Stunning Drop-Top! 1966 Imperial
Though built by Chrysler and in the family for ages, the 1955 to 1975 Imperials were branded separately. The idea was to make it seem more exclusive than its main competitors, Cadillac, and Lincoln. This 1966 convertible might be the nicest one left and could have as few as 36,000 miles. A survivor-quality automobile, this Imperial is in Ramsey, New Jersey, and available through a dealer here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $25,100 and the Buy It Now price is $49,800.
At the time of its production, the 1966 Imperial was the first U.S.-built car to have computer-managed quality control checks during the assembly process. Referred to as the Dynamic Quality Control System, we’re told that an IBM computer was at the crux of things. Shades of things to come as all cars built today have computers directing the assembly line. So, this was another thing that Chrysler was doing to separate the Imperial from the rest of Chrysler.
The cars were redesigned for 1964-66 and that’s when the Imperial gained fame on a lesser scale to the Batmobile. Known as Black Beauty, a modified Imperial hardtop was used in the TV show, The Green Hornet, where Van Williams and Bruce Kato were mysterious crime fighters in a similar vein as Adam West and Burt Ward, but without Batman’s campy approach. Unlike Batman, The Green Hornet only lasted a single season.
As a dealer is involved, a little history of this ’66 Imperial is known. It’s a drop-top where just 514 copies were built (the seller says 551; either way, very few were built). The mileage is low, and the convertible top is original, and we’re told that reproductions are no longer available. Has this car been restored? Maybe, although the interior is showing some age with light cracking in the leather, adding to an assumption that this is an original vehicle. Rarer than a Caddy, is one of these Chryslers worth upwards of $50k?
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Comments
Yes.
The Green Hornet car. Almost. But it is green.
Your turn, Richie
Mr. Drysdale’s convertible!!!
Not much to fault based on the pics. Cold AC on one of these is extremely rare! Color is unusual. Being at a dealership makes it absolutely necessary to check thoroughly in person.
No where near $49,800. Equally fine examples of convertibles are begging for $30,000 from private sellers.
I don’t understand why some people have trouble realizing the concept of period correct whitewalls on these mid, and late ’60’s classics. I’ll leave it there.
Have to figure in new tires on the purchase.
Ditto, 1 inch white wall would be fine. Same thing with the recent white Rolls Royce. I had a 52 Imperial in high school with wide white walls which were “period correct”.
I love wide whites, the wider the better!
Beautiful Imperial, I think I would prefer a narrow white wall over the wide one that’s on there but a white wall belongs on this car
Beginning in 1962, new cars with white walls were all narrow ones.
Not on Studebaker. They were still pretty wide.
Studebakers did have wide whitewalls on their vehicles for one more year, and then changed to the narrow ones in 1963. They must have missed the memo from the tire manufacturers. lol
Tires? Who cares. This is a beautiful rare automobile that should be appreciated.
The tires should enhance the look of this beautiful car, not overdraw it.
Ed, I 100% agree with you. Who effing cares. I wouldn’t mind, even if they were recaps. they are just…..tires.
It was Bruce Lee, not Bruce Kato
They had thin white walls because ours came from the factory with them.
This brings back memories, as 40 years ago I found an equally stunning low-mileage ’65 Imperial convertible with about 30,000 miles, 1 owner, only driven in good weather, never any rain or snow. Paid $2,500 because it was just a 20 year old used car. Mine was triple black.
The only problem with the car; wearing shorts, with the top down, and forgetting about the sun drenched black leather seats, as you sit down!