1955 Imperial Newport Hardtop Coupe

Description

They called it the “The 100 Million Dollar Look.” Designer Virgil Exner had been hired by Chrysler to completely remake the company’s stodgy, antiquated look. And did he deliver, his 1955 “Forward Look” transformed their products from the lowest-price Plymouth to this, the flagship Imperial. No longer a Chrysler, Imperial was a new division in 1955, building the most luxurious, most advanced vehicles for the company to compete against Cadillac and Lincoln. Riding on a luxurious 130 inch wheelbase, the Imperial featured the 331 cu-in FirePower V8 engine, the first-generation “Hemi” with its famed hemispherical-head design. PowerFlite automatic transmission, plus power steering, brakes, windows and front seats were all standard.

This 1955 Imperial Newport Hardtop Coupe is a highly original example, with only a paint respray in the factory black color. The rare two-tone red and black leather interior and the complete drivetrain are said to be original. It is equipped with every option available that year, including rare factory air conditioning, a $530 upgrade, and tinted Solex glass. From the bold eagle emblem up front to the “gunsight” taillights, this Imperial Newport Hardtop Coupe showcased the best in Chrysler engineering and design in 1955 — and still looks like a million.

Highlights

• Highly original condition with one respray in factory black paint

• The flagship of Chrysler Corporation

• One of 3,418 Newport Hardtop Coupes produced in 1955

• Original drivetrain including 331 cu-in 180 hp FirePower Hemi V-8 engine

• PowerFlite two-speed automatic transmission

• Original and rare two-tone red and black leather interior

• Rare factory air conditioning and tinted Solex windows

• The chassis number (C555875) decodes as:

  • C – Chrysler

  • 55 – Model Year 1955

  • 5875 – Sequential build number starting at 1001

• This 1955 Imperial Newport Hardtop Coupe is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just over 77,400 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Modern AM/FM radio hidden in factory unit

• Modern rear speakers hidden under front seat

• Hidden Carter electric fuel pump and momentary switch

• Goodyear Wide Whitewall tires with very low mileage

• Power steering

• Power brakes

• Power seats

• Power windows

• Dash-mounted shift lever

• Heat and defrost

• Clock

• Tinted glass

• Original chrome wire wheels with spinners

• Dual exhaust with through-bumper exit

Known Imperfections

• This 1955 Imperial Newport Hardtop Coupe is presented in excellent condition for a mostly original vehicle of this age

• Original air conditioning system is mostly complete but inoperable

Included

• Spare tire and factory jack

Ownership History

This 1955 Imperial Newport Hardtop Coupe was formerly featured in the famous Wayne Davis collection in Texas, which was noted for its emphasis on quality and rarity. Finding a new owner in 2019, this excellent example of Chrysler’s 100 Million Dollar Look has resided in Florida since then.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811 email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com