1956 Imperial Four-Door Sedan

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Charles Griffin’s lifelong love affair with American cars began at sixteen when he restored a dusty blue Studebaker. The passion he had for that car followed him through the rest of his life. Over the years, the scale of his garage and projects grew in step with his love for cars. Ultimately, Charles built his own restoration paradise, complete with a paint room, body shop, show room and features that most gearheads only dream about. His sanctuary became a second home to his family and friends. The selection of fine automobiles offered here represents the passion, drive, and memories that Charles shared. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present the Griffin Collection, offered entirely without reserve.  

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“In every respect, it is unquestionably the finest car we have ever created.” — 1956 Imperial brochure  

Chrysler Corporation used the Imperial name for its top-of-the-line models from 1926–1954, but in 1955 it established the Imperial as its own marque, much like Ford’s Lincoln and General Motors’ Cadillac. Although the Imperials shared drivetrain and suspension components with their Chrysler cousins, they boasted unique styling that embraced Virgil Exner's "Forward Look" aesthetic, with tall tailfins and radical “gunsight” taillights.  

These works of automotive sculpture were powered by a powerful first-generation 354 cubic-inch FirePower HEMI V8 engine, and all Imperials were equipped with power steering, seats, brakes, and windows. Models ranged from the base Imperial hardtop and sedan to the Crown limousine.  

Among the new features on second-year 1956 models were push-button PowerFlite transmission, with the control pod located to the left of the driver, and the development and production of the world’s first all-transistor car radio through a partnership with Philco. The radio was a $150 option on 1956 Imperials.  A total of 10,458 Imperials were built for the 1956 model year, including 6,821 four-door sedans. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Griffin Collection 

• Powered by a 354 cubic-inch FirePower High Compression V8 rated at 280 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque  

• Push-button, two-speed PowerFlite transmission  

• The vehicle number (C563890) decodes as:  

  • C - Chrysler  

  • 56 – 1956 model year  

  • 3890 – Sequential build  

Features 

• Gunsight taillights  

• Hidden gasoline cap under passenger taillight  

• “Super scenic” wraparound windshield and rear window  

• Power brakes, steering, windows (with driver master control), locks, and seats  

• Push-button AM radio  

• Analog clock  

• 15-inch wheels with Imperial hubcaps  

• 8.20 x 15 wide whitewall tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Please note that all of the lots in The Griffin Collection have been stored in a climate-controlled facility for four years without operation. The Hagerty Marketplace Team has confirmed that this vehicle starts and runs, however, as a result of their extended static display, all lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.

Ownership History 

This 1956 Chrysler Imperial Sedan is offered from The Griffin Collection of no reserve automobiles. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Cason Vogel   Phone: 904.504.7848   email: cvogel@hagerty.com