It’s interesting to see what floats one’s boat, automotive-wise. Sometimes it’s a brand and sometimes it’s a model within the brand and that’s exactly what we have here, a collection of five 1956 Chrysler Imperials. They’re in various different states of condition, so let’s check them out. Located in Morrill, Maine, all five are available, here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $25,000, OBO. There’s an additional listing here on Uncle Henry’s.

OK, upfront, we know these are really not Chrysler Imperials, they are Imperials, produced by Chrysler Corporation. Always overshadowed by their Cadillac and Lincoln counterparts, the Imperial seemed to take more pride in promoting its engineering excellence and less in promoting itself in the thick of snooty, overdressed, big head affairs that were only available to those who breathed the rarified air of the upper echelon. Nevertheless, the imperial never sold in numbers close to what Cadillac and Lincoln could generate. And speaking of numbers, about 10K Imperials found new homes in ’56.

Offered in four-door hardtop and sedan body styles, along with a two-door hardtop, our treasure trove is comprised of only four-door sedans. Three, such as this black sedan, have a 280 gross HP 354 CI “Hemi” V8 engine. In this case, the Imperial’s engine has been rebuilt and is waiting for reinstallation.

As can be seen, some are undercover and some are out in the open so we’ll assume that those left out in the weather may be more afflicted with rust and deterioration. The above example, unfortunately, is missing lots of its trim and the windows have been left open – not the best environment for the interior and the floors. One of the most distinctive styling features of the ’56 Imperial is the stand-up “gun-sight” taillight (viewable through the open driver’s side window), perched on the top edge of the rear portion of the quarter panels. It’s an Imperial trademark item and something that would probably never be allowed today due to some convoluted one-in-a-million possibility of an injury.

The seller states, “All chrome on most of them, many extra parts” and as you can see, there are numerous parts present in the foreground but there is no word if there is an inventory of what’s available and what’s not. This particular Imperial’s engine was running when parked – current operating capability is unknown.

The white Imperial pictured above is the third member of the collection that is still powered but the seller does not know if the engine is operable. The horizontal surfaces are sunburned but the chrome and trim still show well. The concern would be the underside as it’s buried up to its rocker panels. Rodent residing is a possibility too.

So there you have it! If you ever considered having a collection instead of building a collection, in one fell swoop, here’s your chance. All five may not be salvageable but the three that are powered may have a future with parts from the remaining two. So tell me, do any readers collect just a specific model of automobile?