Imperial Home Page -> Mailing List & Club -> Member Spotlight -> Jeff Carrothers
Here is a brief interview we recently had with IML member Jeff Carrothers. All the pictures displayed on this page are from Jeff's impressive Imperial collection. Jeff is currently selling his Rosewood Metallic 1962 Crown Southampton. If you are interested, or have any other questions for Jeff, please feel free to send him a message!
Question: When did you purchase your first Imperial?
Answer: I'm 29 years old, and I bought my first Imperial in May of 1998 in Birmingham, Alabama...it is a white 1959 Imperial Custom with red interior. Options include factory a/c, power windows, and swivel power seats. The car was showing 51,000 miles, which I believe to be correct. I bought it from the family of the originalowner.
Q: Do you still own it?
A: Yes.
Q: What, if any, restoration did you do to that car?
A: The car had been driven only 1,000 miles since 1976. Donald Taccone and I overhauled the brake system, recored the radiator, had the generator rebuilt, and charged the airtemp with R-12. I drove the car to Jackson, MS (230 miles) with no problems. Since then I have replaced the tires, centerlink, and exhaust. I've been on several road trips in the car with no problems.
Q: What is your favorite year Imperial?
A: I can't narrow it down to one year. My favorites are 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1964.
Q: Why is it your favorite? What do you find appealing about that particular year?
A: I like those years because of the styling and the push-button torqueflite.
Q: Do you have a favorite Imperial gadget or styling feature?
A: My favorite feature is the push-button transmission.
Q: Any other automotive gadget or styling feature that you like or would like to own?
A: All of my cars have factory air conditioning. I hope to one day have all the systems working (with 6 Imperials, that's not easy).
Q: What does your Imperial collection consist of? (Note: Please click on any year to see the complete story of any particular Imperial in Jeff's collection.)
1956 Imperial Sedan Cloud White over Surf Green 107,000 miles with factory air conditioning and torqueflite transmission. It is in good condition. 1959 Imperial Custom Southampton 1960 Imperial Crown Southampton White exterior with blue leather and cloth interior 109,000 miles. The options include dual a/c, power vents, and power door locks. It is in good condition. 1962 Imperial Crown Southampton Rosewood Exterior with Coco metallic cloth and leather interior 133,000 miles. The options include auto pilot, dual mirrors, power vents, and power door locks. It is in good condition and currently for sale. 1962 Imperial LeBaron Southampton Embassy Red with Maroon Leather Interior 57,000 miles and it is in good condition. 1964 Imperial LeBaron Southampton Royal Turquoise with a white vinyl top, white leather interior 92,000 miles. The options include auto pilot and am/fm radio. It is also in good condition.
Q: What other collector cars do you own today?
A: All I have are the six Imperials.
Q: What other collector cars (at least 20 years old) have you owned in your lifetime?
A: 1962 Cadillac Sedan Deville
1958 Edsel Ranger
1958 Edsel Pacer
1963 Ford Galaxie 500
1965 Chrysler New Yorker
1965 Imperial Crown
1977 Chrysler New Yorker
1968 Plymouth Fury III
1953 Ford Customline
Q: Which car has been your favorite and why?
A: I'm strictly an Imperial fan...I've owned Ford products and one GM product. I feel that Chrysler Corporation vehicles in the 50's, 60's, and 70's are very unique in styling and are the best driving/riding/running vehicles that I have ever had the privilege to drive. Imperials are my
favorite.
Q: What are your future plans for your present collection?
A: I would like to someday own an Imperial Convertible. My cars are not show quality, but I enjoy working on them and improving them as I can. Most of all I enjoy driving them occasionally and enjoying them with other Imperial fans.
Q: Do you have any, "I can't believe I let that car get away from me" stories?
A: As you can tell....I haven't let too many pass me by.
Q: Are there any other collector cars (besides Imperials) that you would like to own?
A: Yes, 1956 Packard Executive, Patrician, 400, or Caribbean; a 1966 Chrysler 300; 1965 Chrysler New Yorker; 1958 Cadillac Fleetwood.
Q: Do you belong to any other antique car clubs?
A: Walter P. Chrysler Club.
Q: What was the best car show you ever attended?
A: The Anniston meets are the most fun I have ever had.
Q: Do you have a favorite car related book or movie?
A: I like any old movie with 50's and 60's luxury cars. Recently I've seen "Portrait in Black" (1960 Imperial LeBaron) and "Kitten With a Whip" (1964 Imperial Crown).
We would like to thank Jeff Carrothers for sharing his wonderful Imperial collection with us!! Please check back next month when we will be spotlighting another Imperial Club member.
