interesting.
Even the 1950s
The Green Hornet Black Beauty (65) was a Imperial.
I'm a car guy that likes all automobiles but, the 50's and 60's American cars had some of the most beautiful designs ever. Although the '37 Cord still one of my all time favs. And back in those days they had so many exterior and interior color choices.
Nice. The '63 Buick Riviera had a beautiful interior as well.
Merry Christmas 🎄
This generation of Imperial was magnificent!
Now I've got an ear worm, that being the swanky guitar playing as Mr Drysdale pulls up in his Imperial motor car on the Beverly Hill Billies tv show.😊
Hey Kenttalsma7906, I would watch Hillbilly reruns to see the fabulous Chryslers
I got a ride home from high school one day from my friend's father in a '64 Imperial. It was a nice blue. They were from the "good" side of town. I played with the electric windows all the way home.
Those are some of the few 1960’s Chrysler Dodge cars I never got to drive or ride in. Love the look.
Panel was even more awesome illuminated during night driving
About the push button transmission - my parents had a 56 Plymouth Belvedere and a 61 Dodge Dart. That had the push buttons and they loved them.
Exner was the fall guy. 1962 is all Chrysler President Lester Colbert's fault. Last second downsizing trying to fit bigger car styling onto a smaller car. Colbert was a piece of work. From Hemmings:
In addition, the Colbert era saw Chrysler join the compact ranks with the Dodge Lancer and Plymouth Valiant--both powered by the immortal Slant Six engine--and Chrysler widen its footprint in American motorsports. And then came 1960. Colbert had ascended to Chrysler's chairmanship and named William Newberg as his successor, in Keller fashion. Almost immediately, Newberg resigned. It turned out he had raked in $450,000 from suppliers in which he had a hidden interest. Newberg repaid it, but sued Colbert, blaming him for Chrysler's mismanagement. The suit was ultimately settled, but not before the syndicated columnist Drew Pearson revealed that Colbert's wife owned shares in a supplier that she dumped right before Newberg's ouster.
The board canned him in 1961 and allowed him to play the string out as Chairman of the Board of Chrysler Canada until retirement. He was a cheat, screwed up a model year (the 62s were ok'd before 62), was fired, but still given a golden parachute.
Vey interesting.
I like the '62s now when I see them. With the plastic sameness of current vehicles the 62s are interesting to me
Exner was the fall guy. He never would have chopped his beloved fins off so dramatically without being pressured to do so. I would look into the circumstances of his firing a little closer if I were you…..
Another exterior visual connection that the '64 Imperial had to FoMoCo can be seen in the 1960 Edsel, at least as far as the front end goes. The Edsel also had a split horizontal grille and quad headlights floating in the grille. The two grilles on the Edsel were separated by chrome trim rather than painted sheet metal, but the effect is very similar. The '60 Edsel looked much better than the two previous years, IMO, but there was no hope of saving it as a model by that point.
The Imperial's interior of that year is one of my favorites. Thanks for highlighting it in this video, Adam. I personally prefer the looks of the '64 Imperial to the beautiful '61 Continental, but both are the among the best looking luxury cars of that era.
Merry Christmas Adam!
Thank you Adam. I watched the video. I liked the 1964 Imperial. This one is iconic because it was Green Hornet's car, used on many television series of the era( Batman for one example). I am referencing the car used by Milburn Drysdale on Beverly Hillbillies. This video was thought out and well put together. I caught the reference to later Imperials. I knew about the styling being influenced by Lincoln Continental as well as it is quote evident. When that designer when to Chrysler he made a difference. Thank you for the interesting and detailed video.
Elwood Engle curiously preferred straight lines. His original design for the 1961 Lincoln Continental had a straight line design. There was no upkick at the C-pillar. The 1964 Imperial also had a straight line at the belt line. An "unknown" stylist added the upkick.
Curiously also Virgil Exner was first in the 1950s with the double grille later used by Pontiac. Chrysler seemed to feel intimidated by GM. The 1965 Plymouth Fury seemingly copied Pontiac but did not use a divided grille even though that was an Exner design element several years before Pontiac (stole?) used that design. Studebaker used the double port grille in the early 1950s. Exner worked for Studebaker. Every American car maker copied the T-bird C-pillar. The early T-bird had a fiberglass roof which was "naturally" squarish. The shape was around but Ford squared it off.
The 1964 Imperial front grille was considered by many to be a copy of Pontiac when actually the design could be considered based on the 1955 Imperial and Chrysler.
Also, it amazes me that Engle used the V-roof design on 1965 and 1966 large body Plymouth and Dodge and Chrysler 2-door hardtops, except for the New Yorker. In my opinion this V-roof design ruins the straight-lined styling of Engle for those automobiles. IMHO the hardtop design of the 1965 2-door New Yorker works out fine. The V-roof is terrible on those cars. I would have walked away and not purchased the V-roof cars. (Repeat: Exner did not approve of the 1962 "plucked chickens". Look at the 1962 Plymouth. "Plucked chicken" is the perfect description Exner used. Exner did not use that description for all non-finned cars as is wrongly quoted. Source: Allpar dot com.)
I personally love the antique cars interior way better than today in 2023 the old cars are awesome 👍
I've never seen a classic car with such modern looking headrests.
Thank you for the video Adam
Beautiful cars
Merry Christmas to you and everyone close to you
The instrument panel on the 1964 Opel Kapitan/Diplomat series from GM Germany shares this elegant theme with the Imperial as well as other American designed/influenced cars of the time, especially the steering wheel!
On the Imperial I really like the Barracuda-style split front grill!
These vehicles bring up memories of the Beverly Hillbilies. Specifically Mr. Drysdale and Ms. Hathaway.
You nailed it again, thank you, Merry Christmas 😊
Nice video Adam. A couple of important things to point out…the steering wheel cast piece mimics the dashboard casting (wide with vertical ribs) and carries the theme through the car from the rear “propeller” bumper that also had a very tasteful brushed aluminum inset with vertical ribs. I’m surprised you don’t talk about the aircraft-style seats with unique clam shell rear covers and headrests as these were noteworthy for the Imperial 64-66. Finally, I believe the 64-66 Imperial bodies continued to be assembled across Jefferson Ave at the Kercheval facility as they were still body-on-frame construction whereas all other Chryslers had transitioned to unibody as had the assembly line. Once Imperial bodies were complete, they were transported via a fully-enclosed conveyor across the street for the marriage with the chassis at the Jefferson Ave plant.
I believe that these Imperials also used the same windshield as the '58 Plymouth Fury you showed at the beginning!
That's crazy if true.
@@Johnnycdrums I think it was Steve Magnante who pointed that out in one of his videos. The Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth, all used a newer design before Imperial did. The Fury is shown @00:18, while the most illustrative picture of the Imperial is @9:23. Also the red Chrysler @1:46 uses that windshield as well.
@@DanEBoyd; Chrysler had a good mechanical thing going on.
Awesome. My neighbors up the street had one, a LeBaron. It was beautiful inside and out, garage kept for at least 35 years. They say they got it at the 1964 NY Worlds fair - about a 2 hour ride from here. Wonderful car.
at 4:27 what is that silver box under the dash with one slider control and one rotary control. Maybe an optional 8-Track?
Looked more like a cassette deck to me. It's almost certainly aftermarket.
Not in 64'.
My spouse had a 2015 Lincoln MKZ with a push button transmission on the dashboard. I really think that this is the best way to go for pure automatics.
Column shifters are awkward, and console shifters are cool, [My '14 Porsche 981 Cayman S PDK has one and I prefer it], but they use up space. I had a friend with a '15 Honda Pilot SUV and it had the shifter on the dashboard like a Citroen; It was just like a console design, but mounted vertically on the dash to the right of the steering wheel. The WORST are the stupid Chrysler designs that use a mini shifter, and you move it to get into gear. These have caused dozens of accidents, including the one that killed Anton Yelchin, the young actor that portrayed Pavel Checkov in the 2009 movie Star Trek. Anton apparently got out of his Jeep Grand Cherokee and put it into park on the way out. Only...He didn't. He accidentally put it into neutral and as he was opening his garage door via the code pad, the car rolled forward down a slope and crushed him against the wall. Basically, you move the little hinged lever backwards and forwards to get it into gear, an utterly STUPID design, since you have to look at it to tell what gear you are in.
YES us humans are THAT stupid. Thus I think the pushbutton controls for the transmission are a great idea.
Everybody makes foolish mistakes sooner or later, and sometines it's fatal.
Yes that Chrysler shifter is/was terrible. Pushing it all the way forward didn't mean it went in Park, unlike just about every other shifter. I was in a newer Cadillac SUV something recently - it had an almost as stupid shifter.
We had a '64 Crown. Great car. Other than the AC compressor going AWOL, no repairs. For panels, hard to beat '65 full size Pontiacs, and '60's T-Birds.
Even though the '64 had to use the old car's windshield/cowl area forward, it's the best looking Imperial ever, to my eye.
First job, 1972 pumping gas. One boss had a black 66 Imperial . His partner had a 1978 Imperial 4 door dark green, tinted bullet-proof glass that had been a embassy car for Brazil in Ottawa. Both would still be cool today. The 78 did better burnouts than the 66. (done by the owners). It was the best part -time job on the planet for this 15 year old!
My fav … green hornet
That 1963 dashboard is one that I would put into a hotrod. Really cool.
That engine is jam-packed full of HOT green anti-freeze!
i love these!
The old "Push and Pray" transmission buttons.
Don’t forget how these ‘64-‘66 Imperials drove. With the torsion bar front suspension, chassis isolated with butyl rubber mounting points, and 235 pounds of sound deadening (245 in ‘65 and ‘66), these cars were regal in deportment as they glided down the road.
Adam Merry Christmas from Canada. I enjoy your channel.
I have always appreciated these cars. This is a great dashboard, I agree, though I do like the later version with the real wood a bit better. Classy all the way.
Elwood Engle is an American styling icon. His name should be known much more than it is.
These were truly great cars. I think the reason they never sold all that well was the way Chrysler failed to market them. Often times dealerships were Chrysler, Plymouth and Imperial? Dodge dealers stood alone. GM did it right, cadillac dealers stood alone, and always have. IMO these were better cars than both Caddy and Lincolns. Butter smooth TorqueFlights that still offered a very positive downshift when needed, were quiet robust. The 413 and later 440s burned premium fuel and were always 4bbls. They offered smooth quiet effortless acceleration. Auto Pilot was a Chrysler exclusive. Later cars would move the dash control to the turn signal stalk which the entire industry followed. Adam was also correct about how sturdy these cars were. I recall when I was in gradeschool that my grandfather and I saw the remnants of a bad car accident, and he said "It looks like that car got hit by an Imperial!"
Merry Christmas Adam, thank you for all the effort you put into these all year....truly masterclasses in the auto industry...its such a shame now, few have any design or color effort for $100k!
My favorite of all Imperials. Liked the Lincoln but I thought the Lebaron trim was very nice. Love the eagle on c pillar and the smaller Limo like window at the back. . 2:24 in my favorite view. Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham of 1980 and up had the same look, regarding the c-pillar and back window. Even the turbine looking wheel cover on the standard Fleetwood looks similar to the 1964 Imperial turbine.
That's a beautiful car.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to U and Your Family, Adam🌲🎅🎁🎊🎉😀🙌🙏
In those days, if you were in a Continental, you knew you were in a Continental.
Nothing was finer than a Cadillac those years.
Love the channel and high quality reviews and facts about anything you do. I read the comments section and so many positive remarks about these. For sure some based on personal attachment and significant association in peoples lives but I just can’t imagine buying one of these against a 1964 Cadillac or Lincoln. Its only opinion but the back end remains one of the worst styling jobs ever offered. Historically weird. I remember being about 7 years old and seeing one that a neighbor owned and wondering why their car was so ugly. Figured it was old and they couldn’t afford a nice car. The owner was an old woman and the car was light green. No doubt a finely engineered and clearly comfortable car but the buying public ran in droves to buy other name plates based on the sales. Did anyone else think these were homely cars? Excellent work Adam, I enjoy how you find the good in almost anything you talk about even the Aztek. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for this one, Adam and Happy holidays ! Although these weren't big sellers in 1964, enough were sold to where they were a common sight on the roads and in parking lots through the '60s and much of the '70s.
The '64 Imperial looked awesome and was a big jump in styling, practical instrumentation panel (though the push-button gear changer not too good) and excellent seats, like U were sitting on lounge chairs at home, eh Adam😊👏
Merry Christmas Adam and family
I read somewhere that the U S government wanted to standardize gear selectors prndlow for their fleet vehicles another reason to get rid of the pushbuttons
You must have an amazing wife that doesn't mind your hobby
For all we know he's single.. Or gay.. Not that it matters..
The mandate was to minimize the risk of someone shifting to reverse directly from drive. The Hydramatic NDLR quadrant also posed the same risk, where PRNDL doesn’t.
Modern pushbutton selectors manage the risk through electronic logic circuits.
The only brand-new car my Dad ever bought was a '57 Plymouth Fury(?) with the fins. It had the pushbutton automatic trans. It was that ugly pastel green color that was so popular that year. It was the only LEMON that we ever owned! Never ran right. Worst were the pushbuttons for the trans that kept disappearing through and behind the dash, basically disabling the vehicle. Poor old Dad soon sold the Plymouth, and never bought a new car again. Always used cars with a known service record in excellent condition!
I believe that many of these styling cues found their way into the Chevette.
The Chevrolet Chevette shared styling cues with a 1964 Imperial ?? Seriously? Name one.
@@MarinCipollina The circular gauges, the wheel covers, the distinctive sculpture lines in the lower body, the curved area under the front valance the list goes on and on.
Adam never disappoints. Never. Another great video. Love those old Mopars. Merry Christmas. At 6:36 I see fan speeds on the temp slider, so I guess to turn on the blower you push/pulled the temp lever?
My banker Mr. Mooney drove one of these Imperials.
Enjoyed.
It was an awesome car. That Gen.
I grew up being driven around by my mom in a 1964 Imperial black with red seating leather the most years, with earlier period by two 1956 New Yorker's, my dad's having a 2 door and my mom having the much nicer condition 4 door. Push button transmission controls in both models. The New Yorker's had Hemi power plants. My dad got the Imperial because my mom's car threw a rod. Til my dad passed in 2010, my dad could not get over how, " your mother threw a rod from a Hemi", implying that she must have really been pushing it. I wasn't in the car when it happened so I don't know and mom says she doesn't have a clear memory of it...
I was surprised you felt the instrument panel felt similar going forward. I would say that single panel theme ended after 1968, myself. I also think it’s an interesting thing to point out that this is essentially a cosmetic refacing of the same basic underlying 1960-66 dash structure. Imperial did have a strong tradition of horizontal continental kits (flytesweep decklids) brought back in 1963 by customer demand after being dropped in ‘62 so I’m imagining that was why some kind of continental kit was probably requested in the design brief. Making it vertical in addition to Lincoln-izing it, probably helped minimize it and looked good with the rear propeller styling. As I’m sure you know, you are a few years too early to call it “Imperial by Chrysler.” And as someone mentioned in another comment, consumers were fine with the pushbuttons and they went away for other reasons (anticipated rules that never actually happened and maybe some cost savings, if I recall correctly, which I may not). I love your videos and am always delighted when I see you covering Imperials or Mopars. But then usually disappointed too that your details and research are usually noticeably less spot on for anything not GM. It makes sense, we all have our specialties, but…
I’d say similar through 73
64-66 Imperial is one of those few cars where I like it best as the 4 door. You pull up in one of these 4 door Imperials in a dark color that is immaculately polished with the WHITE white walls, step out in a nice suit, everybody knows you are THE BOSS. The slab sided 65-66 Cadillacs work really well as a formal/dark colored sedan as well, but I think the Imperials have that extra bit of swagger and flair. By 1965 I think Lincoln was at a dead end style wise. Okay we've seen the same car for 5 years now with different nose and butt jobs, they were out of ideas at this point and needed to start fresh with an all new car(that didn't come until 1970!!)