In our fair opinion, there are few things cooler than a legitimate survivor car. Not something that has been dragged from a barn on its last legs and about to break in half but a car that has actually weathered the sands of time intact with some wear and tear to show its age. If there is a more perfect example of such a thing than this 1955 Imperial Newport we’ve never seen it. Complete down to the hubcaps and the last piece of trim, this 331ci hemi powered coupe was a really hot ticket back when it was new and we’d argue that the styling of the car has certainly held up over time. Less than 3,500 were ever made in the coupe configuration and we’re guessing that this was pretty hot stuff when it rolled off the lot back in ’55. The 331ci engine was hooked to a two speed automatic transmission and had a power output rated at 180hp.
Lots of people will say that this is a Chrysler Newport but that’s wrong. At this point it was sold under the Imperial brand which was under the Chrysler umbrella. When Imperial was folded as a stand alone operation the Newport soldiered on as a Chrysler but when you look at the badging and the emblems on this one you’ll see Imperial all over it.
The big split front grill is cool as are the gunsight lights that jut up from the tops of the rear quarter panels. You cannot go wrong with exhaust that exits out through tunnels in the rear bumper and where wide white walls look goofy on lots of stuff, they look right on this car for sure.
Owning a car like this would only be cool if you drove it. It has survived all these years and deserves to be cruised just the way it sits now. Hell a cut and buff may really make it shine and while that would detract from some of its character we wouldn’t be opposed to it. After all, this hunk of steel should be rewarded for making 70 years!
Check out the photos and then hit the eBay link at the bottom to see all of this car –
Lose those ridiculous tail lights and wheel trims, detail the engine and send it to my garage!
Keep it original…you’d need a home equity loan to do the rechrome alone. What would you gain, maybe 5g’s.
Sweetness!!!
It hasn’t been restored and it never will be because:
1. There is no collector market for these cars
2. The parts are made of unobtainium
3. 6V is a pain in the heinie, everybody who drives one regularly has converted
The best you can hope for is a restomod that brings the car safely into the 21st century.
Disagree? Buy one and go for it.