THE
WONDERFUL
IMPERIAL OF
OZ

At this point in time I had never seen an Imperial, didn�t know what one was because I had never heard of one. I started looking in all the usual places for an R series Chrysler Valiant, the car magazines -- Just cars, Unique cars, Classic cars and the local papers. I also looked for car clubs in Australia who had a presence on the net. I found the R&S Series Valiant Car Club of NSW. This is a club dedicated to the R & S Series only. I contacted them and started to familiarise myself with these vehicles. As mentioned earlier the R series was limited to 1008 vehicles(now I have a vehicle which is one of 692 -- how cool is that?) so getting hold of one was a little difficult and getting hold of a decent one was more difficult. I searched high and low. I found a few, however, I believe the asking price for them were too high (I wonder if they really wanted to sell them). I then started to consider an S Series Chrysler Valiant, after all it looked the same (But it didn�t have that boot lid I liked so much or the cat�s eyes rear tail lights) hmm, what to do. I found a number for sale over the next couple of months but I never made an offer on one of them -- I just didn�t really want one I suppose.

It was during my search over the net here in Australia that I came across something very strange. I don�t recall how but I ended up at a caryard web site in South Australia. Come to think of it I was also looking at Chrysler Royals and I may have typed in CHRYSLER and ended up at this site. Anyway there it was a CHRYSLER? (I don�t call them Chryslers anymore -- When the time comes to register my Imp she will be registered as an Imperial - LeBaron - Sedan). What was it? All I could see was the rear half -- large rear window, huge fins and a boot lid just like the R series, I was impressed but what was it? I wish I could find the site again so I could include the pic in this story as this was the time and place which steered me towards owning an Imperial. I read the add and it stated that it was an Imperial. After looking at the pic for a while I typed in Chrysler Imperial and lo and behold a whole new dream started. I had landed at the Imperial Club Website.

Over the next couple of months I spent many many many hours at this site. It was at this site I saw a 1960 LeBaron Sedan that may have been for sale. Here are the two pics of this car.

I emailed away to enquire if the vehicle was for sale -- it was. I then started down the road which was to finish with me owning the vehicle and shipping it to Sydney Australia. I requested some more pics of the vehicle and a rundown on its condition etc.

Below are a select number of pics which were sent to me. Overall I received about 70 or so. The owner was very obliging taking pics of the VIN number (on the left) and the Data/Trim tag on the right. These were important to fulfil the State Import Regulations.

The VIN Number tells me the following;

	9	=	Imperial
	3	=	LeBaron
	0	=	1960
	4	=	Assembly Plant - Warren Ave, Dearborn Michigan
	106118	=	The 6,118th vehicle to come off the assembly line in 1960 from a total of 17,709 Imperials.

 
The numbers started at 100000and went up (100001 is the first car produced for the year).

For production figures of 1960 go here.

The Data Plate tells me the following;

BDY (Body)	933	=	LeBaron 4 door sedan (PY1 H)
TRM (Trim)	614	=	Wool broadcloth/Pearlescent Leather Bolsters in grey
PNT (Paint)	BB1	=	Formal Black (Roof and Body)
SO	NUMBER
1103	0113

 
After much investigative work and numerous enquiries to Club members I am not entirely sure what the SO NUMBER code means but may mean that the vehicle was ordered on the 3rd of November 1959 and delivered on the 13th January 1960 or came off the line on this date. If you KNOW what this code really does mean then I would appreciate knowing. As for the other codes on the plate I have no idea only to say that they are accessary codes. Once again if you KNOW what they are I would appreciate knowing. It would be good to get the correct information up onto the Club�s site.

A few more pics of the many which were sent to me -- below.

What a HUGE Bonnet and Guard. You could sunbake on here and still have room.	This side rear shot looks very nice	The big smiley face saying "Buy me Buy me" -- so I did. This is what I just love about the 1960 -- and the boot lid too of course.
Pic of the right hand front guard with the damaged piece of chrome trim. Notice also the badge is missing. The owner stored both front badges in the boot. They are a little worn but original. I may either restore or relace them.	Left lens was cracked underneath. Although the crack can�t be seen itwill either be repaired or replaced.	Both the rear guards have some rust in the lower area. This will be cut out and new similar gauge sheeting cut and welded in. There is very little rust anywhere else, a bit of surface rust but nothing to be concerned about.
The Landau roof is in great condition	A Close-up of the Landau Roof	All the original LeBaron Hubcaps were placed in the boot for safety on the Journey to Oz. They have polished up so well and are in excellent condition.