1940 Chrysler Imperial Specifications, Equipment and Historical Notes

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                                           HISTORICAL NOTES:                                         

There were only three Imperials offered in 1940 and all were Crown models on a stretched wheelbase.  Only one custom bodied Imperial was produced by Derham on the Crown chassis and survives today at the Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  Derham also produced a one-off Crown Imperial Town limousine

Basic styling was similar to other Chryslers, with larger doors and sheet metal.  The Crown Imperials featured front fender parking lights and came only with conventional running boards.  In six passenger cars the front seat-back incorporated storage compartments and there were foot rest on the rear floor.  The eight passenger models had jump seats in place of storage compartments and no foot rests.  The limousine had a division window and could be ordered with leather upholstery in the driver's compartment. 

 

Fluid drive, automatic overdrive and vacuum operated power brakes continued to be standard equipment on this line.  Both low and high-compression versions of the Crown Imperial engine used aluminum cylinder heads. 

 

The serial numbers for the C-27 started at 7807401 and the engine numbers started at C27-1001 and ended at C27-1875.

 

STANDARD EQUIPMENT ENGINE -  Inline, L-head Eight  Cast Iron Block   Bore & Stroke : 3.25 in x 4.875 in.    Displacement : 323.5 cubic inches   Cranking Rate : Standard - 6.8:1   Optional - 7.45:1 Brake Horsepower : Standard - 132@3400rpm Optional - 143@3400rpm N.A.C.C. Horsepower : 33.80   Main bearings : Six   Solid Valve Lifters   Carburetor - Stromberg 2V model AAV-2   Torque : Standard - 255 lbs-ft @ 1600 rpm Optional - 270  lbs-ft @ 1600 rpm CHASSIS -  Wheelbase : 145.5 inches Tires : 15 x 7.50 TRANSMISSION - Fluid Drive Transmission standard Automatic Overdrive was standard Column mounted gearshift Multiple dry disc clutch Shaft drive Hypoid rear axle Overall ratio : 4.55:1 STEEL DISC WHEELS   VACUUM OPERATED POWER BRAKES OPTIONS: Whitewall tires Full wheel disc brakes Wheel trim beauty rings Two-tone paint OSRV mirror Fender skirts Bumper guards Radio Heater Clock Cigar lighter Radio antenna Seat covers External sun shade Spotlight(s) Fog lamps Front fender parking lights (six) Rear fender gravel guards Chromed trimmed rocker panels Leather driver's seat (limousines only) Bumper crash guards

Walter Percy Chrysler passes away on August 18, 1940.

Chrysler introduced the sealed beam headlight as a new safety feature.