Imperial Crown Convertible
The 1967 Imperial Crown Convertible represents the pinnacle of American luxury motoring during the Johnson-era optimism of the late 1960s. As Chrysler's flagship marque, Imperial stood apart from the corporate hierarchy, competing directly with Lincoln Continental and Cadillac DeVille for the affections of America's most discerning buyers. The Crown Convertible, with just 577 examples produced for the 1967 model year, was among the rarest offerings in the Imperial lineup and remains one of the most sought-after American convertibles of the decade.
Under the impossibly long hood sat Chrysler's legendary 440 cubic inch V8, producing a formidable 350 gross horsepower and a stump-pulling 480 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with Chrysler's silky TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission, provided effortless acceleration despite the car's substantial curb weight of over 5,000 pounds. The 440 was renowned for its smooth power delivery and exceptional reliability, traits that made it ideal for a luxury cruiser of this caliber.
The 1967 model year marked a significant redesign for Imperial, adopting Elwood Engel's clean, slab-sided styling that drew clear inspiration from his earlier work on the Lincoln Continental. The result was a car of imposing presence, stretching over 224 inches in length. Unique styling cues included hidden headlamps, a distinctive split grille, and the signature Imperial eagle hood ornament. The convertible top mechanism was fully power-operated, and when lowered, gave the car an especially elegant profile.
Inside, the Crown Convertible was a showcase of 1960s luxury technology. Standard equipment included leather-and-vinyl upholstery, power windows, power seats with driver-side memory, Auto Pilot cruise control, an AM/FM radio, and Chrysler's innovative Auto-Temp air conditioning system that maintained a preset cabin temperature. The dashboard featured a distinctive squared-off instrument panel with clearly legible gauges, while the steering wheel incorporated a unique center-mounted horn ring.
Imperial's unibody construction, a point of differentiation from the body-on-frame Lincoln, contributed to a more refined ride quality. The torsion bar front suspension and leaf spring rear setup, combined with heavy-duty shock absorbers and an optional rear air suspension system, delivered the kind of boulevard ride that Imperial buyers demanded. Despite its enormous size, the car handled with surprising composure for a vehicle of its era and class.
Today, the 1967 Imperial Crown Convertible is recognized as one of the most collectible Mopars. With its combination of extreme rarity, powerful drivetrain, and luxurious appointments, it commands significant premiums in the collector car market. Survivors in good condition are exceptionally rare, making the Crown Convertible a crown jewel for any serious collection of American luxury automobiles.
Check for rust in the unibody structure, especially rocker panels, trunk floor, and convertible top well. The power top mechanism is complex and parts are scarce. Verify the 440 engine is original to the car. Auto-Temp A/C system components are nearly impossible to source. Electrical gremlins are common in the power accessories. Chrome and stainless trim pieces are unique to Imperial and very expensive to reproduce.
Only 577 Crown Convertibles built for 1967. Imperial was marketed as a separate brand from Chrysler during this period. The 1967 redesign was the first under Elwood Engel's direction.