1966 Imperial Crown Four-Door Hardtop

Description

“Our thriftiest Imperial, the Crown Four-Door Hardtop, has more standard luxuries than a Rolls-Royce.” That was a bold claim by Chrysler, but they backed it up with some interesting facts, such as the instrument panel is “inlaid with 100-year-old claro walnut. This wood is so rare and expensive, it isn't used for furniture — even the finest.” And the Crown was the first luxury car to feature “a unique ‘sectional’ sofa for a front seat.” 

The 1966 Imperial Crown Four-Door Hardtop was part of the second generation of Imperials, which ran from 1957 to 1966. Designed by Elwood Engel (who also styled the 1961 Lincoln Continental), the 1966 Imperial Crown featured a sleek, elegant body. 

Under the hood, the 1966 Imperial Crown was powered by a 440 cubic inch V8 engine with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. Its suspension system featured Chrysler’s famed torsion bars up front and wide-spaced leaf-springs in back which provided a remarkably smooth ride. Imperial also featured innovative safety features for its time, including a dual braking system and energy-absorbing steering column.  

As the Imperial division stated, “The Crown Four-Door Imperial is the product of computer development and assembly. It is a precise, predictable automobile. One that deserves more than a cursory trip around the block.” 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Carolina Collection 

• Showing 77,579 miles from new 

• Refinished in the original Dove Tan (331) over a Black and Gold Leather (M3E) interior 

• 440 cu-in V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor 

• TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (YM43J6311867) decodes as: 

  • Y – Imperial 

  • M – Model year 1966 

  • 43 – Body style (4-door hardtop) 

  • J – Engine type (440 cubic inch V8) 

  • 6 – Assembly plant (Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan) 

  • 3118673 – Serial number 

Features 

• 100-year-old claro walnut trim  

• Six-way, power-adjusted leather-trimmed split bench seat 

• Working air conditioning 

• Golden Touch AM/FM radio 

• Rear speaker with reverb 

• “Tilt-a-Scope" telescoping steering wheel 

• Cruise control 

• Power steering 

• Power brakes 

• Power windows 

• Clear glass 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1966 Chrysler Imperial Crown is presented as a finely preserved original example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections 

Included 

• Owner’s manual 

• Original Chrysler Certicard 

• Copy of dealer’s invoice 

• Spare tire and jack 

 Ownership History 

This 1966 Imperial Crown Four-Door Hardtop was purchased in Traverse City, Michigan, from Waples Motor Company on 14 December 1965 by a Mr. Edwin P. Bosken. Few survive, as they were the favorite of demolition derby driver. This one has travelled 77,579 miles as verified by the title, joining The Carolina Collection in 2022. 

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: Donnie Gould   Phone: 954.647.0779    email: dgould@hagerty.com