All ‘61 Imperials were 227.1” long just under 19 feet. By 1961 LeBaron Coach-builders were long gone LeBaron was simply the highest trim level. It included a smaller rear window.
it's a 6 way seat, twist that knob to tilt the seat. The other lever on the side of the seat is to swivel out the swivelling seats in front. That car has almost every option.
Full restoration would be nice money allowing spare parts might be an issue,there are some old bone yards with old imperials ,but there disappearing quickly owners of those old yard are dying off and nobody else takes over.❤
Hi There, It's starting to grow on me to be honest. Stay tuned, maybe not a frame off restore, but certainly a complete refresh. Thanks for the thoughts.
Video thật tuyệt vời! Cái nhìn chi tiết về Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 1961 rất thú vị. Tôi đặc biệt đánh giá cao những thông tin về thiết kế và tính năng của chiếc xe cổ điển này. Cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ!
Man that thing is a beautiful. Cant wait for more videos on this car. U should def do a series. Anyways new subscriber here. Keep up the great work. And hopefully u can put out way more boat content. Much love to ya from Maryland❤❤❤.
You're correct on it being not a Chrysler, but the dealer structure was different pre 1962. It could have been sold by a DeSoto Plymouth Imperial Dealer or even a Dodge Chrysler Imperial Dealer. Chrysler and Plymouth weren't paired up as Chrysler Plymouth Dealers until 1962 after DeSoto was discontinued in the USA. Most Plymouth Dealers were either Stand alone or paired with DeSoto and could also have Imperial.
@@OsbornTramain Mr. Tramain, thank you so much for putting me on the straight and narrow. Pre '62 I was just getting into the car hobby( thanks to my parents) so I was unaware you could buy an Imperial at a De Soto dealer(but not for long!). I enjoy your retro commercials.
The IMPERIAL Luxury Car became ITS OWN MAKE/BRAND and DIVISION in 1955. Thus, it is NOT a “CHRYSLER”…nor is it VINed as one. It has always been marketed SEPARATELY from CHRYSLER in ALL CORPORATE ADS…and has been …,even since 1954. Thus , the MAKE is “IMPERIAL,” and the MODEL is LE BARON. (Want PROOF ?) 1) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_(automobile)?wprov=sfti1#First_generation_(1955%E2%80%931956):_A_separate_make 2) 1955: th-cam.com/video/wOy6_uk3k3k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=enJ2TQBXiAHbfd9o 3) 1957: th-cam.com/video/DtyG9jQ1Ydc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iF7Vwk5iHAIbjNDA 4) 1959: th-cam.com/video/GA51okFc33U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rG1bRvdCTjrd_kdM 5)
@@mrhubada you'll see what it looks like on picture 3. www.ebay.com/itm/285229519544?fits=Year%3A1961%7CMake%3AChrysler&itmmeta=01J0288Z5PKY8PVQCH3EJG91YE&hash=item42690112b8:g:zpkAAOSw-8xkNOPb&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0FwpZAzbWrNNHtTdMFaktqYfPaUp2cFWNum8vlpfX7lreo460tYNfo7XKYlkYX0dwXZAEvgpzDjuzVCaeQi8SjwYI2Ar0Gowj1srANitsSNr%2BJtwzbiBVfVLjtLC%2BLzeM13SomqB1hrVB5kfXpjpH1TzTaGEWMQL4WNyPOEitm398%2FWxSk0iUx28Zheo%2F9IE0ioEi1QorYGSqyp9g%2Be0YHK8M5a4Yv1QoTMIxy0thlcNTV4WK4qBbL6%2BKEFY1zRd7Rttymm%2FJ0wBdhaTBbfL548%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_jyo8iAZA Join the forwardlook site, lots of info and folks who can help you there!
My mom had a 1960 Imperial that my dad bought her brand new. Mom stopped driving it after we moved from Washington state to California. I would play in that car as a kid. My mom died in 1974. It had less than 30,000 miles on it when we gave it to someone for the engine because it got so rusted out. I miss that car.
That car also has the swiveling front seats. The release is the little lever at the front corner of the seat. DO NOT ALTER FROM FACTORY SPECS! Those cars are much too rare and worth big bucks when restored to original condition.
I had a '63 Imperial Le Baron and really wish I still had it. It turned out to be one of the best cars I ever owned. Mine had a 413 with dual inline 4 bbls and it was a surprise to others when it scooted past them:) Dual Ac and a whole slew of options. Probably was optioned out as it had about everything you could think of. Mine weighed 6100 lbs. curb weight.
Ok, you got me. Thought I'd seen everything but I've never seen a Lebaron. Southampton yes, but not Lebaron. Trivia. To set the buttons on the radio, tune to a station then pull a button out then push in all the way in and that button is now set to that station. Those front seats swivel outward also. The paint shift at base of roof rear is probably lead put in at factory has shifted. That engine should be a 413ci. Yes if you can afford it put a Hellcat Redeye set-up in it. Thats a lot of work and money but would be cool. Course it's worth more restored to factory due to it's rarity. Later Man ! 👊😎👍
The engine is a 413 with 4 barrel carb. That's a very well optioned LeBaron. I see A/C, Autopilot. The Silvercrest roof panels are optional as is the Flytesweep trunk lid with the "toilet seat". The hubcaps are unique to the LeBaron and are hard to find and big $$$. I've seen them go for $2k for a set of them.
Dad had a used ‘59 when I was about 13 (1964). It had the 413 in the engine compartment. Weighed 5250 with a quarter tank of gas and got 14 mpg on the highway. It needed a helper leaf for full trunk loads. Great ride, not great acceleration, which improved if you turned the AC off suddenly. Looked pretty much like this. I would be surprised if this red is an original color. Just seems garish! Thanks for sharing.
Hey there great big Red Riding HOOD, 🎵 You sure are lookin good! 🎶 Can't wait to see you in all your restored Glory!🎵 I'll look forward to THAT story. 🎶 You've made the day for me! 👍 🏆
I think you should keep it the way it is. The LeBarons are very low production and desirable. Altering it will kill it's value. Just the hubcaps alone. I hadn't looked in a while but just checked eBay and someone id offering a set for $7500.
On the window drive bushing, they used several combinations of bushings and motors. Some of the drive bushing have metal ends and the length of the motor output shaft is slightly different. I've owned every year of Imperial from 60-64. The 60-63 all will interchange, but require the correct matchup of motor and bushing. I believe you need the bushing with metal ends. Bob H at Imperial Heaven should be able tp help with those.
Keep her the way she was meant to be... If it were anything "common", I'd say hotrod the daylights out of it. But those LeBarons are incredibly rare today... Especially in THAT shape. Too many Imperials from '57-'66 were commandeered by the Demolition Derby crowd in the Seventies and early Eighties... Most were lost to the scrappers after they were too banged up. In fact, these were so robust, they were outlawed by the Demo Derby Rules Committee. The leather upholstery actually looks like it can be saved... I wonder if it was black to begin with? Having the driver's seat bottom reupholstered in genuine leather shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm not sure that THAT red was it's original color... But if it's saveable, you've got a good start. I'm sure that there are a few decent Body Techs that could repair what needs it and can blend those repairs in to look great. The 413 and TorqueFlite combination is hard to beat... If I had my druthers, I'd put a Gear Vendor behind that transmission and then have three more forward gears... You'd end up getting around 25-30 mpg on the freeway. We have a 32 foot Dodge Landau motorhome with the 440 and "LoadFlite" transmission with a Gear Vendor overdrive unit installed... We actually get an easy 16 mpg on the flat with that big old thing... Sometimes better if we're essentially going downhill (from Virginia to Florida). That's a nice example of what was even a rare car when it was new! Cheers
@@JAAG1960you bet! I grew up in the old car business... Mom and Dad had an automotive repair/restoration shop in Houston, back in the Eighties and Nineties. I've since come down with multiple sclerosis and don't fool with cars anymore (sadly). But that LeBaron of yours would be really nice to have... Even my crippled @$$ could probably get by with doing a light freshening up on that one. These old cars just don't turn up THAT CLEAN these days... Most of what we see is absolute SCRAP that we wouldn't even have considered cannibalizing for parts 30 years ago... Yet people are paying nosebleed high prices for the junk and dumping beaucoup dollars into it (still for no return when they decide to sell it... Same as it always was). Anyhow... Those '61 Imperials were always rare... Even when they were new. Did you know that they "out-fin" the 1959 Cadillacs? They're apparently even taller. And ya gotta love all the rest of the weirdness that the '61 encompasses... The square steering wheel, the pancake hood, the stainless inserts on the roof, you name it! Just something I'd personally do, would be to probably sell the wheel covers to someone doing a 100 point restoration, using the extra $$ to button up some things with this red one, and trying to find some less rare Imperial wheel covers from a different year... The average observer wouldn't know any better... And in my opinion, it'd probably hurt a lot less when one might fly off at 70mph on the freeway. Dad and my brother and I used to build 100 Point Show Cars, but the majority of our business was just building high quality "drivers" that were mechanically sound and looked killer. Originality wasn't usually a high priority unless the vehicle was say one of only five or six known to exist. Then of course, there's the argument that these things are getting rarer and rarer every day. You know I'd never have thought that the Snot Green, four door, six cylinder '70 Nova grocery getter from the convent down the road, would ever be considered a "classic" and somehow be "worth" $12,000 .... But here we are. Yeah... Keep that Imp. Clean her up, patch up what needs it, to the best of your abilities... Drive the wheels off of her! Enjoy it, man... It's really kool! Cheers
@@slicksnewonenow Thanks for all the info. I have a close friend with MS, in pain every minute of every day. He just keeps trucking along and refuses to let it beat him. I have a lot respect for you. I tip my hat. Stay tuned, whereas I don't generally do concourse style restores, we will do a restore /refresh series. Then drive the daylights out of it. Thanks.
@@slicksnewonenow I also have MS and agree with everything you say. I can no longer drive but that hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for quality older cars. I cringe seeing what happens to more than a few older cars. 1961 to 1969 Lincolns seem to be the target of vandalizers with more money than taste or sense recently. Let's keep as many of the better cars on the road where they belong. (Yes, I know "vandalizers" is not a proper word.) Hang in there! I find laughter is my best medicine.
Those headlights were know as "Free Standing" headlights. Very early use of an alternator (most cars still had generators); I think the Valaints had them a year b4. Nice Imperial; should get lots of looks on the hwy. Just dont stop short in front of a big guy named "Pike", driving an old Ford moving truck!😅. (actually, NOT funny - that '62 Imp convertible in the MAD movie was SUPER rare, even back then!😢)
The engine appears not to be a Hemi so it is probably a 413. The Imperial was the last to use the 392 Hemi but the gen 1 hemi was gone by 1961. You may notice what looks like a drum brake on the back of the transmission. That is the parking brake. Many chryslers of this period had the parking brakeon the transmission. You will find that the imperial had a larger wheel bolt pattern that other chryslers. I underrstand they are difficult to find. The transmissson should be a torqueflight. It may be teh older iron case torqeflight.
Simply Imperial, as Chrysler created it as a separate division ( It never quite caught on ). ' America's Most Carefully Built Car ' , was the slogan. Note stainless steel roof . The headlights called ' floating '. The Le Baron was the highest in the range . The name from a classic car custom body maker , that Chrysler had been associated with ; like Fleetwood with Cadillac. A few Famous owners of the model ; Governor Rockefeller of NY ( his by Ghia ) , and Fred Astair .
Although there are some very strict fans that will bear down on anyone who adds the word "Chrysler" in front of "Imperial", as a restoration project, 65 years later, you will have more luck finding anything for this car by searching for "Chrysler". Hemmings (book and online) does not break out "Imperial" as a separate category. And there is a good reason: nearly every mechanical part you will ever need will be from (or fit to) any full size Chrysler product. 413 Engine, 727 transmission, ball joints, tie rods, steering boxes, linkages, exterior door handles lock tumblers (50's Dodge/DeSoto), interior door handles (Chrysler full size), knobs and switches, etc etc. Other than the body panels n trim, and bridge truss frames, these cars were Chrysler parts bin cars. And that is good news for restoration!! And anyone selling a parts car will typically list their car under "Chrysler" because they want the largest possible audience for their ad. So don't get hung up on thinking you need to go looking for "Imperial" parts. You won't find them unless you go looking for "Chrysler Imperial" or just "1961 Chrysler" and it will bring up anything Imperial (craigslist/marketplace/hemming/auto tempest etc). Good luck! Subbed already.
@@JAAG1960don't let 'em fool ya... CHRYSLER built them with CHRYSLER parts, sold them through CHRYSLER dealerships and repaired them in CHRYSLER garages. Which, of course makes them CHRYSLERS. Just that they used the same marketing ploy that Ford used with "Continental", or GM did with the Fleetwood and Eldorado series. SS/DD😂 (Don't you just love how RILED UP people get about the stoopudest sh*t?)
Just my opinion. 1) I cannot believe someone actually ordered one of these in RED. Unless someone did a really detailed paint job, (the door jams and underside of the trunk are red) this must be the stock color. 2) I would change the color to Black, Grey, White, Navy Blue -- anything but red. 3) The 413 will surprise the hell out of you. These cars when new would regularly crack 10 Seconds to 60. My 64 was at its best about 60. 4) As to the ride, the torsion bars and rear elliptic's give a controlled ride.5) I would recommend returning it to stock before trying to make this a resto Mod. After all, there were only 1200 built. I would guess less than 100 are left.6) Imperials are a pleasant surprise. They do not handle like a typical 60's luxury barge. Please consider bringing it back with possible exception of adding disc brakes and getting the A/C changed over.
my dad had a car just like that but blue in color/iit had a 383 maguimn engine -i was with him in it at 130 mph-a true story/i think it weighted 5900 pounds /my dads car had the booster ac in the back glass/the tail lights were the same/and front lights too/it was a great car for sure/do a poor mans up grade-enjoy that bad boy/take a pressure washer with a turbo nossile tip and clean under the car-knock that surface rust and dirt and grime away/then spray zine prmer then spray a coat of paint over that/set the points on 14 thousant and new plugs and wiires-not cheap wires/timing iis 18-20 degree btdc-cheack the book on that-i would go with 20 degrees/thanks much
The engine is 413ci and I can see the body was originally white. Your Imperial would cost serious money to restore but if start changing motors and rear ends, you will destroy the value the car has right now. I would paint it white again and put wide white walls on it and that would bring the value up a bit. A bit of trivia, the coat of arms on the sail panel was considered Jewelry by the U.S. Trade Commission and Chrysler had to pay a $500 fine per LeBaron that was made.
Thanks for the info, I find out more on it every day. It was originally white. I'm not big on white but maybe a sinister black on black look with white highlights. Your thoughts?
The 392 cu in (hemi) stopped after 1958. I have a 1959 2 door Imperial with the 413 cu in. Your Imperial should have the 413. I also have a 4 door 1956 Imperial (hemi).
It's not a Chrysler Imperial, it's a Imperial LeBaron......you don't call a Lincoln, a Ford Lincoln Continental. All Chrysler brand of cars, like the New Yorker or 300 or Newport for 61 were Uni-Body cars, the Imperial had a full Frame, it's known as the D Body and only used by Imperial. Imperial was built in their own Factory too, just like DeSoto had their own factories, it wasn't build in the Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth Plants. If it's the original engine, it's a 413, the 392 was a Hemi and stopped in 58.
This is too clean to hack up. Take it back to original condition, including the rear end. No Ford 9". The original engine (413 cu) will move it down the road just fine. I like the 1960 better but the 61 sure is nice. Really outrageous.
Virgil Exner discovers LSD. And he likes it. Just the existence of a 1961 Imperial says one thing: the original owner was too stupid to buy a 61 Lincoln.
Fix it back up to its former glory! Put a modern Chrysler Hemi engine/trans. combo from a truck or similar. The rearend can take all the hp you can get from the modern engine...no need to change it.
I'd paint it gloss black, get some Dalmations, and make it a Cruella deVille vehicle. I'd have to embrace ev1l first though just to be able to afford the gasoline to feed that monster. I'm guessing, 9mpg. I'll offer you 500 bucks for it. As expensive as it would be to feed, mostly it's going to end up yard art and a lawn ornament. Better get use to the Gasoline meter sitting on E.
You would think cars these days would be out of this world if a 61 had bells and whistles like that. But sadly, newer cars are plastic pieces of crap for the most part.
As few of these Imperial Lebanon’s that were produced and then remaining survivor cars in existence, it truly pains me to here that it is going to be altered from its original state that car should be restored as it is a treasure of automotive history
Please doNot do anything other than clean it up or fix whats3 needed for safety reasons, then sell it to someone that knows MOPARS. That is NOT a Chrysler and you would've known that with just a few minutes of looking it up on Wkikpedia at the very least. It was 1/5 parts of the Mopar logo: Dodge Chrysler Plymouth DeSoto (folded in 1961) & Imperial. From 55-75 Imperial was a subsidiary of Chrysler but had full autonomy; akin to RAM trucks. The back window is smaller on the LeBaron. They use a plug; like they used in the later 60s on the Superbirds & 70 Barracuda Gran Coupe. Again, please just clean and fix safety isuues then sell it to someone with kniwledge of these Beautiful cars.
Hi Sonny, thanks for the comment. I've owned plenty of Mopar's just not familiar (yet) with the Imperial. Doing lots of research. Check out my other video on the Imperial and you will see that is exactly what we are doing, although I will probably keep it for a while rather than sell it. Keep an eye out, (maybe subscribe if you haven't) we will be doing a series as we clean her up. I believe your comments through out would be helpful. Thanks.
@@marioncobaretti2280 Answering from my other account. Thanks for your concern. Everything is just fine, health is well in hand. Why change anything? Personal preference and because I can, if I want to.
The deep garner red on the underside of the trunk is beautiful and unusual. Keep it and she'll be an absolute showstopper!
Another great post! The Incomparable Imperial. Best as the 61 LEBARON!. A MUST SAVE, as a MONUMENT to OTT excessive American Luxury. 👍
Yup, looks like we are going to have to do a Refresh. Keep an eye out for the impending video series on the Imperial.
The head and tail light assemblies are amazing in their appearance and complexity.
All ‘61 Imperials were 227.1” long just under 19 feet. By 1961 LeBaron Coach-builders were long gone LeBaron was simply the highest trim level. It included a smaller rear window.
I can believe that! Still looking for a car cover that will fit right.
A friend of mine had a 1960 Imperial LeBaron.... California car... Absolutely Breathtaking!!
it's a 6 way seat, twist that knob to tilt the seat. The other lever on the side of the seat is to swivel out the swivelling seats in front. That car has almost every option.
The badge on the sail panel is pure gold
Full restoration would be nice money allowing spare parts might be an issue,there are some old bone yards with old imperials ,but there disappearing quickly owners of those old yard are dying off and nobody else takes over.❤
Hi There, It's starting to grow on me to be honest. Stay tuned, maybe not a frame off restore, but certainly a complete refresh. Thanks for the thoughts.
Video thật tuyệt vời! Cái nhìn chi tiết về Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 1961 rất thú vị. Tôi đặc biệt đánh giá cao những thông tin về thiết kế và tính năng của chiếc xe cổ điển này. Cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ!
I did my drivers test in a 1962 Imperial. Try parallel parking that!
rare to see one in that original condition.They were notorious rust collectors. Congratulations .
Man that thing is a beautiful. Cant wait for more videos on this car. U should def do a series. Anyways new subscriber here. Keep up the great work. And hopefully u can put out way more boat content. Much love to ya from Maryland❤❤❤.
Thanks, and Welcome aboard. It's in the Que, stay tuned!
Please it is not a Chrysler Imperial it is an Imperial as in see your Chrysler Plymouth Imperial and Valiant dealer.
Thank, don’t know what I don’t know.
@mrhubada you're welcome. It's just a silly pet peeve I have. God knows their are far bigger issues in this crazy world right now.
You're correct on it being not a Chrysler, but the dealer structure was different pre 1962. It could have been sold by a DeSoto Plymouth Imperial Dealer or even a Dodge Chrysler Imperial Dealer. Chrysler and Plymouth weren't paired up as Chrysler Plymouth Dealers until 1962 after DeSoto was discontinued in the USA. Most Plymouth Dealers were either Stand alone or paired with DeSoto and could also have Imperial.
@@OsbornTramain Mr. Tramain, thank you so much for putting me on the straight and narrow. Pre '62 I was just getting into the car hobby( thanks to my parents) so I was unaware you could buy an Imperial at a De Soto dealer(but not for long!). I enjoy your retro commercials.
The IMPERIAL Luxury Car became ITS OWN MAKE/BRAND and DIVISION in 1955.
Thus, it is NOT a “CHRYSLER”…nor is it VINed as one. It has always been marketed SEPARATELY from CHRYSLER in ALL CORPORATE ADS…and has been …,even since 1954.
Thus , the MAKE is “IMPERIAL,” and the MODEL is LE BARON. (Want PROOF ?)
1) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_(automobile)?wprov=sfti1#First_generation_(1955%E2%80%931956):_A_separate_make
2) 1955: th-cam.com/video/wOy6_uk3k3k/w-d-xo.htmlsi=enJ2TQBXiAHbfd9o
3) 1957: th-cam.com/video/DtyG9jQ1Ydc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iF7Vwk5iHAIbjNDA
4) 1959: th-cam.com/video/GA51okFc33U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rG1bRvdCTjrd_kdM
5)
The back up light switch is on the push button transmission mechanism behind the dash.. it's connected to the R button mech.
Thanks, that will be helpful @JAAG1960
@@mrhubada you'll see what it looks like on picture 3.
www.ebay.com/itm/285229519544?fits=Year%3A1961%7CMake%3AChrysler&itmmeta=01J0288Z5PKY8PVQCH3EJG91YE&hash=item42690112b8:g:zpkAAOSw-8xkNOPb&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0FwpZAzbWrNNHtTdMFaktqYfPaUp2cFWNum8vlpfX7lreo460tYNfo7XKYlkYX0dwXZAEvgpzDjuzVCaeQi8SjwYI2Ar0Gowj1srANitsSNr%2BJtwzbiBVfVLjtLC%2BLzeM13SomqB1hrVB5kfXpjpH1TzTaGEWMQL4WNyPOEitm398%2FWxSk0iUx28Zheo%2F9IE0ioEi1QorYGSqyp9g%2Be0YHK8M5a4Yv1QoTMIxy0thlcNTV4WK4qBbL6%2BKEFY1zRd7Rttymm%2FJ0wBdhaTBbfL548%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_jyo8iAZA
Join the forwardlook site, lots of info and folks who can help you there!
Perfect, thanks.
My mom had a 1960 Imperial that my dad bought her brand new. Mom stopped driving it after we moved from Washington state to California. I would play in that car as a kid. My mom died in 1974. It had less than 30,000 miles on it when we gave it to someone for the engine because it got so rusted out. I miss that car.
Clearly a Mom of excellent taste and culture. It amazes me how seeing things like this can bring back very happy memorizes. Thanks for sharing.
That car also has the swiveling front seats. The release is the little lever at the front corner of the seat. DO NOT ALTER FROM FACTORY SPECS! Those cars are much too rare and worth big bucks when restored to original condition.
Message received. I agree.
I had a '63 Imperial Le Baron and really wish I still had it. It turned out to be one of the best cars I ever owned. Mine had a 413 with dual inline 4 bbls and it was a surprise to others when it scooted past them:) Dual Ac and a whole slew of options. Probably was optioned out as it had about everything you could think of. Mine weighed 6100 lbs. curb weight.
Ok, you got me. Thought I'd seen everything but I've never seen a Lebaron. Southampton yes, but not Lebaron. Trivia. To set the buttons on the radio, tune to a station then pull a button out then push in all the way in and that button is now set to that station. Those front seats swivel outward also. The paint shift at base of roof rear is probably lead put in at factory has shifted. That engine should be a 413ci. Yes if you can afford it put a Hellcat Redeye set-up in it. Thats a lot of work and money but would be cool. Course it's worth more restored to factory due to it's rarity. Later Man ! 👊😎👍
The engine is a 413 with 4 barrel carb. That's a very well optioned LeBaron. I see A/C, Autopilot. The Silvercrest roof panels are optional as is the Flytesweep trunk lid with the "toilet seat". The hubcaps are unique to the LeBaron and are hard to find and big $$$. I've seen them go for $2k for a set of them.
Thanks, any referral for parts sites would be truly appreciated. Just found some good references and info. Beginning to discovery a lot about the car.
Mr Drysdale. Beverly HillBillies
Boy does that bring back TV memories.
Dad had a used ‘59 when I was about 13 (1964). It had the 413 in the engine compartment. Weighed 5250 with a quarter tank of gas and got 14 mpg on the highway. It needed a helper leaf for full trunk loads. Great ride, not great acceleration, which improved if you turned the AC off suddenly. Looked pretty much like this. I would be surprised if this red is an original color. Just seems garish! Thanks for sharing.
Looks nice the way it is.Just clean it up and have some fun with it!.😎
Im astonished those power seats still work
Me too. Pleasantly surprised.
A definite keeper as original... stylish land boat
Hey there great big Red Riding HOOD, 🎵 You sure are lookin good! 🎶 Can't wait to see you in all your restored Glory!🎵 I'll look forward to THAT story. 🎶 You've made the day for me! 👍 🏆
Thanks, and happy to make you happy.
Preserve it. That was a nice find with the frame/ body in such good shape.
Would be really nice to see this get a full restoration.
Well, looks that way. Mind you, it won't be a "Concourse" restoration, but we will do our best to bring her back to her glory.
So glad to hear she's getting a second chance. Can't wait to see her after her rebirth. Thanks for sharing ,and great video too !
First thing i would do is change the fuel filter. You have the glass one known to leak and cause fires so be careful ! Cool Car !
Yup, came that way. Already on the list!
Wonderful video - Just subscribed
I can't decide if it is beautiful or ugly ! It sure is unique looking.
I can. It's so ugly it's beautiful. And the toilet seat on the trunk seals the deal!
I think you should keep it the way it is. The LeBarons are very low production and desirable. Altering it will kill it's value. Just the hubcaps alone. I hadn't looked in a while but just checked eBay and someone id offering a set for $7500.
I agree, the thought of a refresh is growing on me.
On the window drive bushing, they used several combinations of bushings and motors. Some of the drive bushing have metal ends and the length of the motor output shaft is slightly different. I've owned every year of Imperial from 60-64. The 60-63 all will interchange, but require the correct matchup of motor and bushing. I believe you need the bushing with metal ends. Bob H at Imperial Heaven should be able tp help with those.
You're hired! You are now one of my official Imperial advisors. Thanks for the reference, I will definitely touch base with them.
One of my neighbors was trying to restore a white one of these about 20 years ago. It was very rough; he finally gave up and sold it.
Thanks for the upload liked and subscribed 👍🇺🇸
Welcome!
Great car. I think I had seen it in Rhode Island for sale
Absurdly delightful.
The floor button next to the bright dim changes the radio to the next available station.
motor is a 413 crown has the small back window and stainless top very kool car
Clean it up and cruise it. Don't try and make it a hopped up hotrod. It's a classic
It needs to be restored. Hopefully whoever buys it will get it restored.
Beautiful car! If you restore it, it would look awesome in black or white.
WHAT A WELL EQUIPPED ODD BALL.
I am in love with this car.
Absolutely lovely, restore it.
Keep her the way she was meant to be...
If it were anything "common", I'd say hotrod the daylights out of it.
But those LeBarons are incredibly rare today... Especially in THAT shape.
Too many Imperials from '57-'66 were commandeered by the Demolition Derby crowd in the Seventies and early Eighties... Most were lost to the scrappers after they were too banged up.
In fact, these were so robust, they were outlawed by the Demo Derby Rules Committee.
The leather upholstery actually looks like it can be saved... I wonder if it was black to begin with? Having the driver's seat bottom reupholstered in genuine leather shouldn't cost an arm and a leg.
I'm not sure that THAT red was it's original color... But if it's saveable, you've got a good start. I'm sure that there are a few decent Body Techs that could repair what needs it and can blend those repairs in to look great.
The 413 and TorqueFlite combination is hard to beat... If I had my druthers, I'd put a Gear Vendor behind that transmission and then have three more forward gears... You'd end up getting around 25-30 mpg on the freeway.
We have a 32 foot Dodge Landau motorhome with the 440 and "LoadFlite" transmission with a Gear Vendor overdrive unit installed... We actually get an easy 16 mpg on the flat with that big old thing... Sometimes better if we're essentially going downhill (from Virginia to Florida).
That's a nice example of what was even a rare car when it was new!
Cheers
As more of you guys comment I am finding that out. I think you are right.
@@JAAG1960you bet!
I grew up in the old car business... Mom and Dad had an automotive repair/restoration shop in Houston, back in the Eighties and Nineties.
I've since come down with multiple sclerosis and don't fool with cars anymore (sadly).
But that LeBaron of yours would be really nice to have... Even my crippled @$$ could probably get by with doing a light freshening up on that one.
These old cars just don't turn up THAT CLEAN these days... Most of what we see is absolute SCRAP that we wouldn't even have considered cannibalizing for parts 30 years ago... Yet people are paying nosebleed high prices for the junk and dumping beaucoup dollars into it (still for no return when they decide to sell it... Same as it always was).
Anyhow... Those '61 Imperials were always rare... Even when they were new.
Did you know that they "out-fin" the 1959 Cadillacs?
They're apparently even taller.
And ya gotta love all the rest of the weirdness that the '61 encompasses... The square steering wheel, the pancake hood, the stainless inserts on the roof, you name it!
Just something I'd personally do, would be to probably sell the wheel covers to someone doing a 100 point restoration, using the extra $$ to button up some things with this red one, and trying to find some less rare Imperial wheel covers from a different year... The average observer wouldn't know any better... And in my opinion, it'd probably hurt a lot less when one might fly off at 70mph on the freeway.
Dad and my brother and I used to build 100 Point Show Cars, but the majority of our business was just building high quality "drivers" that were mechanically sound and looked killer.
Originality wasn't usually a high priority unless the vehicle was say one of only five or six known to exist.
Then of course, there's the argument that these things are getting rarer and rarer every day.
You know I'd never have thought that the Snot Green, four door, six cylinder '70 Nova grocery getter from the convent down the road, would ever be considered a "classic" and somehow be "worth" $12,000 ....
But here we are.
Yeah... Keep that Imp.
Clean her up, patch up what needs it, to the best of your abilities...
Drive the wheels off of her!
Enjoy it, man... It's really kool!
Cheers
@@slicksnewonenow Thanks for all the info. I have a close friend with MS, in pain every minute of every day. He just keeps trucking along and refuses to let it beat him. I have a lot respect for you. I tip my hat. Stay tuned, whereas I don't generally do concourse style restores, we will do a restore /refresh series. Then drive the daylights out of it. Thanks.
@@slicksnewonenow
I also have MS and agree with everything you say. I can no longer drive but that hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for quality older cars.
I cringe seeing what happens to more than a few older cars. 1961 to 1969 Lincolns seem to be the target of vandalizers with more money than taste or sense recently.
Let's keep as many of the better cars on the road where they belong.
(Yes, I know "vandalizers" is not a proper word.)
Hang in there! I find laughter is my best medicine.
Definitely go with the modifications but keep towards the original! !
Those headlights were know as "Free Standing" headlights. Very early use of an alternator (most cars still had generators); I think the Valaints had them a year b4. Nice Imperial; should get lots of looks on the hwy. Just dont stop short in front of a big guy named "Pike", driving an old Ford moving truck!😅. (actually, NOT funny - that '62 Imp convertible in the MAD movie was SUPER rare, even back then!😢)
Stopped using the 392 hemi in 1958. Your 61 is a 413 - 350 Hp 470 lbs feet of torque.
The engine appears not to be a Hemi so it is probably a 413. The Imperial was the last to use the 392 Hemi but the gen 1 hemi was gone by 1961. You may notice what looks like a drum brake on the back of the transmission. That is the parking brake. Many chryslers of this period had the parking brakeon the transmission. You will find that the imperial had a larger wheel bolt pattern that other chryslers. I underrstand they are difficult to find. The transmissson should be a torqueflight. It may be teh older iron case torqeflight.
You are correct, it is a 413.
I vote to restore it back to stock.
Simply Imperial, as Chrysler created it as a separate division ( It never quite caught on ). ' America's Most Carefully Built Car ' , was the slogan. Note stainless steel roof . The headlights called ' floating '.
The Le Baron was the highest in the range .
The name from a classic car custom body maker , that Chrysler had been associated with ; like Fleetwood with Cadillac. A few
Famous owners of the model ; Governor Rockefeller of NY ( his by Ghia ) , and Fred Astair .
Very cool, Thanks.
The seats are 6 way power. Were since 1957.
Although there are some very strict fans that will bear down on anyone who adds the word "Chrysler" in front of "Imperial", as a restoration project, 65 years later, you will have more luck finding anything for this car by searching for "Chrysler". Hemmings (book and online) does not break out "Imperial" as a separate category. And there is a good reason: nearly every mechanical part you will ever need will be from (or fit to) any full size Chrysler product. 413 Engine, 727 transmission, ball joints, tie rods, steering boxes, linkages, exterior door handles lock tumblers (50's Dodge/DeSoto), interior door handles (Chrysler full size), knobs and switches, etc etc. Other than the body panels n trim, and bridge truss frames, these cars were Chrysler parts bin cars. And that is good news for restoration!! And anyone selling a parts car will typically list their car under "Chrysler" because they want the largest possible audience for their ad. So don't get hung up on thinking you need to go looking for "Imperial" parts. You won't find them unless you go looking for "Chrysler Imperial" or just "1961 Chrysler" and it will bring up anything Imperial (craigslist/marketplace/hemming/auto tempest etc). Good luck! Subbed already.
@moesizlac2596 As I have discovered. Thanks for the advise. Look forward to your continued excellent comments.
Keep it stock set a nice wide white walls maybe a little modification on the rear ending motor
Great minds....check out the update video.
Imperial... NOT Chrysler Imperial.. 1956 to 1975, it was a separate marque.
As many are informing me. Thanks for the correction it is appreciated.
@@JAAG1960don't let 'em fool ya...
CHRYSLER built them with CHRYSLER parts, sold them through CHRYSLER dealerships and repaired them in CHRYSLER garages.
Which, of course makes them CHRYSLERS.
Just that they used the same marketing ploy that Ford used with "Continental", or GM did with the Fleetwood and Eldorado series.
SS/DD😂
(Don't you just love how RILED UP people get about the stoopudest sh*t?)
Just my opinion. 1) I cannot believe someone actually ordered one of these in RED. Unless someone did a really detailed paint job, (the door jams and underside of the trunk are red) this must be the stock color. 2) I would change the color to Black, Grey, White, Navy Blue -- anything but red. 3) The 413 will surprise the hell out of you. These cars when new would regularly crack 10 Seconds to 60. My 64 was at its best about 60. 4) As to the ride, the torsion bars and rear elliptic's give a controlled ride.5) I would recommend returning it to stock before trying to make this a resto Mod. After all, there were only 1200 built. I would guess less than 100 are left.6) Imperials are a pleasant surprise. They do not handle like a typical 60's luxury barge. Please consider bringing it back with possible exception of adding disc brakes and getting the A/C changed over.
I would love to upgrade to disc brakes! Does anybody offer kits do you know?
my dad had a car just like that but blue in color/iit had a 383 maguimn engine -i was with him in it at 130 mph-a true story/i think it weighted 5900 pounds /my dads car had the booster ac in the back glass/the tail lights were the same/and front lights too/it was a great car for sure/do a poor mans up grade-enjoy that bad boy/take a pressure washer with a turbo nossile tip and clean under the car-knock that surface rust and dirt and grime away/then spray zine prmer then spray a coat of paint over that/set the points on 14 thousant and new plugs and wiires-not cheap wires/timing iis 18-20 degree btdc-cheack the book on that-i would go with 20 degrees/thanks much
Excellent advice! Thanks.
The engine is 413ci and I can see the body was originally white. Your Imperial would cost serious money to restore but if start changing motors and rear ends, you will destroy the value the car has right now. I would paint it white again and put wide white walls on it and that would bring the value up a bit. A bit of trivia, the coat of arms on the sail panel was considered Jewelry by the U.S. Trade Commission and Chrysler had to pay a $500 fine per LeBaron that was made.
Thanks for the info, I find out more on it every day. It was originally white. I'm not big on white but maybe a sinister black on black look with white highlights. Your thoughts?
How many mpg?
A very good question indeed. I'll let you know.
A gas guzzler. MPG is like a Cadillac or Lincoln Continental from this era. A real heavy car. A tank on wheels.
Who cares. Smiles per gallon not miles per gallon
11 to 14mpg, reliably.
Um belo automóvel por excelência. maneco - Porto Alegre-RS -Brasil.
Thanks.
It would be nice to keep it original and restore it to the way it was when it was new.
I agree completely.
The 392 cu in (hemi) stopped after 1958. I have a 1959 2 door Imperial with the 413 cu in. Your Imperial should have the 413. I also have a 4 door 1956 Imperial (hemi).
It's not a Chrysler Imperial, it's a Imperial LeBaron......you don't call a Lincoln, a Ford Lincoln Continental. All Chrysler brand of cars, like the New Yorker or 300 or Newport for 61 were Uni-Body cars, the Imperial had a full Frame, it's known as the D Body and only used by Imperial. Imperial was built in their own Factory too, just like DeSoto had their own factories, it wasn't build in the Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth Plants. If it's the original engine, it's a 413, the 392 was a Hemi and stopped in 58.
Thanks for the info. You and about 25 others that know more about it than me. But, I am learning.
This is Major Tom to Ground Control
You got that right.
Restore it ditch working on the old pickups and anything else. This is a monument to US luxury and its RED a magnificent vehicle.
@@Hungry_Hunter She is in the que. Thanks, @jaag1960
hubcaps are lebaron only looks like original color was rare light mist
I can tell the red paint is original, which would have made this LeBaron one sharp car in it's day!! Esp. if it had a white leather interior!
I believe it is original paint.
Some states will not safety inspect, or allow registry, of vehicles with structural or frame rust. And that's no Hemi - looks like a 413 Golden Lion.😊
repair as needto drive leave stock $
Sure looking that way. Thanks.
413?
Yup, you are correct.
This is too clean to hack up. Take it back to original condition, including the rear end. No Ford 9". The original engine (413 cu) will move it down the road just fine. I like the 1960 better but the 61 sure is nice. Really outrageous.
The internet won me over, check out the update video. Thanks.
Tilt Steering wheel was not offered until 1964.
You are correct, I misspoke there.
Virgil Exner discovers LSD. And he likes it. Just the existence of a 1961 Imperial says one thing: the original owner was too stupid to buy a 61 Lincoln.
Hilarious. Thanks for the reality check. I like Lincolns too. However, I do like this Imperial as well.
Good old girl !!
pretty good for a 63 year old car!
As opposed to the 63 yr old guy that owns it? :-) Its faired much better in comparison.
It is a 413 ci
THAT CAR MUST BE PAINTED BLACK.
Fix it back up to its former glory! Put a modern Chrysler Hemi engine/trans. combo from a truck or similar. The rearend can take all the hp you can get from the modern engine...no need to change it.
I agree.
modifiying that car would kill the value 413 is same horse power as 392
Which is why we are going to restore it. Thanks for the info.
Looks like a dual air car .
Unfortunately, no rear AC.
valve radio, needs to warm up.
I'd paint it gloss black, get some Dalmations, and make it a Cruella deVille vehicle.
I'd have to embrace ev1l first though just to be able to afford the gasoline to feed that monster. I'm guessing, 9mpg. I'll offer you 500 bucks for it. As expensive as it would be to feed, mostly it's going to end up yard art and a lawn ornament. Better get use to the Gasoline meter sitting on E.
11 to 14 MPG actually. An sinister Black indeed!
You would think cars these days would be out of this world if a 61 had bells and whistles like that. But sadly, newer cars are plastic pieces of crap for the most part.
Ain't that the truth! Thanks.
413 v8
Leave the car the way it is.....
NOT CHRYSLER IMPERIAL.😡😡 It's *very widely known* that Imperial was a separate make from 1955 to 1975.
So I have been told....about 1M times by Imperial enthusiasts. Message received :-)
Get it driving and leave it alone. Too many modified classic cars around. Stock classics is where it's at now.
Check the update video, your right on target. Thanks,
As few of these Imperial Lebanon’s that were produced and then remaining survivor cars in existence, it truly pains me to here that it is going to be altered from its original state
that car should be restored as it is a treasure of automotive history
I agree. Putting the plans together now. More to come on this time capsule.
“Imperial Lebanon ??”
Please doNot do anything other than clean it up or fix whats3 needed for safety reasons, then sell it to someone that knows MOPARS. That is NOT a Chrysler and you would've known that with just a few minutes of looking it up on Wkikpedia at the very least. It was 1/5 parts of the Mopar logo: Dodge Chrysler Plymouth DeSoto (folded in 1961) & Imperial. From 55-75 Imperial was a subsidiary of Chrysler but had full autonomy; akin to RAM trucks. The back window is smaller on the LeBaron. They use a plug; like they used in the later 60s on the Superbirds & 70 Barracuda Gran Coupe. Again, please just clean and fix safety isuues then sell it to someone with kniwledge of these Beautiful cars.
Hi Sonny, thanks for the comment. I've owned plenty of Mopar's just not familiar (yet) with the Imperial. Doing lots of research. Check out my other video on the Imperial and you will see that is exactly what we are doing, although I will probably keep it for a while rather than sell it. Keep an eye out, (maybe subscribe if you haven't) we will be doing a series as we clean her up. I believe your comments through out would be helpful. Thanks.
Sell it to me!
Keep it original!
That's the plan!
A 413
A big honking 413! Runs good too. Thanks.
😂 sell it to somebody who knows what they're doing
Nice try.
It is NOT a Chrysler!
Apparently, since you and 1M others have told me. 😁
Why would any one want to change anything about it. Id be worrying more about your hard breathing. Get to a doc for a stress test and ck your arteries
@@marioncobaretti2280 Answering from my other account. Thanks for your concern. Everything is just fine, health is well in hand. Why change anything? Personal preference and because I can, if I want to.