1961 Imperial Crown Convertible

The 60s was definitely an era of automobile design that is beyond compare from an aesthetic impact perspective and, truth be told, you’re unlikely to encounter many automobiles more visually arresting than this 1961 Imperial Crown Convertible which is going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s as part of their Open Roads Auction. This lot is believed to be one of just 429 that were produced for 1961 so there won’t be much chance of encountering another one of these beauties out on the road.

The 1961 Imperial Crown Convertible from RM Sotheby’s benefits from a previous 15-year, body-off restoration that sees it presented in, quite frankly, immaculate condition and it arguably looks as good, if not better, than the day it first rolled off the production line well over half a century ago. The lot is accompanied by extensive history files and concours trophies and this impressive looking steed boasts multiple concours wins in Sweden so it has a good backstory to it to boot.

EYE-CATCHING DESIGN DETAILS

Chrysler’s range-topping Imperial line first launched in 1926 and was marketed as a standalone brand from 1955 to 1983 in an effort to better compete with other manufacturers like Cadillac and Lincoln. Imperials were, without a question, the most luxurious vehicles produced by Chrysler in their heyday. This gorgeous looking vehicle boasted body-on-frame construction and the 1961 Imperial Crown was offered as a four-door hardtop, a two-door hardtop, and a two-door convertible. Though it was the last year for the model’s iconic tailfin design, styling was otherwise updated for 1961 with distinctive “floating” headlights and taillights, among various other little design tweaks.

The 1961 Imperial Crown Convertible truly is ahead of its time in terms of its stunning design. The luxurious interior of this majestic looking machine was loaded with amenities and, like the exterior, featured futuristic touches that took their design inspiration from the 1960s space-age craze, such as an oblong steering wheel and pods flanking the instrument binnacle with push buttons to operate the automatic transmission and climate-control system. Power for the car came from an impressively potent 413 cubic-inch V-8 engine and just 429 Imperial Crown convertibles are believed to have been produced for 1961.

Beautifully finished in period-correct Teal Blue with a black canvas soft-top, the 1961 Imperial Crown Convertible truly is a sight to behold. Leather upholstery with the correct pearl effect was sourced from SMS Auto Fabric, in Oregon, U.S.A. Being top of the line, the car came from the factory equipped with power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seat, and a power-operated top. It rides on period, wide, whitewall Firestone tires mounted to steel wheels with full covers.

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