1959 Imperial Crown Southampton Hardtop

Description

Raleigh Classic Car Auctions have built a pristine reputation over 26 years of live auctions, as the go-to for the best-of-the-best offerings for car collectors and enthusiasts. Regionally trusted and nationally recognized, Raleigh Classic Car Auctions continues to find low-mile, original examples with documentation annually. The October Special is an offering of 28 premium quality, low-mile and desirable, domestic lots from three private estates. All vehicles are available for in-person inspection at The Raleigh Classic Showroom in Zebulon, NC; 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday: 10/28/25 - 11/12/25 or by appointment.

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The 1959 Imperial Crown represented the pinnacle of Chrysler’s luxury division during a time of bold automotive design. Riding on a massive 129-inch wheelbase, the Crown featured dramatic styling by Virgil Exner, including soaring tailfins, freestanding headlights in chrome nacelles, and a wide, imposing grille. It was offered in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, all lavishly appointed with power features, deep-pile carpeting, and push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

Under the hood, the Crown was powered by a 413 cubic inch V8 producing 350 horsepower, delivering smooth and effortless performance. The car’s Torsion-Aire suspension provided a comfortable ride, while its unibody construction—shared with other Imperials—offered improved rigidity and safety.

Imperial was marketed as a separate make from Chrysler, aiming to compete directly with Cadillac and Lincoln. Though sales were modest compared to its rivals, the 1959 Crown Southampton Hardtop stood out for its extravagant styling and engineering sophistication. Approximately 1,728 were produced, and this mostly original Hardtop is resplendent in Persian Pink over a White leather interior. Tom McCahill, Mechanix Illustrated’s famed road tester commented, “Imperial was our choice as the greatest car built in America in 1958. I’ve seen nothing to alter this opinion in 1959.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection

• 63,079 miles indicated

  • Based on the seller's thorough assessment, known history, and accompanying documentation, the odometer reading of this Imperial Crown is believed to be correct.

• Finished in Persian Pink (PNN) over a White leather (627) interior

• 413ci V8 producing 350 horsepower

• Push-button TorqueFlite automatic transmission

• Total Contact Power Brakes

• Safety Cushion Instrument Panel

• Silvercrest Landau Roof

• The chassis number (M637104653) decodes as:

  • M – Model year 1959

  • 6 – Imperial

  • 3 – Crown

  • 7 – Assembly plant: Warren Avenue, Dearborn Michigan

  • 104653 – Sequential build number staring at 100001

Features

• Air Foam Seat Cushions Front and Rear

• Padded Safety Steering Wheel

• Dual Exhaust

• Drip Rail Cover Molding

• Stone Shield - Rear Quarter Panel

• Vanity Mirror

• Rear License Plate Frame

• Left Outside Rear View Mirrors (Manual)

• 6-Way Power Seat

• Power Windows

• Air Foam Seat Back (Rear) Features

Known Imperfections

• As with any vintage vehicle, some imperfections may be present. Interested parties are encouraged to review the photo gallery and contact the seller with any questions.

Included Items

• Matching spare tire and jack

Ownership History

This 1959 Imperial Crown is offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection with a clean Ohio title with a Mileage Notation of “Actual”.