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Tag: Jeep Grand Wagoneer

30-YEAR OWNERSHIP: 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with 71,500 Miles

If you’ve been looking for a really nice Grand Wagoneer with low miles, here it is. One owner from new until 2014. Beautiful Deep Night Blue exterior with excellent “wood” siding and nearly new looking Caramel leather interior. Carpet and headliner both original and excellent. Car was rustproofed when purchased by dealer and it shows. Original Sticker included – car listed at over $20,000 in 1984. This was the first year of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer line. Highly sought after.

Only 71,500 miles. This is a stunning driver that turns heads everywhere you go. You can pay a little less for a lot less car.  Car is located in New Hampshire with clean title reflecting the correct miles. This car belongs on LI, Block Island, the Cape, Nantucket or Martha’s (or wherever you happen to live).

$24,900

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5038829664.html

ON THE BLOCK – What to Watch Bonhams Greenwhich Concours d’Elegance Sale

Lot 310 – 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider
Without Reserve. Estimate: $25,000-30,000   moto+match estimate: $25,000

58 Alfa Spider

With the introduction of the 1300cc Giulietta in 1954, Alfa Romeo established the ‘small car, big performance’ formula that would characterize its finest offerings from that point on. The Giulietta’s arrival caused a sensation; demand quickly outstripped supply, causing Alfa Romeo to rethink its production strategy and become a high volume manufacturer. The original Bertone-designed Giulietta Sprint Coupe of 1954 was soon joined by a more practical Berlina Sedan and a charming Spider, the latter sporting elegant coachwork designed and built by Pinin Farina.

According to factory records from Alfa Romeo’s Centro Documentazione, this Giulietta was completed at the Milianese Alfa Romeo plant on July 21, 1958. The new left hand drive Spider was finished in a sporting red color, configured as left hand drive, and destined for the United States, where legendary importer Max Hoffman Motorcar Company later took delivery the following month.  The new Spider was sold to a Mr. Hillman, residing in Florida and Illinois, and records show service and maintenance work performed while in Hillman’s ownership. Hillman would keep the Giulietta until 1961, when he traded it in with circa 15,000 miles, at the Fancl-Bogan Chevrolet dealership in Oak Park, Illinois. In July of 1961, the Alfa Romeo was purchased by Mr. John A. Clark, a chemical engineer from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Clark used the little Red Spider over the next decade, before taking it off the road in 1976, with just 52,239 miles recorded. It remained in storage until Mr. Clark’s passing in the late 2000s, when purchased by the consignor. Accompanied by an abundance of receipts, records and the factory tool kit, this barn find Guilietta is an incredible original and complete example. The perfect candidate for a restoration, this low mileage Alfa Romeo still retains most of the factory finishes, as well as the rare Motorola radio surely mounted when new at Hoffman’s. This Giulietta has been spared from mediocre restorations or modifications over the years, and really deserves to be put back on the road.

 

Lot 317 – 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Without Reserve. Estimate: $25,000-30,000   moto+match estimate: $35,000

88 Jeep Wagoneer

Luxury SUVs are nothing new, but when the Jeep Wagoneer came out in 1963, it was something genuinely different. Combining the rugged attributes of a truck with the luxury of a sedan made for a unique, segment breaking vehicle. So successful was the model that it survived until 1991. In nearly three decades of production, the Jeep’s architecture changed little. Sporting a body-on-frame design with solid axles and leaf springs all around, it was a classic example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Power was delivered to all four wheels via a viscous coupling center differentials allowing rear-wheel drive only operation for a bit of added fuel economy, if you consider 13 miles to the gallon ‘economical’. Off road the Jeep was capable of going toe-to-toe with a new Range Rover and on road its handling proved adequate, if a bit primitive given its somewhat hoary underpinnings. In a July 1988 comparison test against a Range Rover, Car and Driver waxed about the Grand Wagoneer’s, “leather upholstery trim and, both inside and out, lots of chrome and fake wood” not to mention copious power features. While performance didn’t exactly light the heather afire, taking 13 seconds to get to 60mph, the Range Rover took even longer to do the duty and still cost a third more.

This three-owner from new Grand Wagoneer was delivered new to an elderly couple in Northern California in June of 1988. From the final iteration of the Wagoneer, it benefited from all of the upgrades that would be bestowed upon the model making it the most comfortable and desirable version available then and now. Sparingly used by its first owners, it was sold to another older couple in 1999 before coming to the collection of the current vendor a year ago. Showing only a bit over 68,000 original miles, it is completely original. A luck recipient of two and a half decades of dry California climates, meticulous maintenance and minimal use has kept this white over burgundy Jeep looking extra fresh. The obvious decedent of the great woodies of yore, this Jeep is ready to continue its tradition of shuttling the family from the wilds of Westchester to the beaches of Southampton in comfort and style!

 

Lot 378 – 1959 Fiat-Abarth 750 Record Monza Bialbero Coupé by Zagato
Estimate: $175,000-250,000  moto+match estimate: $250,000

59 Fiat Abarth

An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second to none, Abarth branched out from producing induction and exhaust systems into selling performance kits for – mainly FIAT – production cars, later building a succession of aerodynamically stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars. One of Carlo Abarth’s most successful series of GT cars was based on the FIAT 600, the first of these handsome little Zagato-bodied coupés – the 750 – appearing in 1956. The 600 chassis was used with scant modification apart from changing spring rates and up-rating the front brakes to twin-leading-shoe operation, yet despite this apparent handicap coped remarkably well with the Abarth’s greatly increased performance. The next stage of development saw the 750 equipped with a double-overhead-camshaft engine designed by Gioacchio Columbo, designer of the first Ferrari V12s that helped liberate 47 51bhp from the tiny engine, these models thus equipped being dubbed ‘Bialbero’ (Twin-cam). Abarth’s diminutive coupés were soon dominating the small-capacity classes in international GT racing. Indeed, in North American SCCA events the 1.0-litre Abarth was obliged to compete against rivals displacing up to 3.8 litres and still proved capable of winning!

The current owner acquired 550486 in the early 1980s and in doing so began a labor of love in terms of restoration and research. His extensive work has enabled him to make deductions about the early history of the car which are both fascinating and uncontested by other aficionados of the marque and model. At the time of its acquisition, the car was an engineless rolling chassis, but a number of clues to its importance were very clear to its knowledgeable buyer. Most notable was the required holes for fixing the fuel pressure regulator bracket – another Bialbero exclusive feature. So the car was clearly one of these rare brethren of Abarths.

The next base point for research was the discovery of a series of three drilled holes in the passenger side door which had long since been covered by filler and paint. These holes correlated perfectly to a door mounted racing number light which cars known to be in the USA and to have run at Sebring in 1959 carried by regulation to make their racing numerals visible at night. That narrowed the field to one of the four cars that had run at that event that year for Team Roosevelt.

Before one pauses to question a link to the President, the answer is ‘yes’, the Roosevelt Automobile Company was run by FDR Jr. They were East Coast Importers for Fiat and would continue this by developing a relationship to run Abarth race cars also. As ever in the course of racing the idea was to encourage the old adage of “race on Sunday, sell on Monday”, but Roosevelt Jr.’s thinking was a little further developed in that he believed “that Americans could sell a car better to Americans”. For the race team John Norwood was their manager and ace mechanic Jim McGee prepped their entries, the drivers represented a series of experienced stalwarts who could be trusted with the brand. Sebring ’59 was the debut race for this new team.

A period black and white image of the four cars sent ex-Zagato Works from Italy for the Sebring Event shows that two were finished in a dark color and two in a light color, of the two darker colored cars, one had a dark interior, the other a light interior, and the same for the lighter cars, thereby actually making each different in its livery. Differentiating them further, when they were run at Sebring they were still wearing Turin license plates, TO-712 and TO-487 adorned the two darker colored cars. These are actually understood to be ‘trade’ plates, suggesting that there can’t have been much time to spare between their leaving the works and being campaigned in Florida. On the basis of surviving period images of the two darker colored cars, which turns out to have been red in color period images, this car has been deduced by its owner to be the #62 car, which wore the Torino plate “TO-712”. Assuming this to be an accurate statement, car #62/TO-712 would contest between 10 and 13 races in the ’59 Season after Sebring, including Daytona, Bridgehampton, Road America, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix and the International Bahamas Speed Weeks at the end of that year, with respectable low double digit finishes overall.

By the end of 1960, 550486 is known to have been the property of J. William Denton, as he ran the car at the Savannah Race Track in November 1960, when its ‘Team Roosevelt’ marking had cleverly been given the prefix of ‘Ex’! The owner was able to trace J. W. Denton’s son, who produced a copy of Denton’s first title registration on acquisition of the car, it clearly denoting this identity and the engine number digits following the VIN. From his conversations with the younger Denton, he had recalled his father acquiring a number of Abarths from Team Roosevelt, but only one Bialbero and that proved to be his favorite apparently. Denton is known to have run the car at the Chimney Rock Hillclimb in 1961, and a series of other events. According to John de Boer’s well researched archive, the subsequent chain of ownership ran 1971-1974: Steve Doran; 1974-1976: Doug Huffman; 1976-7: Herbert H. Bailey of South Carolina; and then 1977-1984 – GTS Motorcars of Florida, before it was acquired by the present owner in 1984. All the while the research was continuing, and correct parts being accrued, the owner waited patiently before beginning its restoration. This began in earnest almost 20 years ago. Its structural repairs were carried out by the owner with sheet metal repairs to the aluminum bodywork by Tivvy’s Autocraft, this was then followed up with the paintwork at Alfa’s Unlimited. Automotive Restorations of Stratford, Connecticut trimmed original Zagato seat frames provided by the owner in a light tan vinyl and made new carpets in Wilton Wool, the finish of the cabin being slightly improved over the original having a Nardi wood rim steering wheel in place of the plastic one it would have worn new.

For the mechanical aspect, the owner was able to draw on his own stores of spares that had been accrued over many years, a number of the more significant pieces coming from Jeff Vogel, who in turn had bought them from Jim McGee’s shop in Watermill, Long Island, these included a spare long distance fuel tank, oversize Abarth Alfin front drum brakes, and new/old stock Bialbero racing exhaust – the motoring definition of ‘hen’s teeth’ quite literally.

Further searches had produced a period correct Bialbero engine motor, which itself created something of a conundrum. The engine was number 600319, which by Fiat records was the original fitted to 550486, yet a separate document sourced by the current owner shows that 600319 was fitted to car 544303 on March 25, 1959, when that car was listed on a statement of sale to Gene Williamson by Team Roosevelt – Williamson being the driver of car #65 at Sebring that year. As ever in the history of racing teams it seems likely that 600319 had migrated from its original mount very early on in its life, but today thanks to the perseverance of its current owner it is back with the Fiat-Abarth it apparently left the Works in. Naturally, since the intention of the owner was to race the car, this numbered block is actually stored and goes with the car, while it is currently running a ‘hot’ engine built around a separate 600 unit.

Post-restoration, 550486 has been campaigned with some regularity by its custodian, being run in VSCCA meetings from 1996 to 2000, at the Lime Rock Historic Races on numerous occasions and also displayed here at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance in 2000 and at the Lime Rock Sunday in the Park Concours last year, where it was rewarded with First in Class.

After three decades of research, restoration, ownership and use, during which it seems virtually every stone has been upended, the seller has made the difficult decision to part with the car and forward it to another enthusiast. While that elusive final jigsaw puzzle piece of paper that conclusively documents it as the #62 Sebring car from 1959 remains still yet to be found, it seems hard to question the current owner’s conclusion based on his research. Regardless of this ultimate detail, the car is a fastidiously accurately restored example of these ‘Giant-Killer’ Abarths, which certainly had an active period racing career and could today provide its next owner with an enjoyable vintage racing mount.

 

Lot 389- 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1
Bonhams Estimate: $170,000-190,000   moto+match estimate: $210,000

03 Aston Martin DB AR1

Aston Martin renewed its fruitful relationship with renowned Italian styling house of Zagato, most famously begun with the DB4GT Zagato of the 1960s, after a meeting between Elio Zagato’s son Andrea and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2001. The result was a stylish coupé, based on the DB7 V12 Vantage supercar, recalling the sublime looks of the original DB4GT Zagato. So favorable was the DB7 Zagato’s reception that it was decided to produce an open car in similar vein: the DB AR1. Designed with the California weather in mind, and a Roadster in the proper tradition with no hood and space for just two people, the DB AR1 was previewed by a select group of potential customers to gauge reaction. The car was so well received on its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2002, that all 99 of the proposed limited edition were purchased. Powering the new open supercar was a developed version of Aston’s state-of-the-art, 6.0-liter V12 enjoying a boost in maximum power to 435bhp, some 20 horsepower more than the DB7 Vantage. This power increase together with more torque, a revised final drive ratio and ‘active’ sports exhaust system produce a noticeable improvement in mid-range performance, where it is most useful in everyday driving. An AP twin-plate racing clutch combined with a revised quick-shift gearlever for the six-speed manual transmission enable the driver to maximize use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear-change. Acceleration can only be described as stunning, 60mph arriving in just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed of 185mph makes the DB AR1 the world’s fastest true roadster. Above all, the DB AR1 was designed to be a true ‘driver’s car’, equally at home on the autobahn or challenging back road. This is a car that beckons you to look for places to go. Restraining this superlative high performance are equally exalted brakes: Brembo racing-style grooved discs – 335mm at the front, 330mm at the rear – gripped by alloy four-pot calipers assisted by an improved brake booster unit and moderated by Teves ABS. Power is transmitted to the road via a limited-slip differential to special multi-spoke 19″ alloy wheels (8″/9.5″ f/r) incorporating revised offset to give a wider track, shod with low profile Yokohama tiresThe interior boasts electrically controlled sports seats, six-speaker Becker stereo radio cassette system with 6-CD changer, alarm and immobilizer with remote central locking and trunk release. There is electronic traction control and power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

This fantastic, low mileage AR1 Roadster has lived a charmed life. Purchased by its first owner from Aston Martin of Beverley Hills on December 4th, 2004 with 140 miles on the clock, it carried an original sticker price of over $250,000. Finished in Bowland Black over Light Tan hides, it enjoyed the California sun in the care of its original owner until the summer of 2010 when the current vendor acquired the roadster, the 26th of 99 DB AR1s constructed. Having covered less than 3,800 miles since leaving Newport Pagnell, it has received continuous, careful maintenance and shows well today. Replete with its original Monroney sticker, books, umbrellas, and car cover, this barely used, coachbuilt roadster is now ready to move onto to its third lucky owner.

 

Lot 403 – 1970 Porsche 911E Targa
Without reserve. Bonhams Estimate: $8,000-12,000   moto+match estimate: $20,000

70 porsche 911E

This silver Targa, with black leather interior, was originally acquired on May 4, 1970 by Irving Rose of Northbrook, Illinois in Stuttgart, Germany through the Tourist Delivery Program. Rose traded the car through Bryntesen Porsche-Audi Inc. of Hinsdale, Illinois with registration receipts showing Bryntesen selling it to Michael Burns in February 1978. The next keeper of the Porsche was Raymond Paulis followed by David Thompson, although Thompson’s date of acquisition is unknown. Purchased by the vendor in the summer of 2004 with the intention of restoring it; it instead has sat in climate-controlled, dry storage since 2004 with little progress made. The original MSO and other paperwork are available with the car together with the owner’s manual plus sleeve and Blaupunkt radio service manual. Substantially complete, unmodified from original specification, and with only minor damage to the passenger door, this 911E is a wonderful base for restoration. The chassis appears to be remarkably straight and intact, showing penetrating rust in only a few places like the driver’s side battery box, and the engine is free but not currently running. The car was easily pushed out of storage once one front brake caliper was released. The interior is largely complete but dirty and worn. With early Porsche 911 continuing their upward trend, this rare 911E Targa is an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely, documented car that will provide many happy miles following a thorough restoration.

ON THE BLOCK: What to Watch Saturday Auctions America Auburn Spring

4078

Lot No. 4078 – 1982 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited
Estimate: $ 45,000 – $ 55,000

This exceptional 1982 Jeep Deluxe Grand Wagoneer is fresh off of an approximately $100,000 restoration that prompts our consignor to proclaim that “it is the finest example in the world.” That claim is hard to dismiss as this fine four-wheel drive vehicle looks like the day it was first presented in the factory showroom. It is finished in a rich cream tone with woodgrain side trim, recalling the popular “woodie” of yesterdays. The interior is a complementary brown shade that has both vinyl and cloth in the seat patterns. The Jeep runs with a 360-cid V-8 engine that is mated to an automatic transmission. The Wagoneer is well-equipped with factory air conditioning, luggage rack, deluxe wheels, trailer hitch, Pioneer stereo, dual mirrors with driver’s side remote, tilt wheel; power door locks, windows, seats, and tailgate window. This is truly representative of a like-new Jeep Wagoneer and optioned like you’d ordered it yourself.

This outstanding Jeep Wagoneer is proudly offered from the Bob Lutz Collection.

4100

Lot No. 4087 – 1967 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S
Estimate: $ 45,000 – $ 55,000

For 1967 the Barracuda was completely redesigned and no longer shared any sheetmetal with the Valiant. The engine bay of the body was enlarged, so the 383-cid V-8 would fit. The Formula S made its name by its ability to corner better than most American cars; providing a nice balance of acceleration and handling.

This beautiful Formula S Barracuda is reported as a longtime western states car that has received a just completed restoration that is detailed and high-quality throughout. According to the owner; although Plymouth did not keep “great records” of certain information, from what he has been able to gather from his research this is thought to be one of only 14 Daffodil Yellow 383-cid V-8 Formula S Barracudas and five had white interior, such as with this car. The owner also states that this is the only one he has seen and he wonders if it may be the last one left. The drivetrain is reported as correct throughout and also to have the proper date codes; the car is accompanied by its fender tag and certicard. The transmission is a desirable four-speed manual; among the equipment is the Formula S package, front disc brakes, AM radio, vacuum meter, tinted windshield, high trim grade, white vinyl bucket seats with black interior, 3.23:1 axle ratio, stamped steel wheels and redline tires. The Plymouth is reported as being detailed down to the correct Mopar battery; it has been stripped to bare metal and every aspect has been gone through and redone. This is photo-documented and includes the drivetrain rebuild, as well as new wiring and rubber seals.

Lot No. 4123 – 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Estimate: $110,000 – $130,000

The Mercedes Benz 190SL is today what it was when introduced in 1954 at the New York Motor Show: A less expensive, more practical, and smaller version of the illustrious 300SL. However, it is certainly not lacking in any of its big brothers technical refinements. The 190SL offered plenty of capability and race-bred technology to those enthusiasts considering a sporting roadster. From its production in 1955 through its replacement with the 230SL in 1963, nearly 26,000 would be produced with only a fraction in existence today. The 190SL was also the start of the “options list” for Mercedes-Benz. Never before could a car be tailored like a fine suit the way a 190SL could have been. Everything from elaborate color schemes, tops, accessories, seats, and even a very rare sports-racing option was available. These nimble little two seat roadsters with their iconic, forward styling were the first Mercedes-Benz convertibles to hit home with the U.S. market and started a full-fledged frenzy, and one that has yet to end over 58 years later.

The example on offer here, Chassis # 12104010017435 is presented today as a fantastically well-restored 190SL and adheres to its original build specifications. Thanks to The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center and the accompanying Chassis Zertifikat, we know that this example was delivered exactly as follows per its original Data Card:

Engine number: 121 921 10 017544
Transmission number: 017680
Front axle number, l: 17650
Front axle number, r: 17634
Rear axle number: 010057
Steering box number: 17492
Exterior color code: 658 – ivory

Option Codes:

401- Single seats
441- Bumper with guards, front
515- Becker radio set “Europe” USA
320- Outside rearview mirror, on the left, loose

Early history on this example shows that it was a European delivery and by 1966 was in the hands of its second long term owner in California. The original service booklet shows that in 1966-1972 the car was regularly serviced by both Mercedes-Benz of San Diego, and Adams Foreign car service, as documented in the original book. From this point forward there are numerous receipts from foreign car repair shops in the San Diego area that kept the car in order from 1972 until about 1991 where it was put away in dry storage, and driven seldom, until 2001 when it was serviced once more to be readied for sale. In 2003 a Mr. Bob Friedman of Nevada acquired the 190SL out of 40-plus year ownership as the third owner, with restoration in mind. Upon his acquisition, Mr. Friedman entrusted the services of Bell Straus Restoration of Costa Mesa, California to carry out a total restoration of this 190SL to as new condition.

As a totally numbers matching example, in good original colors, and with the benefit of being a straight and totally solid California car from nearly new, it doesn’t get much better in terms of a car to restore. The fact is this car has always been a good, solid, rust-free and accident-free example, which for a 190SL is indeed a rare thing. As restoration began in 2006 the entire car was completely disassembled, drivetrain removed, paint stripped, and the car was soon a completely apart and a bare chassis. Receipts in excess of $80,000 for services performed entail a total rebuild of the engine, transmission, rear end, brakes, steering and suspension as well as ancillary components. The chrome was completely refinished as new and the car received fresh and correct DB658 Ivory paint. Reassembly included a brand new interior to exacting and correct specifications, down to all of the little chrome items and most minute details. It shows superbly and is easily concours quality. Final assembly included a new and very correct German canvas top, all rubber components and nicely finished with a hardtop and new boot cover.

Since completion this 190SL has been enjoyed for only 1,602 kilometers (or about 900 miles) making this a very fresh example with merely break in/sorting miles attributed to it since completion of the restoration. As a nearly new example it is easily eligible for MBCNA events, concours and rallies and can be enjoyed as a well-sorted and restored example with no needs other than an enthusiastic owner. The car starts instantly, runs well showing strong oil pressure and very quick throttle response thanks to updated Weber carburetion (The original Solex carburetors are included in the sale). Going around a corner comes with ease as does stopping and accelerating. Having the benefit of being totally rebuilt throughout this 190SL is indeed quick, nimble and responsive and all-round well-suited for immediate use with excellent road manners. It is everything one would expect from a well-restored and concours quality example.

The fit and finish throughout should also be noted as excellent, the body is straight down the sides with good shut lines and panel fitment throughout. The chrome gleams and all of the accompanying rubber pieces are supple and nearly new as well. The glass is free from any defects and the interior is nothing short of new, but also shows as highly correct right down to the Becker Radio. The engine bay is another item on 190SL’s that warrants much attention from any discerning buyer. It has been nicely detailed and when restored there was quite obviously a lot of attention paid to items regarding correctness and presentation. Of which no corners were cut and the engine bay shows exactly as it should on a correct and well-restored 190SL.

In conclusion, this is an opportunity worth much consideration by any collector or enthusiast who is in the market for a finely restored 190SL. Factor in documented and known California history from new, limited ownership, two tops, original books, jack, spare and a totally documented history/restoration and one has a real opportunity to acquire a concours quality example, and a truly great car. The rising market tide has seen much recent appreciation for the “miniature 300SL” with no real end in sight. This will no doubt be an opportunity to buy a very good car to be enjoyed, but also will likely prove to be a wise investment as well.

4137

Lot No. 4137 – 1967 Volkswagen Deluxe 21-Window Type 2
Estimate: $100,000 – $120,000

This example is finished in white over Sealing Wax Red and is equipped with its original 1500 model, 1,493-cc engine, which has been rebuilt, and its original four-speed manual transmission. Restored approximately six years ago to exacting standards, it has been very well cared for and maintained and it remains in exceptional condition. It benefits from still having all its original sheetmetal and original floors and original interior which has been, of course, reupholstered at the time of restoration. A Deluxe model, it is equipped with a full-size sunroof and safari windows. Interestingly enough this Microbus was originally order by a U.S. Service Member who was stationed in Germany at the time and took delivery of this bus new in Paris, France. Residing in Tennessee, he shipped the bus back to the U.S. after his tour was over in Europe and this example comes with the original title from Tennessee, as well as the original paperwork showing the loan as it was applied for through the Military Credit Union at the time. Additionally it comes complete with all books and manuals and would be an incredible addition to any collection.

5132

Lot No. 5132 – 1955 Chrysler Imperial Newport Coupe
Estimate: $ 75,000 – $ 90,000

With understated elegance and a well-deserved reputation for engineering excellence, the Imperial nameplate topped the Chrysler product line from 1926 through 1975. In order to further distinguish the Imperial line, Chrysler Corporation designated the Imperial as a separate marque in 1954. The all-new 1955 Imperials were based heavily on the fabulous new Chryslers that also appeared that year, which benefited from the full influence of renowned stylist Virgil Exner. Imperials were available in two basic forms – the C69 short-wheelbase Newport Coupe or Sedan and the long-wheelbase C70 Crown Imperial – and were known for their excellent build quality.

The C69 Imperial models, such as this car, were priced from about $4,500, with many standard features including power steering and power brakes. This car has optional accessories that include a four-way power front seat, power windows, chrome wire wheels, bias-ply whitewall tires and a signal-seeking radio. Befitting its status, the standard Imperial engine was Chrysler’s top power unit for 1955 – the 331 cubic inch V-8 engine with hemispherical (hemi) combustion chambers and a four-barrel carb, mated to the smooth-shifting PowerFlite automatic transmission with dash-mounted control lever.

This car is finished in Canyon Tan (salmon-toned) with a white top, while the interior is presented in a similarly-toned cloth and vinyl combination with salmon carpets that are nicely fit. The dash pad, dash face and gauges are “like new.” And the exterior paint and chrome exhibit nice quality and good panel fit. The engine bay is highly detailed and the chrome elements are in equally wonderful condition.

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