THE
WONDERFUL
IMPERIAL OF
OZ

1959 Chrysler Royal AP2

The AP2 was introduced in late 1958 as a 1959 model. This seems to have been change for change's sake. The "Chrysler" script from the trunk/boot lid was relocated to the hood/bonnet, trading places with the "CHRYSLER" block letters that had been there on the AP1. AP2 grillwork was a large chrome loop with parking lights at either corner, clearly influenced by the '57 DeSoto grille but not acting as a combination grille and bumper as on the DeSoto. Side treatment was much like that of the '57 Plymouth Belvedere, a plain chrome strip on sixes and a "Sportone" 2-tone treatment on V8s. The tailfins were taller and more controversial on most AP2s. They were extended by means of an add-on tailfin surrounded by chrome, and looked very much like a poor relation to the "saddle treatment" seen on '57-'59 Dodge fins. One source describes these added fins as an "option" that all AP2 Royals, or perhaps all AP2 Royal V8s, wound up with anyway. The pictures I've seen show an AP2 Plainsman (dropped from the line shortly after intro) with the saddle fin, while all AP2 Wayfarers I've seen managed not to get saddled with it.

The AP3 seems to have come out during calendar year 1960, and was restyled more heavily than in previous years. The grille became much busier and gained extra headlights. The tailfins were redone to resemble those of the '59 DeSoto, and the side treatment was taken from the '59 DeSoto as well, again with a plain checkmark denoting a six and a 2-tone checkmark denoting a V8. The AP3 Royal roof gained a couple of character lines that were said to make the roof sturdier and therefore quieter. The ribbon speedometer from the '60 Plymouth made its way onto the AP3 dash, and the 2-speed PowerFlite automatic was finally replaced by the 3-speed Torqueflite. The AP3 was built until '63 or '64, when it was dropped and not replaced. By that time Chrysler needed whatever plant room they could find to build more of the hot-selling Valiant.

The Royal is not that popular in Australia with restorers. Aussie restorers have tended to focus on Holdens (obviously), some Fords (like the Customline, very popular), and American imports like the 55-57 Chevrolet while the poor old Chrysler Royals have mostly been ignored.

That said, there are a number of restored ones around, mostly sedans, some nice Wayfarers too, and one lone Plainsman. The same can't be said of the Valiants, though - these are very popular with restorers and have a greater 'iconic' status in Australian motoring history than the Royal. Although expensive, the Royal was certainly popular when new, especially with country buyers. Testers of the day liked them, with a few minor reservations (including the saddle fin on the AP2!), and anyone that knows them always has positive things to say about my car and the model in general."

1961 Chrysler Royal AP3

The South Australian police car at left is a '60-'64 Royal AP3. The stacked dual headlights are an AP3 giveaway, as are the back fenders with '56 DeSoto taillights laid out in a manner similar to the domestic treatment of the '59 DeSoto.

It appears that the only full-size American Chrysler product available in Australia from '60 on was the Dodge Phoenix.

1961 Chrysler Royal Ambulance

The Chrysler Royal was considered to be Victoria's most luxurious Ambulance with excellent ride and patient comfort. Entering Service between 1957 to 1962. Pictured here is a 1961 Royal outside Melbourne's Latrobe Street headquarters.

Sources

• R & S Valiant Car Club of NSW
• "The Royal Treatment; Australia's 1957-64 Chryslers" by Gavin Farmer, Collectible Automobile magazine.