Imperial: Chrysler’s Handcrafted Masterpiece

The Museum’s featured exhibit for Spring/Summer 2026 focuses on “The Incomparable Imperial” and its 100-year milestone. Chrysler’s Imperial debuted in 1926 as its flagship luxury automobile, quickly establishing itself as a symbol of prestige and engineering excellence. Initially produced as the ultimate Chrysler model, the Imperial soon carved out an identity designed to rival America’s most elite marques, including Packard, Cadillac, and Lincoln.

Appropriately named, “Imperial” conveyed sovereignty and superiority, reflecting its role as the company’s most exclusive, expensive, and technologically advanced engineering offering. The ambition to lead the luxury car market was fully realized in 1955, when Imperial became a standalone brand under the Chrysler Corporation umbrella, a status it maintained through 1975 before a brief revival in the early 1980s.

For decades, the Imperial stood at the pinnacle of American luxury, favored by executives, heads of state, royalty, and celebrities. Its styling evolved boldly with the times, often setting trends rather than following them, while its interiors and appointments reflected a level of craftsmanship reserved for the most discerning buyers. Custom coachwork by prestigious firms such as Derham and LeBaron further enhanced its reputation for exclusivity and refinement.

Imperial Firsts

Just as significant as its presence was the Imperial’s role as an industry innovator. The model frequently debuted Chrysler’s most advanced engineering. The aerodynamic Imperial Airflow of 1934 was among the earliest production cars shaped through wind-tunnel testing.  Other Imperial innovations included the first production use of four-wheel disc brakes in 1949, the introduction of power steering and fully electric windows in 1951, and the pioneering use of curved side glass in U.S. production cars in 1957. In 1958, Imperial introduced “Auto-Pilot,” widely credited as the industry’s first cruise control system, and in 1971, it again broke ground with America’s first production-ready four-wheel anti-lock braking system, “Sure-Break.”

Memorable Moments

Imperial’s history is also marked by memorable moments on the world stage. From its headline-grabbing endurance run across the country in 1926 to serving as pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1926 and 1933, the Imperial consistently embodied the highest aspirations of American motoring.  Chrysler’s renowned luxury car again made headlines, transporting royalty during the 1939 North American tour of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and later in 1959, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Imperial also played a solemn role in John F. Kennedy’s funeral procession.

Elite Examples

The exhibit features an important collection of elite vehicles including a 1926 Imperial 80, Della Forker Chrysler’s 1937 custom limousine, Walter P. Chrysler’s 1931 personal limousine, Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.’s custom Imperial, a 1931 Waterhouse Victoria (1 of 3 existing), Nelson Rockefeller’s personal limousine, a rare 1951 Crown Imperial limousine with the first disc brakes, a rare Imperial Airflow, an exceptional 1955 Imperial Newport, 1959 Imperial Crown with stainless steel roof, and more.  The Museum Members’ private opening and reception is planned for May 8th, and the exhibit opens to the public on May 9th.