Imperial Crown Sedan

Subtle design details make it look as if this car wants to move forward: the low silhouette, the slanted line behind the headlights and, parallel to it, the line of the front wheel arches.

Subtle design details make it look as if this car wants to move forward: the low silhouette, the slanted line behind the headlights and, parallel to it, the line of the front wheel arches. This is called the Forward Look, a style developed by Chrysler designer Virgil Exner and, from 1955 onward, applied to all models and brands of the Chrysler Corporation, including the luxury brand Imperial. It is especially with this flagship brand that Exner can really let himself go. In this context, also note the spare wheel shape on the trunk, the decorative bar at the rear of the roof, the curved side windows (this is the first car on which this was used), and the so called gunsight taillights – rings around the rear lights that resemble a rifle sight. Characteristic are the swiveling front seats (swivel seats) to make getting in and out easier. On Chryslers options list for this model are a foot operated (!) transistor radio and a HiFi record player. Imperial was originally the designation for the largest and most luxurious Chrysler. In 1955 it became a separate brand within the Chrysler Corporation to compete with Lincoln and Cadillac. Around the oil crisis in the 1970s, Imperial as a brand was discontinued.