1960-1963 Imperial Crown: A Look at the Final Exner-Styled Imperials

1960-1963 Imperial Crown Browse the article 1960-1963 Imperial Crown

1960-1963 Imperial Crown

The 1960-1963 Imperial Crowns were the last Exner-styled Imperials. All shared a new 1960 bodyshell and retained separate frames, even though other Chrysler products switched to "Unibody" construction after '59.

Imperial Cars Image Gallery

1962 Crown convertible.  See more pictures of Imperial cars.

Initially designed with swollen fins, florid front, and simulated rear-deck spare tire outline, the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown was then facelifted with throwback "classic era" freestanding headlamps (in pods on short stalks within pocketed fenders) and gull-like rear "wings." The last were plucked for '62 and 1956-style "gunsight" taillamps appeared on the straight-top fenders.

Elwood Engel, Exner's successor, put taillights back in the fenders on the (again) mildly refurbished '63s, and the previous year's split grille was replaced by a group of little rectangles. Chrysler's wedgehead 413 was used all years, and there were few mechanical or chassis changes from 1957-1959.

Interiors continued to be luxurious, set off by a commanding but gimmick-laden dash. It was awash in pushbuttons for transmission (standard TorqueFlite automatic), heating/air conditioning, etc.

Pluses of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:

• Cheaper than pre-1960 Crowns
• High luxury
• Surprisingly roadable

Minuses of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:

• Questionable 1960-61 styling
• Still rust-prone
• Thirsty
• Spotty fit and finish

Production of the 1960 Imperial Crown:
4d sdn, 1,594; Southampton htp sdn, 4,510; Southampton htp cpe, 1,504; conv, 618

Production of the 1961 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 4,769; Southampton htp cpe, 1,007; conv, 429

Production of the 1962 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 6,911; Southampton htp cpe, 1,010; conv, 554

Production of the 1963 Imperial Crown:
Southampton htp sdn, 6,960; Southampton htp cpe, 1,067; conv, 531

Specifications of the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown:
Length, inches: 228.0 (1960), 227.1 (1961-62), 227.8 (1963)
Wheelbase, inches: 129.0
Weight, pounds: 4,720-4,865
Price (new): $5,403-$5,782 (U.S.)

Engines for the 1960-1963 Imperial Crown: TypeSize
Horsepower
Years
ohv V-8413 cid
340/3501960-1963

Want more information about classic cars? See:

• Classic Cars
• Muscle Cars
• Sports Cars
• Consumer Guide Auto
• Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search