1965 Imperial Crown Convertible

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. Nothing quite encapsulates the launch and excitement of the region as this out-of-world collection of cars including movie cars and tributes, desirable classics, and a rocket truck itself. 3… 2… 1… These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE.      *  *  *     “Obviously, an automobile in the luxury car class is not for everyone. But, have you noticed lately how many of the younger luxury car owners prefer Imperial?” The 1965 Imperial Crown Convertible 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 1965 Imperial Crown featured a sleek, elegant body. Under the hood, the 1965 Imperial Crown was powered by a 413 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. 

The interior was luxurious, such as “rare claro walnut accents, generously inlaid across the instrument panel and steering wheel.” The upholstery was special too as, “the leathers in an Imperial convertible must be able to withstand extreme exposure to natural elements.” 

As Chrysler stated, “From outside, the 1965 Imperial is an impressively luxurious automobile. But, what is more satisfying is the way its luxury is translated—without compromise—into comfort.” 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Rocket City Collection 

• Finished in the Mist Blue Iridescent (FF1) over a Blue leather (M8B) interior 

• White power convertible top 

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

• TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (Y253921145) decodes as: 

  • Y – Imperial 

  • 2 – Crown 

  • 5 – Model Year 1965 

  • 3 – Assembly plant (Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 

  • 921145 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Cooper Lifeliner Touring SLE 235/70R15 tires 

• 100-year-old claro walnut trim  

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

• “Tilt-a-Scope" telescoping steering wheel 

• Power steering 

• Power brakes 

• Power windows 

• Rare parade boot covers

Known Imperfections 

• Convertible top is lightly stained  

• Pitting on chrome grille trim   

• Pitting on chrome passenger side window vent trim   

• Trim along passenger side door sill is no longer attached  

• Paint chipped on trunk edge  

• Chrome piece around trunk lock missing?  

• Paint scraped on driver’s door edge and on body where the two meet  

• Pitting on driver’s rearview mirror  

• Pitting on driver’s side interior door chrome  

• No radio (leaving holes in dash)   

• Rear side speakers removed (leaving holes on both sides) 

Included 

• Keys 

Ownership History 

This 1965 Imperial Crown Convertible joined The Rocket City Collection in 2024. 

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: Ramsey Potts   Phone: 912.508.4096   email: rpotts@hagerty.com