1962 Imperial Lebaron & Imperial Crown Promotional Film

[OsbornTramain]

@OlegKostoglatov As an owner of a 1962 Imperial, I can truly say that it's a wonderful car and get attention everywhere I go. But frankly, you can't blame the government, you have to blame the public. We decide what Detroit builds. During the 70's, people moved towards smaller cars for economy reasons. Styles changed too. If fact, if you compare vehicles between now and the 80's, cars are bigger. Trucks are bigger now too versus the 60's. It's really people that have changed, .

[sferrell1000]

My good friend has a 1962 Crown four door hardtop, white with aqua interior. His grandfather bought it new. Wonderful riding car.

[SteelCity1981]

the front looks like some bitter old grandpa. without his teeth in. lol

[mrgoodvibrations]

a elegant monster

[samthelegoman1]

now THATS a car

[BrokebackBob]

Absolutely stunning! Made on its own line. The actual standard of the

world not Cadillac (back then) But I'll bet its a bit of a lot to handle and

park! It would be worth it. You can still fine 'em nice ones but they

are few and really appreciating.

[ntxguy]

Stunning car, clean lines, not too gawdy...

[johneddy98033]

@XL500GT, Imperials always were. They were truly worthy of the brand.

[landyachtfan79]

Anyone who does not think this the most beautiful car ever designed does not know CRAP about cars!!!!! I also miss the way cars of this caliber were sold back then, parked in front of gorgeous houses, driven by people wearing rich & elegant clothing, etc.

[XL500GT]

This has got to be the most beautiful ever to come from Chrysler! From the front to rear its poetry in motion. The whole car is like a set of sculptured arrows, gorgeous at every angle. Just think if it was sized down and re-design with today's technology, I would be the first in line with a down payment.

[DougCameraMan]

I do like this style and it was a different tail light look than the '61 and earlier years. But to be honest, I prefer the 1961 tail lights a little better. it' just looked better having them into the fins instead of looking added on top of them. This is a cool looking Imperial though. I'd be proud to have it in my garage.

[SuperWatson63]

The cars from this era were sculptures on wheels.

[sportfuryman]

my father has a crown imperial he bought it from the actor jack palance and has had it for 30 years. The white crown imperial in the commercials looks just like his. Thanx  for this post it brought a smile to my face

[Gapandgold]

OH my god... she is wicked.. goodness imperial and lebaron.. whoa ....

[lucycow]

Ah yes, The Chrysler Imperial's of the 60's. God I always LOVED these cars ! I always thought they were more luxurious looking than the Cadillacs of that era. Dood ol' Milburn Drysdale on the 'Beverly Hillbillies' always had himself a new Chrysler Imperial each year the shown ran. Great looking cars and full of style and class.

[327caprice]

I just love a car that is styled for drama...why I could dig my eyes out with a dull spoon at such motorcar beauty!

[mustangcharger]

The wheel design would go on to fame in the '78 Cordoba.

[kaptenjohn1]

my dad was the only guy in sweden ho had ine of those ! :D

[housmass45]

This IMP is MORE frightning then "Christine"!

Ya gotta luv it!

[johnnyohness]

I will never forget the 62 Imperial. My Dad bought one only it was the crown coupe

What a fablous car. I remember washing the car in the driveway every Sat for Sunday church. It was a labor of love.When I would wash the rear area I always thought that the G-sight lights could have been replaced with lumination embedded in the chrome in the understated fins and continuing across the trunk. The free std head lights were awesome. Have never seen such thick paint was like heavy baked enamel

[OsbornTramain]

I like the way you refer to the fins as "understated". Some folks don't think these are fins at all but they clearly are. This week in the process of restoring a 62, we gut the fins off to remove the fenders. It''s clear when the fins are gone how big they actually are. It changed the profile of the car when removed dramatically.

[johnnyohness]

How wonderful to hear some folks are still restoring these pieces of American automotive art. The gun sight T-lights were a statement in them selves but in 63 I believe they changed the T- lights imbedding the T-lights in the fin. IMO that could have been done in 62 only making the light track thinner running in the chrome strip from the top of the fin down and across the trunk in 1 continues lumination, but who am I to argue with Virgil Exner cont.

[johnnyohness]

I was 12 when dad bought the new 62 Imp CC white/blue int. Till then we had a 60 Dodge Polara That was quite a car too fins w/big round tail lights. Looked like it was flying parked. I was a car crazy kid then could tell U any car make or model.

Today it's so different. In reflection though the car could have used a wider rear axle to fill out those rear wheel wells. Wider rims and fatter tires might do the job. Keep posting on the progress, and thanks for sharing. Just great.

[DWhytePA]

Thanks for the momories. My Uncle Pat had a "62 he got used in "66 and I swear you could fit an army in that car. It was HUGE! He had it until 1975

[SirRoxo]

"I'm going to build the best damn Imperial you'e ever sold!"

One of the best opening sales lines ever

[takoma5]

Ohh yeah, i like it, very luxurious and stylish, i like to sign up to a 1962 Imperial

just love this model, Thx OsbTrMain

[AgentOrange04]

makes you wonder what happened to chrysler...

[auaiao9]

@AgentOrange04 It doesn't have the same people working there now that it did back in '62.

[jjhbfreerunners]

still got the fins (almost)

[JET997u]

Looks like it came from Outer Space.

[dale1966gto]

I'm 56..hitting my prime! Most of my childhood memories were of the 60's. My uncle and aunt(my dad's sister) had a red '57 coupe and then a '63 that looked almost exactly like this one. I remember being fascinated with that car! We had a Ford and it was so plain. The Imperial was MASSIVE and the seats were piled high with foam and so luxurious and soft. I nearly ran his battery down playing with the electric windows! It had the "continental" kit and was so beautiful. Thanks for the memories.

[trh2130]

My family had a '64 Crown 4 door hardtop and I used to run the battery down playing with the windows, too.

[vividwatch47]

Listen, the Cadillac's tailfins from 1960-64 were starting to look like old hat and becoming a timeworn cliche in comparison to the Imperials and the Lincoln Continental (its design already in its second year).

[montego13]

Sounds like someone is a little bitter that they never could and never will be able to afford one...

[txmcxlx]

You're Gay

[montego13]

Thanks for the "invite," but your not my type...

[bradhogan123]

the shape went down hill the best imperial shape was the 50s models

[OsbornTramain]

I really don't know how anyone can think this shape of this car is anything less than the 50's style? It's a nice clean line car, it's not plastered with chrome and trinkets. It's a very clean car, look at the roof line, the shape of the rear end. this simple chrome strips down the center of the hood and trunk...the single long strip down the side....it's very smooth looking, no bumps or humps or fins. I really think this is a beautiful car

[bradhogan123]

well if you like less chrome bumps humps and fins on a car thats fine with me we all have our own style but personaly i like for cars to have bumps humps and fins and plenty of chrome

[anthony1962]

Humm...Not as prestigious as a Cadillac or as groundbreaking as a Continental for it's time but still probbaly one of the best American cars money could buy. At least the cars of that era had character and distinction and you know what the hell you were looking at the second you saw one pass by.

[mickeymoose76]

30s cars all look the same, unstyled and basic, yuck!

[mickeymoose76]

christ those american cars of the 50s 60s and 70s were feckin huge, what a beast!!

[dalekrueger]

they sure ride nice though

[mickeymoose76]

bet they do, gorgeous looking cars, real works of art. Much more appealing than the square, computer drawn things car companies have made since...

[600SELV12]

I want my cars sexist & masculine, all women in high heels, garters & "betty" easy. ( Did I mention "dinners ready!")

A stiff drink behind the wheel, and if I get "stiff", a easy shag with "betty" in the luxurious back seat. Dont forget your towel.

Frank Bird,(Jefferson Assy.) you did a great job!Sweet dreams.

[musicom67]

That's one HIDEOUS boat. Love the tailights, but not too sure about the rest... especially the wrap around windsheild. But weren't most Plymouths of this era kinda fugly also?

[lasuvidaboy]

Those full-sized 1960s cars got about the same gas mileage as a large SUV gets today-but those cars had style!

[redvdub70]

good thing he got her to sign a prenup

[57buickcentury]

I had a '62 Crown back in '82 and what I remember most is how well the car handled on everything from freeways to dirt roads - just a very solid, tight, powerful car. I miss it...

[johnsmileyjr]

"We're the ones in the Chrysler Imperial and we're running last! Step on it a little and see what happens!" Mrs. Marcus "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"

[cbrem]

2 johnsmileyjr: CLASSIC!!! Best line in the movie. (But she didn't say "Chrysler" because in 62, Imperial was its own division. "Chrysler" wasn't part of its name)

[johnsmileyjr]

You are a b s o l u t l y correct! I was 7 years old and my father took me to see Mad World the very next night after seeing it with the group mom and dad ran with back then. I remember how that car stood out on the Cinerama screen! A fantastic memory!

[hoffmann9471]

This promo film is great ! The Imperial is not my fave, but the promo is such interesting. DANKE SCHOEN, mein Herr.

5*****

[dalekrueger]

imperals were built like battle tanks

[64098]

I loved my '63 Le Baron, even though it needed a lot of work, I love the design of the '61,2,and 3. This is a really fascinating promotional video.

[vsovereign]

is that car a gas-guzzler? how many miles you get per gallon? do you have power window, steering & air conditioner? just interested, thanks!

[cinerama62]

@vsovereign The car would get you 5 to 8 miles per gallon city/highway more on longer trips with the Auto-Pilot on (cruise control) It came with a 413 cubic in engine, Bore: 4.18 in, Stroke: 3.750 in, with a 23 gallon gas tank. The 62 Imperial weight (LeBaron Four Door Hardtop 4,725 pounds)

Cost at base price: $6,422.00. A new 2011 Chrysler 300c with a 363-horsepower, 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 costs $38,000, 15–18/23–27 mp, 4500 pounds. Interior is mostly plastic . I used to make the doors.

[OsbornTramain]

@cinerama62 no way. I own one and they don't burn anywhere near that much gas. More like 9 to 11 range in the city and about 15 on the hightway

[cinerama62]

@OsbornTramain I'm sorry but I didn't mean 8 mpg on the Interstate. Buy the way which model Imperial do you own? Crown, Le Baron? Lucky you they are a beauitful car. My fathers friend had a 61 two door Southhampton Imperial. Which i had it.

[OsbornTramain]

@cinerama62 I have a 62 Crown convertible...you can see an old video of it here on line in my channel....while it was being restored. I also have a 61 Lebaron, from New Mexico. I'm just saying..there's no way my car gets 5 mpg's in the city. That would mean I would be filling my tank up all the time. I've never heard of a car getting such bad mileage. I have a 66 Toronado too that gets about 9 to 10 in the city....5 mpg's would be ridiculous, even at the early 60's gas prices.

[vsovereign]

damn, this car must be a gaz-guzzler...

lemme guess, 3-mile-to-the-gallon?

[OsbornTramain]

more like 10 to 15 range. These cars didn't have emmission controls which reduce gas mileage. Also, cars of this vintage actually weight less proportionately. All the equipement and electronics add weight. A mid 50's Caddy weighs less than a new caddy even though it is bigger on the outside.

[vsovereign]

you gotta be kiddin' me! 10-15mile to the galon?  a car that big? I'm pretty sure this one already has power window & steering. besides, what's the cylinder capacity? around 5000cc to 6000cc ?

[OsbornTramain]

Do you honestly believe any car company could sell a car that got 3 miles per gallon? How many gas stops would you have to make to fill a tank on any kind of commute? I own a 62 Imperial 10 to 15 is possible. It's the emission equipment that sucks the gas. Emmission standards were gradually introduced in the late 60's and early 70's. A 1962 Plymouth Fury with a V8 could get almost 20 miles per gallon.

[vsovereign]

hmmm....food for my thought. but that car is heavy no? heavier than today's car.

[OsbornTramain]

You would be half right, 1962 Lincoln 5,132Lbs , Imperial 4805 Lbs, 62 Caddy DeVille 4710 Lbs. Todays 2008 Caddy DTS weighs more than all three at 5347, the 2008 Lincoln Town Car weighs the least at 4,345 Lbs. The new cars are loaded with wieght, GPS, Cruise, Stereo systems etc etc...even the sound deading material ads more weight to cars. So the old cars with lower weight and no emmission controls had relative good gas mileage. Even a New Mini weighs more than an old Mini!

[RitzyTrailer]

I've got a '67 Fury with a 6.3 litre (383) in it, and it honestly will get 18 mpg on the highway, if you drive it regularly! Back then, at .45 cents a gallon, who cared anyway?

[dakota975]

Now that was a luxury car...every bit as nice as a Lincoln or Cadillac...

[klavers]

Fantastic!!!

[OsbornTramain]

We are talking about a matter of Taste. You don't like it. That's your opinion. As an owner of a 62 Imperial Crown Convertible, I disagree. I love my car and the 60,000 dollar price tag they are now commanding at auctions. So clearly, some people like the style if they are willing to shell out that kind of money.

[txmcxlx]

Sell!

[williamg2552]

I'd take an IMPERIAL over all the HONDAS, TOYOTAS , NISSANS,ACURAS ,INFINITIS AND LEXUSES EVER BUILT !!!

[vividwatch47]

Ditto!

[RitzyTrailer]

They're clearly missing the beauty of this car, from it's historic/artistic angle. This car was designed when it was ok to be a little 'outlandish' and wild - Detroit was the leader, and not afraid to let their techs dream up virtual dream-machines, unlike now - when everyone's trying to build another car that looks like a Taurus, or a Camry, in hopes it will sell. When's the last time you even SAW a car that offered "Aqua" colored interior, or Red? or Blue? This car is pure art, like it or not.

[vividwatch47]

I'm with you, fella! I love the '62 Imperials, because of its still classic look and its distinctive split grille, only the fourth time that the Imperials from 1955-75 had one (after 1955-56 and before 1964). And I still love those freestanding headlights. This classic look holds up far better than than that misstyled 1980 Cadillac Seville (with its out of place Daimleresque trunk)

[sneyder69]

I am totaly agree with rdittmer1717

Todays American cars dont have staly anymore, why is t that the Japanese cars rules the US ??

Has it to do whit politc or what?>

[rdittmer1717]

this car, as most of this era, had style! it is not like the cars of today that almost all look like they were styled in Japan 20 years ago. the imperial was american elegance and style reflective of our nation; at this period in time. It was not cars made for people who had to pay high gas prices as in Europe and Orient. Just look back at the Japanese car of 1962, you could not give them away in this country! Or remeber most, not all, of the cars that were imported from Europe.

[xxxBlakDragonxxx]

This is a beautiful car and it's interesting watching these older clips to see glimpses of American culture in the early '60s!

[pinkflod768]

wow thats nice i got a 1951 crown imperial its got a himi in it from the factory and it is nice

[MNBluestater]

Compared to the '62 Lincoln Continental this was absolutely the most garish boat ever built !!!

[OsbornTramain]

Garish might be a little harsh. True, the front end takes some getting use to but the lines are clean and smooth. There isn't really tons of chrome on this car like the 61 Lincoln. Garish would be a 58 Buick Limited or 58 Oldsmobile. The 59 Caddys were pretty garish too.

[re6356]

Chrysler always had nice fine roof lines and that forward raked windscreen, sure made `em look sleek. I sure would like one.

[williamg2552]

THE IMPERIAL started out as a Chrysler , but from 1955 on , it became a SEPARATE MAKE AND DIVISION unto itself within the Corporation, and no longer bore the Chrysler name . Once a separate make, IMPERIAL got it's OWN models, THE CUSTOM , THE CROWN, AND THE LeBARON ( not to be confused with the later , cheaper Chrysler LeBaron .

[vividwatch47]

This compact Chrysler Imperials of the '90s were poor relations.

[dalekrueger]

too nerdy

[dalekrueger]

i ment the 1990s imperals were nerdy

[killerdo]

Chrysler put alot of energy in to the Imperial. Its only competition was Cadilac and Lincoln. The Marquis failed because Gm and Ford produced more models and made them cheaper. Thats why old Cadilacs and Lincolns are a dime a dozen today.

[JDtheMusicMan]

Women may admire and desire the Imperial, but "it's the man's car". "....Man will buy!" LOL You can tell this was before women's liberation era, that's for sure.

No car maker TODAY would say this & risk offending half of the new car buyers. I don't think this was made for broadcast TV, I think it was a promo made by the company for Chrysler dealerships to encourage more orders. It looked fine, but I think I prefer the rear end styling of the 1959 model a little better.

[OsbornTramain]

IT is a dealer promo, not a Commercial. On the sexist treatment, check out my 1964 Buick Rivera commercial. It's even worse. Really funny how people thought back then!

[BaronessAM]

We had the limousine; Imperial LeBaron with the small rearview window in the back, black with silver interior. I remember everything about it!

[BaronessAM]

This was our car. I miss it. I often wish we never sold it. But, life was so different back then.

[enigma413]

Wish I had a mint condition Imperial.

[pescadoygamba]

restrained good taste!! When you see the plant tour,one might think you were using them to fly to the moon or something.

[OsbornTramain]

The tail fins, the jet pod tail lights plus the turn table and the dry ice make it look like the car is flying!

[RitzyTrailer]

That wasn't by mistake, Osborn .. I thought that same thing, too - and I beleive that rakish trim that gently slopes downward towards the back, and the jet-pod tail lights sitting up high were MEANT to make the car look like it was 'lifting off' .. even when sitting still! That was a typical Chrysler ploy, around this era - and this I think was the last of them before the big change to the "linear" look. (a-la: the '62 Plymouths)

[mohasi3]

Love the cars of that era!

Notice that people had much more time then for watching advertisements : 7.4 minutes!

[OsbornTramain]

when you watch the film, as they pull away from the front of the car while the dry ice is flowing around, did you notice the reflection of the camera man's shows in the grill? Check it out! Yes, it is a stunning the car. I have a new found appreciation for the rear end styling that I never had before from watching this film.

[Drivermatic]

The Imperial is truely a stunning car.