1955 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL

1955 Chrysler Imperial Diecast Model White 1/18 Die Cast Car By Signature Models

In 1955, Chrysler first marketed the Imperial without the Chrysler name under the slogan "the flagship of the forward look". Indeed, the company wanted to keep its new premier marque so distinct that it set aside an assembly just for the Imperial -"a completely separate and distinct line of automobiles." However, the Imperial marque lasted until 1975 although the Imperial name has lived on as a Chrysler model. The new marque paid off in 1955, helping to increase Chrysler's sales after three years of decline and move Chrysler back to second place ahead of Ford. Indeed, Imperial sales more than double in 1955. The two-door Newport model had a 130-inch wheelbase and Chrysler's hemi-head, 331.1 cubic inch V-8 that could produce 250 horsepower.