I have been an Imperial nut since I was a tiny kid - I can still remember 57 Imperials on Superman - perhaps its last year or two of production (the show not the car). To me they consistently looked regal yet advanced. I can't quite put my finger on it precisely. The other issue was that they were so rare - it was an occasion to see an Imperial on the road. Unmistakable - I would sing out to my Dad, "Here comes an Imperial" on the occasion that one would pass. The State Senator who lived on the farm next ours had a black 62. I've always been partial to 62's as a result.
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Back to the 57. I just always loved the styling - the hood - with its stylized eagle - the double blade bumpers - the front bumper is actually 11 pieces - perfectly aligned. And the wonderful clamshell headlight treatment. So beautiful it was clumsily copied by Cadillac on the obtrusive 59's and toned down 60's.
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And so it was for me - growing up - always looking for Imperials. The problem was that the few that were out there were generally not well taken care of. Owned by folks who either didn't have the resources or understand the requirements of car like an Imperial. My first Imperial, a 67 convertible was trouble free. At a car show my buddy suggested that I list under Unusual features "No electrical problems" -- the much maligned, misunderstood, misclassified car. If I only had a dime for each time someone called one of my Imperials - an "Impala" [YIKES!]
Anyway...I am ahead of myself. My 57 was an unintentional purchase. I drove an hour and a had to look at a black 57 Crown four door hardtop listed on Ebay - which like most black cars looked great in the photos and a total restoration in person. While I was there - the owner showed me two more in the garage - a sedan and a coupe - both really nice. I said, "If you ever want to sell either one of those, call me."
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Six months later he did - and I bought it. Here is the story of my car as I know it to be: It was originally owned by a Doctor from the small town of Macungie, PA - the place where they made Mack Trucks. The Doctor owned it for years - always maintaining it and garaging it. That part of the story is credible as the car is totally solid and remarkably rust free. The next man bought it and stored it, the third owner took it apart and the man I bought it from put back together. That's all I know. Oh, the odometer reads 43 K. Who knows how real that is.
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The 57 is free of rattles, squeaks, vibration, and almost every other sound you can think of. The 392 is silent and has enough oil pressure to make an oil well jealous. It runs predictably cool on hot days, charges slightly and is thrifty on fuel for car of its size. The handing is - in a word - magnificent. Free of sway, yaw or anything else - handling flatly and begging for more throttle at every turn.
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There is no experience like driving an Imperial - at least for me.
The Imp has had one repaint, new correct carpeting, and a headliner installed. The under hood and trunk card boards are original and surprisingly nice. I've re chromed only the bumpers - the balance of the trim is as I received it. It is painted in its original mist gray over charcoal gray (which in typical Chrysler fashion looks more blue than gray - unless you are in the direct sun) . Aside from service - I replaced the brake booster - which is a crazy story.
I love my low line 57 and while I have had opportunities to buy other 57's and so similar 58's, I have always been loyal to this old girl. I just love her!
Hank Hallowell
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