1973 Imperial Spotter's Guide

Imperial returned for 1973 with only minor changes from 1972. Up front, the grille was redesigned, while new taillight lenses were used at the rear. More noticeable was the inclusion of two LARGE rubber bumpers mounted on the lower part of the front and rear bumpers. These big chunks of hard rubber allowed the '73 Imperial to exceed the federally-mandated 5 m.p.h crash test requirements. To further meet the crash test requirements, both front and rear bumpers were also lowered slightly and moved out from the car, and gray plastic inserts were used to cover now-larger openings around the bumpers. These modifications pushed Imperial's overall length to 235.3 inches, almost six inches longer than the 1971 models. This length made Imperial the longest production car in North America at the time.

On the interior, Imperial received new fabric patterns for the standard cloth interior, while the "floating cushion" leather seats remained a tasteful and highly comfortable option.


Like the '72 Imperial, the '73 Imperial gives a striking appearance, with long, flowing lines, a bold front grille, and tasteful use of chrome ornamentation. Shown here is the four door LeBaron in Chestnut Metallic with a White vinyl top.


From the front, the car is unmistakably Imperial. The eagle again appears on the hood, while the "IMPERIAL" script remains on the headlight door.	And at the rear, the Imperial "theme" is echoed by the eagle in the center and the "IMPERIAL" script above the right edge of the bumper.


The teardrop taillights for 1972 and 1973 are among Imperial's most tasteful designs. Introduced in the '72 model year and moderately revised for '73, these vertical taillights were the first to be used since 1954.	From this angle, the Imperial gives two strong impressions -- first, that of unquestionable luxury, and second, that of unquestionable power and speed. Upon driving the Imperial, the owner realizes that both impressions are correct.


Cornering lights were first introduced on the 1968 Imperial, and are seamlessly integrated into the front fenders on this 1973 Imperial.	The "IMPERIAL" script appears on the headlight door . . . and disappears when the lights are turned on.


Nothing could be more inviting than the ample space and luxurious leather of the '73 Imperial. For the owner of Imperial, comfort is a premium that is unsurpassed by other automobiles.	And the rear occupants are not forgotten! With Lavaliere assist straps, a center armrest, individual reading lights, and even optional rear heat or air conditioning, riding in the back seat of the Imperial is truly a first class experience.


Once in the "command center," the driver of the Imperial has every luxury at hand -- tilt and telescopic steering column, six way electric seat, cruise control, AM/FM Stereo 8 Track or Cassette, and many more features of a fine car. Included as standard is full gauge instrumentation, allowing the Imperial owner to be constantly aware of the health of his fine automobile.	With fully padded high quality vinyl and carpet, even the doors of the Imperial are noticeably luxurious. The armrest lifts up to reveal a convenient storage compartment, while controls for power windows, reading lights, and even a cigar lighter are within easy reach.


One of the nicer features of the Imperial is the option Headlight Sentry and Auto Dimmer. The Headlight Sentry allows the driver to set a delay timer that leaves the headlights of the car on for a specified period of time once the driver has exited. The Auto Dimmer automatically dims headlights in the face of approaching traffic.	The Headlight Sentry also allows the driver to have no worries about the operation of the headlights. The sensor shown above constantly measures ambient light and turns on the headlights as dusk approaches, or turns them back off at dawn.


Imperials size speaks for itself . . .	. . . As does its muscle!