1953 Custom Imperial Newport by Chrysler

I don’t know how many of you have passed by this 1953 Custom Imperial Newport by Chrysler (their naming system, not mine!) while driving through Wyoming County, and realized how rare it is. Only 823 of these Imperial two-door hardtops were built for the 1953 model year. That’s probably partly due to the fact that although the 1953 Chrysler line made its debut on October 30, 1952, the Custom Imperial Newport hardtop wasn’t introduced until March 18, 1953.

...from the brochure

From far away the Imperial looks very similar to the ‘53 Chrysler New Yorker, but they have different wheelbases (the Imperial sedan’s wheelbase was eight inches longer, while the two-door was a half-foot longer), taillights and side trim.  Front fenders devoid of trim, and a higher rear fender line also set it apart.  And naturally, the interior was  much more luxurious.

This fine example sits in the grass wearing a paint job of Erie Blue with a Pearl Gray top, and sold new in 1953 for $4,560.