Stored 30 Years: 1963 Imperial LeBaron
It’s hard to argue with the condition of this 1963 Imperial LeBaron, at least given that it’s six decades old now. The seller only shows one photo of the exterior (!) and that’s a crying shame. It looks so nice from the random assortment of photos that we had to show it. It’s posted here on craigslist in Rio Vista, California and they’re asking $5,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to ToddK for the tip!
It’s not New Year’s yet, but if I had one wish for 2024 it would be for sellers to SHOW MORE PHOTOS ON CRAIGSLIST ADS!!! (sorry for yelling) There are so many great vehicles being listed but the photos are rarely what most of us are hoping to see for vehicles that we most likely will only see online before making a purchase. I think that by now, almost everyone has a camera phone of some kind and they should be able to produce decent photos and plenty of them. There is no additional charge to load up your craigslist ad with photos but sellers rarely do that for some reason. Enough of that, back to this great-looking Imperial.
And great looking it is. I don’t really see a flaw on or in this car that couldn’t be corrected by a thorough cleaning and detail job. Chrysler made the Imperial its own model, or brand, beginning in 1955 and it lasted until 1975. It came back again for the last Imperial run from 1981 to 1983. Maybe our own Todd Fitch will give us an update on his amazing Imperial one of these days. He really gave it a fantastic and reliable new life.
The second-generation Imperial was made for model years 1957 through 1966 and they changed tremendously during that time. The sleek rear treatment and tail lights of the 1963 Imperial were starkly different from the 1962 cars. Full power features were standard on the Imperial LeBaron and this interior makes me weep like a child it’s so beautiful, and it’s red! The seller says that this car has had just one owner and was stored for almost 30 years. The LeBaron was the top model and this car would be fun to own at what seems like a very reasonable price.
As always, this is where I’d show an engine photo but the seller didn’t bother to pop the hood to show us the big, beautiful Chrysler 413-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had 340 horsepower. It sent that power through a three-speed Torqueflite transmission to the rear wheels. The seller says that it “runs beautiful” and this car has never been restored. Would any of you pay $5,000 for this Imperial based on the photos and description?
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Comments
Now THIS is a great starter classic for someone. Timeless styling. Clean it up and drive it! Too bad it might balk and leave you stranded on today’s gasoline blends…..
This looks so complete and the pedals look completely unworn. Someone is going to get a great project.
If I wasn’t so old with one street rod,I would go for it.I had a 74 Chrysler and loved that.Nice car.
Too bad we can’t examine much on the exterior and none on the engine. But the interior looks great. Chrysler spent lots of effort on styling the instrument cluster and dash, and it looks very 60’s-cool.
Thank you Scotty.
And if the steering wheel was turned right side up, they are the most fantastic looking ones out there.
that 413 is bullet proof along with the torque flight trans, many years ago I built my first street rod using the Identical driveline.
Omg that dashboard is redonkulous. Lol
It’s as big as a whale and it’s about to set sail!
Channeling my inner Schwarzenegger:
“It’s not. It’s not a Chrysler.”
Exactly RIGHT!! IMPERIAL was a SEPARATE MAKE and DIVISION
from Chrysler.
At one time it was, but in 1955 , IMPERIAL was SPLIT OFF from the Chrysler brand/Division…and registered as a SEPARATE DISTINCT MAKE of car.
This is an HISTORICAL FACT.
That’s why it burns me to hear people refer to IMPERIALS as “Chryslers.”
For they are NOT.
But IT WILL BE BACK!
Great reference OIL SLICK! Hopefully someone’s girlfriend was not Tin Roof Rusted!
Love it
If this car wasn’t thousands of miles away, I would be going to get it today! I think it is a steal @ 5k. What a grand entrance to the classic auto scene you could make in this boat, and bring 5 friends along comfortably.
Seems like a good price! I’m sure there are loads of little jobs to do getting it reliable and safe while going to cruises. These cars will always draw a crowd!
You could fit at least 4 bodies in that trunk.
The Claret Red pearlescent leather interior looks great! The 1963 model benefited from much improved Interior designs, including a return of armrest storage compartments and, for the first time, courtesy lights in the door panels.
Finally, in 1963 Imperials had modern Bendix 11×3 drum brakes with auto-adjusters and a conventional parking brake system. This LeBaron is a bargain at that price!
Thanks for the additional info, Bryan!
Beautiful car. I feel it calling me since my Mustang is white with red interior. If it were a two door convertible and closer I’d be seriously tempted. Good luck to the new owner.
In 1978, I took my driver’s license test in a 1963 Imperial (I passed!) Parallel parking a car this size IS an achievement. But my god what a smooth riding and actually nice handling car for it’s size and age. Better even as a 15 year old luxury “barge” than a ’78 Lincoln Town Car was as new! ’57-’66 Imperials were and are underated machines!
Owned a ’63 Crown for 25 years – my floorjack hated it.
My god what a dash . Houston we have ignition . Space age wonder car. Like a Mk4 Lincoln.
My father drove a ’63 Crown, white, just like this. Later traded it for a ’66. Both were beauties.
My ultimate dream cars are 61 DeSoto and 61 LEBARON. GRAND FINALE FOR EXNERS FABULOUS FINNED FANTASIES FOR CHRYSLER. This 63 looks to be a great buy. 63 was last year before Engel moved from Ford to Chrysler, bringing Lincoln influence to Imperial. For me the limo look roof really sets off the image of a formal sedan and kicks it above the rest of the Imperial lineup! As advertised, The Incomparable Imperial! 👑
I’m not in the market for a Chrysler Imperial, albeit this vehicle and the price they are asking does make it tempting. As said though, it would have been nice to see a few more pics, and especially under the hood, trunk, and body.
Arrrrrgh, I knew it would happen, the seller deleted the ad. Which one of you grabbed it?
Whoever got it is one very savvy and fortunate individual. This LEBARON is a Truly INCOMPARABLE 👑 Imperial