Bob Hope’s Ride! 1969 Chrysler Imperial Limousine
All of Chrysler’s full-size cars were redesigned for 1969, taking on a “fuselage” look that would dominate styling for the next few years. Already a big car, when these Imperials were converted into limousines, 30 additional inches were added between the wheels. Bob Hope was a long-time spokesman for Chrysler and this car was at his disposal when he was working commercials for them in Hollywood. This one has an interesting story, with the seller having high “hopes” for the machine that never came to fruition. Located now in Burlington, North Carolina, this land yacht in fair survivor condition is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $23,100. There is a reserve to compete with or you could just hand over $33,000 and call it a day.
Along with George Burns and Kirk Douglas, Bob “Thanks for the Memory” Hope was one of Hollywood’s icons that managed to live at least 100 years. During much of his life – at least 25 years – he was the face of Chrysler (before Lee Iacocca). They sponsored several of his television programs and specials. While he was filming ads for them in Hollywood in the late 1960s, Bob had use of a limo provided by Chrysler that was built by Armbruster-Stageway Coach Builders. This is one of six that were built by the company for Chrysler. It transported Ole Bob from his home in Palm Springs to Los Angeles and back on the days he was filming.
As the story goes, once this Hope/Chrysler contract was fulfilled, the car was sold to Barker Motors a Chrysler dealer in Eugene, Oregon. They kept it until 1980 and it changed hands again until the seller ran across it in Seattle, Washington last year. The plan was for the seller’s family to use it for an extended road trip between Washington State and North Carolina, stopping along the way at various museums and other historical locations. Unfortunately, COVID-19 popped up and those plans were scrapped with the seller instead shipping the limo to himself in North Carolina, where it is now.
The Chrysler has been used for local jaunts and most everything works. The heater is on the fritz and the A/C may need charging. The gas gauge quit working (you probably don’t want to watch it move every five miles you drive anyway). The Imperial has Chrysler’s 440 cubic inch V8 with a 727 automatic transmission and Dana 60 rear end. There are no known other mechanical issues.
Presumably the original paint and vinyl top, both have seen better days. Rust isn’t a big issue with its roots from out West, but surface rust is present, especially where the paint has faded. It’s a driver-quality car that a respray and some other cosmetic attention could make it look like something Mr. Hope would be happy to tool around in again. The seller is a vintage car collector – with an emphasis on Mopar’s – and his wares are visible online. When Bob rode with Chrysler, he went in style. This limo has glass dividers, rear-facing companion seats behind the divider, a center bar console with a decanter and six glasses, a rear radio, and passenger heat/air controls. Get a load of the early “cell” phones!
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Comments
Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle -Bob Hope
Now this is what 4 doors are purposed for.
The cell phone is for driver to passenger talking
Occasionally the driver and passenger are in 2 different time zones.
You left out the best part of the story on this car. The current owner is none other than Dodge racing legend Herb McCandless. For those unfamiliar with Mr McCandless there was a wonderful 4 part history released on YouTube earlier this summer, well worth watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwiZKEJK4O8&ab_channel=McCandlessAntiqueAuto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53bDsX9MOew&ab_channel=McCandlessAntiqueAuto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94CG8vxtz54&ab_channel=McCandlessAntiqueAuto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cLqWEvBBpU&ab_channel=McCandlessAntiqueAuto
Doesn’t that appear to be a TV antenna on the roof?
That’s a Sony VCA-1 antenna from that era. Looks like there’s a spot on top of that stereo console for a TV, minus the TV.
These VCA-1 antennas were an option on the Hurst SSJ Grand Prixs, as well as a variety of Lincolns and Cadillac (and just about anything else a customer wanted) converted by WISCO (and others).
Why oh why do I have so little faith in the ‘sellers’ description of of the history of vehicle they are selling? Just sayin’……
And I don’t have faith in an A/C that just “…just needs a recharge.”
You obviously don’t know who the current owner of this car is. Do a google search for Herb McCandless, then watch the 4pt documentary on him on YouTube.
Described it as it was sold to me. I let it go for way less than I paid. I’m a well known collector in the space. Anyone buying knows they’re getting an honest assessment.
It’s a well known car within the imperial club. It takes 5 seconds on google to verify the details. I also have a bit of reputation in the collecting world that I’m surely not going to jeopardize over a 20-30k car. The future owner will not be disappointed in the car. I’m clearing space, my loss is his gain.
Hey Jerry – The Legendary Mopar drag racer / engine builder, Herb McCandless, would and could “shut you down”. He is the owner/seller of this wild limo and tells no lies.
Herb is my Dad, I’m the one selling it :)
Notice the blue Sweptside truck in the picture that shows the back of the limo.
That’s an AP3 out of Australia.
That’s an AP3, imported in from Australia. Uses a lot of old plymouth parts from the early 50’s, but is actually a mid 60’s build. There is an AP2 hiding on the other side.
Mike that is the ute version of the Chrysler Royal sedan. It is called a Wayfarer.
That blue Ute looks like an Aussie Chrysler Wayfarer AP3
And, a Lil Red too, further over.
Looks like a 1971 to me. Shouldn’t the title have that right?
The ‘9’ in the sixth digit of the VIN indicates it is a 1969 model. Perhaps the cosmetics were updated in 1971 to present the car’s appearance as a current model for the owner.
It’s actually the first one built, but they would do updates.
For the money, this is certainly worth a lot more than the various rusted out Chevelle SS’s often featured here.
As Bob Hope would sing…”Thanks For The Memory.”
Good one
Great find and an interesting post. That AC compressor is sure massive for such a large car and I’m sure more is needed than just a charge. I just read an article saying Hope was one of Johnny Carsons least favorite guests. Surprising, because he was on Carson quite a bit. Carson complained that Hope was so dependant on his writers that it was nearly impossible to really interview and talk to him.
Johnny got tired of Hope not wearing his hearing aids later on so he stopped inviting him to his show. The what’s? Hugs? What was that? Carson even asked him to wear them.
Love it .….Land Yacht
It sold for $23,800. I think that’s fair considering the car will need an extremely expensive paint job on top of some rust and mechanical repairs to make it a condition 3- car.
Barn Finds commonly shows us something that sells the same day.
???
Barn Finds does this ALL THE TIME! Why post about a car when the auction ends hours later???? Pure frustration! WHY WHY WHY????
We try to get them out with more time but sometimes it’s not possible. If you become a member, you can see everything as soon as it’s scheduled.
1964 Ad Bob Hope American Tourister Luggage with Imperial
https://www.periodpaper.com/products/1964-ad-bob-hope-american-tourister-luggage-a-roberts-original-advertising-090239-tm6-805
If I understand the story correctly bob hope never actually owned this car. He Might have ridden in it at some point. Not really a Bob Hope car then.
Supposedly Bob Hope was an MK Ultra mind control handler. Either way I never liked him…too much of an attention hog. Would have made a great used car salesman though!
How can you dislike a guy that gave so much of his personal time to entertain our valued members of the armed forces overseas?
It sold for $23,800.
I can just hear, Thanks for the memories on the AM/8 track in the rear, that phone in front is not a dialer, it’s an intercom, I think the A/C will be a nightmare
It’s going to Canada
No longer available
Can you imagine having to drop the gas tank on this beast and replace the correct fuel sending unit and all the hoses? They said fuel gauge wasn’t working so its usually what that entails. Damn someones gonna have their hands full of work.