The McCandless Collection

1962 Chrysler Imperial Convertible

A PLACE OF HISTORY

Not Just A Museum

The McCandless Collection will take you back to the days of "The Forward Look Era" automotive design, racing, and drivers themselves. We guarantee an unforgettable experience. With so many classic vehicles under one roof, we have something everyone will get excited about.

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The 1962 Chrysler Imperial Convertible is one of those cars that really gets your heart racing. That was the year Chrysler spent $100 million on its “Forward Look” restyling—and the Imperial was the ultimate expression of that. Exner’s design for the Imperial was at its most innovative that year, and you can see that in those bodyside and roof treatments, decklids, fins and those distinctive gun-sight taillights. That was his last design for the marque, and the second (and final) year for those unique free-standing headlights.

The Crown Convertible was the lowest-production car in the Imperial lineup that year. Just 554 were built. You’d expect a car that size—and that beautiful—to come with a price tag to match. The base price was $5,770, before you even added options. At 227 inches long and 4,765 pounds, it was the longest production car in America (outside of limousines). You get power steering, brakes and convertible top, a six-way power seat and an antenna. The steering wheel and “Safety Cushion” padded dash are a great match. And then there’s that electric clock and Chrysler’s unique “Panelescent” instrumentation that glows from behind. That’s one of the most driven cars in the collection.

That 1962 Chrysler Imperial Convertible is a piece of American automotive history. As a car enthusiast, I have a lot of love for this car. The bold styling, sleek lines and luxury features just make it amazing.

What really sets the 1962 Chrysler Imperial Convertible apart is its engine. That 413 cubic inch V8 has plenty of power and torque. And with a push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission, shifting is smooth and seamless. You can really feel the power under the hood.

The interior is just as impressive as the outside. You get leather seats, all the luxury features, air conditioning and power windows. The dash is beautiful, with all the gauges and controls right where you need them.

The convertible top is top-notch. You can raise and lower it at will, so you can enjoy the open air while you drive. That top is built to last. Overall, this is a car that any car enthusiast would love to own.